Toyota ute’s safety improved
Toyota’s 32-year-old Land Cruiser 70 Series can sell again in New Zealand, after undergoing a substantial underthe-skin revision which has allowed it to achieve a five-star Ancap safety rating.
Improvements to the vehicle’s 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel also mean it now meets Euro 5 emission regulations.
‘‘Additional safety features will be highly valued by people who rely on the 70 Series in New Zealand’s challenging environment,’’ Spencer Morris, Toyota New Zealand’s general manager of product says.
TNZ hasn’t been able to sell this vehicle since pre-facelift stocks ran out about three months ago prior to the arrival of this facelifted version, which now meets newly-introduced stability control regulations.
Morris says he fully expects sales to quickly ramp up to former levels because there continues to be strong demand for the 70 Series thanks to its mechanical reliabilty, towing ability, load carrying capacity, and off-road performance.
The only real visual change as part of the facelift, which is the first significant revision of the model for more than two years, is a slight remodelling of the bonnet – it now has a higher and more pronounced bulge so there can be more clearance above the engine and the intercooler.
But underneath, there are significant changes.
Safety upgrades include introduction of Vehicle Stability Control, Active Traction Control, Hill- start Assist Control, and a reversing camera across the lineup of five variants.
All models continue with the 4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel engine that develops 151 kW and 430 Nm, but performance and efficiency has been improved due to installation of new piezo injectors. This has resulted in a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and an accompanying reduction in CO2 emissions to an average of 281g/100km.
Single cab models have had their fuel capacity increased from 90 to 130 litres, while the LT wagon version continues with two 90-litre fuel tanks.
Single cab variants are structurally stronger than before thanks to a larger and stiffer chassis. Side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag, adjustable seatbelt anchors with pretensioners, and an emergency stop signal complete the single cab’s safety overhaul for 2017.
Further improvements across the range include dual automatic locking hubs in place of manual hubs, the previous High Country Pack option with front and rear diff locks has become standard, and 2nd and 5th gears have been made taller for a smoother ride and to improve fuel economy.
Prices for the facelifted 70-Series are $75,780 for the LT single cab and $79,380 for the LT double cab, $81,980 for the LX single cab and $85,580 for the LX double cab, and $84,980 for the LT wagon. These prices are a slight increase on before.