Over the last decade the decline in demand for a normal four door sedan automobile has been replaced with the rise of the modern SUV. No one wants to buy a saloon car anymore everyone wants a Sports Utility Vehicle even if its just to park on the pavement. At the top end of the large SUV segment along with the Range Rovers etc is the very sought-after Toyota Land Cruiser. A vehicle which has always been popular in South Africa and now making its much anticipated debut on the world stage, the Toyota Cruiser 300.
The profile remains unmistakable introducing a wider and larger front facia incorporating the U-shaped front radiator openings creating a strong solid appearance and forming an integral part of the design. The rear has LED lamps helping to enhance the athletic look. Now available in two all-new engine options, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo Petrol V8 and a 3.3-litre turbodiesel V6. Both engines offering the latest technology and promise excellent performance. The Petrol V6 is taken from the Lexus LS500 an engine praised for its velvety smoothness and strong linear power. Delivering 305 kW of power and 650 Nm of torque.
The diesel version is poised to produce even greater levels of performance and efficiency. 227 kW and a whopping 700 Nm which is a 32-kW increase and 50 Nm hike on the outgoing 4.5 turbodiesel V8. A 10-speed automatic transmission is coupled to both engine options with obligatory low-range included. New technology has been applied to the platform with the first of its kind body-on-frame execution. Pioneering new welding techniques and reconfiguring the drivetrain placement, the Land Cruiser 300 offers increased torsional rigidity while being significantly lighter than its predecessor. Overall the new Land Cruiser 300 has improved off-road capability and on-road performance and driving comfort.
Three grades will be offered in South Africa, utility-minded GX-R, the urban-focussed ZX and off-road biased GR Sport. Each will feature bespoke specification line-up in accordance with usage and customer requirements. August 2021 is the introduction date with detailed specifications, pricing, and model line-up to be issued at time of launch.
