Land Cruiser even more luxurious
TOYOTA’s venerable Land Cruiser 200 has been given a visual makeover along with a technology injection. The legendary go-anywhere SUV wears a new face with a large chrome grille and restyled headlights adding a modern touch to the bold and beefy styling.
The headlights feature Bi-LED technology on the upper-end VX model, which also gets an Auto High Beam feature which autonomously switches between low and high beam depending on the level of surrounding light.
LED Daytime Running Lights are integrated in the lower part of the headlights.
VX adopts 18” alloy wheels whilst GX models are equipped with rugged 17” versions. VX is further distinguished by a rear roof spoiler as well as a chrome door and window trim garnish, adding exclusivity.
Moving to the rear, the most significant change has been brought to the rear light clusters which have been extended and enlarged. The lower grade GX utilises practical ‘barn-doors’ for ease of loading, with the VX adopting the traditional top-hinged rear door for a more sophisticated look.
Signalling the go-anywhere demeanour of the GX, it also features a snorkel mounted on the driver side A-pillar to overcome any water obstacles.
The interior’s also been revamped with improved ergonomics and metallic accents to raise the elegant ambience. GX models are specified with a durable Grey fabric interior while VX customers have the choice of two leather interiors.
A full-colour TFT Multi-Information Display gives fuel economy, vehicle mode, audio system info and Bluetooth display.
The Land Cruiser 200 is equipped with a number of high-tech systems to boost its offroad capability, including a Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) which relays visuals of the surrounding environment back to the driver, allowing them to traverse obstacles with greater ease. The system uses four cameras to provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle surrounds, indlucing a unique ‘underfloor’ view where the ground surface is recorded prior to the vehicle passing over it, thus creating a ‘forward looking’ image. This feature is particularly useful for determining wheel and underbody position in rocky and deep sand conditions.
An all-new advanced Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system integrates with the A-TRAC traction control system to tailor performance to suit the terrain or obstacle. Six modes are available for selection; Rock, Rock & Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, Mud & Sand, and Auto. A Crawl Control feature is included on all models.
The spec list is further bolstered on VX models by the addition of Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitoring. RCTA alerts the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing out of parking lots. The system calculates the estimated crossing time and illuminates the BSM indicator located in the exterior mirrors as well as sounding a buzzer.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring creates added peace of mind, with individual tyre pressures displayed in the MID screen.
Also new is a Pre-Crash Collision Mitigation System which is able to detect a potential crash with an obstacle or vehicle. The system will firstly alert the driver of a potential collision; if insufficient evasive action is taken, the pre-crash system will automatically apply braking to mitigate the impact.
Adaptive Cruise Control automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a safe following distance.
Both versions are powered by the existing V8 4.5-litre turbodiesel engine with outputs of 173kW and 615 Nm, mated to a six-speed auto.
PRICES Toyota Land Cruiser 200 4.5 GX R850 000 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 4.5 VX R1 141 700 Prices include a 5-year/90 000km service plan and 3year/100 000km warranty