TOYOTA LAND CRUISER RANGE

EVEN MORE CRUISER FRIENDLY
The Toyota Land Cruiser needs little in the way of introduction. You know the score. It's a rugged, reliable and no-nonsense family-sized 4x4 right? The brow of Toyota's PR man would knit slightly if the latest 'Cruiser was described thus. It's not that Toyota have rampantly upmarket aspirations for the latest model. It's just that things are a little bit plusher than you may expect.
It's a smart move. The market for so-called 'Family 4x4s' is fragmenting with a clear split between the real utilitarian stuff and the cars that are in many respects budget facsimiles of proper luxury 4x4s but without the eye watering price tags. In attempting to cross from the rough and ready to the rather more urbane, does the latest Land Cruiser run the risk of falling firmly between two stools? It's certainly a very fine distinction and one that requires a car of rare competence to negotiate successfully.
The arrival of Land Rover's latest Discovery changed the landscape in this sector and Toyota adjusted their aim accordingly, the Land Cruiser weighing in model-for-model at around £4,000 less than the 'Disco'. Do the sums and the Toyota seems a very attractive proposition.
Two engines are available, the 171bhp 3.0-litre D-4D common rail turbo diesel, and for those who feel that too many tiger tokens are never enough, a 246bhp 4.0-litre V6 petrol powerplant. Although alterations to this powerplant have cut back on its particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions, it still features an average fuel consumption figure that just about sees the other side of 20mpg. As a result, Toyota recognise that the petrol model will be a modest seller and have rightly devoted most of their promotional push towards the diesel models.
Equipment levels - never a Land Cruiser Achilles heel - are very generous in the current models. The LC5 grade receives a more sophisticated satellite navigation system equipped with ETA Electronic Traffic Avoidance. This monitors real-time traffic information via an FM radio signal, detecting delays on routes programmed into the sat-nav system, in turn offering the driver an alternate route skirting the jams. If that's not enough, the flagship Invincible model includes all this plus a DVD in-car entertainment system.
Loading the top of the range model to the gunwales is all well and good, but Toyota have also spread the good news across the rest of the line-up. All Land Cruisers now get cruise control and a passenger seatbelt warning indicator. LC3 models benefit from a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearknob set while LC4, LC5 and Invincible versions are fitted with a wheel cover for the tailgate-mounted spare. The LC2 model, previously the entry point into Land Cruiser ownership, has been deleted from the range. This gives the somewhat misleading impression that the Land Cruiser has become pricier but in fact prices have been raised by around two per cent.
Toyota have yet to build a dud Land Cruiser. Expect the record to continue.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Land Cruiser range
PRICES: £27,595-£39,495 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 12E-15E
CO2 EMISSIONS BAND: 240-291g/km
PERFORMANCE: [3.0 D-4D 5dr] Max Speed 108mph / 0-60mph 11s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [3.0 D-4D 5dr] (combined) 31mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front side and curtain airbags / ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [3 dr] Length/Width/Height, 4365/1790/1850mm
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