New Toyota Land Cruiser (2.8-litre Diesel Automatic) Commercial – Where Retro Meets Modern.
New Toyota Land Cruiser – Where Modern Meets Retro.
The first generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser began production in the 1950s, and its reliability and longevity have led to its huge popularity in every corner of the globe ever since. The Land Cruiser has long been a byword for indestructible capability, and the new model promises to build on this enviable tradition. As the first all-new Land Cruiser in Ireland for 15 years, the stunning new model represents the rebirth of an icon, combining modern-retro exterior styling that harks back to Land Cruiser’s classic design heritage, with a modernised interior and the latest cutting-edge technology. Equipped to handle the harshest terrain on the planet, the Land Cruiser has been the SUV of choice for Irish farmers, adventurers and motoring enthusiasts for decades.
Engineered With Purpose.
The new Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial is a rugged, long-wheelbase 4×4 that is built with the spirit of the original, and engineered with the purpose of today. It stays true to its roots with a bold, heritage-inspired design that features a classic ‘Toyota’ heritage front grille, squared-off side mirrors and athletic wheel-arch flares that provide the vehicle with a purposeful stance. While the previous model was available in a Short-Wheelbase (SWB) and Long-Wheelbase configuration, the new version is only available in a Long-Wheelbase (LWB) body style. The six-speed manual transmission in the previous Land Cruiser has been dropped in favour of a new 8-speed automatic transmission, which also replaces the six-speed automatic that was used previously.
Upmarket Cabin.
The new Land Cruiser’s cabin has received a major uplift in material quality, with plenty of physical buttons for controlling features such as the heating and ventilation, along with driving, and off-road modes. Standard-fit artificial leather upholstery and a new infotainment system are welcome additions, as is wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. There are deep door pockets that can comfortably accommodate water bottles and the likes, and there are twin cupholders in the centre console for easy access by both occupants, while a wireless smartphone charging pad is located next to the gear-lever – eliminating the need for charging cables. Standard safety and security features form part of Toyota’s Safety Sense system, and include; pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, road sign assist, lane trace assist, automatic high beam, driver monitoring camera, blind spot monitor, safe exit assist, trailer sway control, alarm system, and an engine immobiliser. The cargo area is separated from the passenger compartment by a black mesh grille, and it comes with an impressive volume of 2,129-litres, and a payload of 745kg. The cargo area features a durable rubber floor covering, and a 220V power outlet, and it can be easily accessed via the rear side doors, or via the tailgate, which also features a rear window that opens if, and when needed.
Permanent 4WD.
With permanent four-wheel-drive, the new Land Cruiser will go further off the beaten track than most drivers will ever experience. The hydraulic power steering of the previous model has been dropped in favour of a purely electronic setup, providing less kickback on rough terrain, and this is complimented by a rock crawl mode that serves as an off-road cruise control, effectively holding the vehicle at a set speed – even when negotiating steep ascents and descents. The new Land Cruiser can now tow up to 3.5 tonnes (matching the towing capacity of the Toyota Hilux), making it the ideal choice for those requiring a vehicle that can take on the toughest challenges in the country, city or on any adventure
Mild Hybrid Diesel Engine.
The new Land Cruiser Commercial utilises a 2.8-litre Diesel MHEV (Mild Hybrid) 4-cylinder engine, which produces 205bhp and a generous 500Nm of torque, with power delivered to the road via a slick 8-speed automatic transmission. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 12.3 seconds, and is capable of consuming as little as 10.7 litres of diesel for every 100km driven on a WLTP combined driving cycle. With a full 80-litre fuel tank, it should be possible to achieve around 750km before the tank runs fully dry. The Land Cruiser’s full-time 4-wheel-drive system provides power continuously to the front and rear axles to improve traction and stability of various surfaces. An electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case allows the driver to select the right amount of torque for the driving conditions. Toyota’s new mild hybrid system has been designed for simple integration. The Hybrid 48V system uses the Land Cruiser’s established turbodiesel engine and introduces three principal new components: an electric motor-generator (which replaces the traditional alternator), a 48V lithium-ion battery, and a DC-DC converter which controls the energy flow battery and motor. The motor-generator is positioned high on the engine block so that the vehicle can still wade at low speed through water up to 700mm deep. Drivers can choose from three distinct drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – all of which can be accessed with the touch of a button. Eco Mode adjusts throttle input to maximise efficiency, while Normal Mode blends fuel economy with performance. Sport Mode indulges the drivers spirited side with the feeling of sharper acceleration for safe overtaking, or when merging with fast-moving motorway traffic.
Test Vehicle.
My Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial test vehicle was finished in Avantgarde Bronze metallic paintwork – a colour that perfectly highlights the vehicles striking design elements and retro-inspired body lines. Key standard features consist of a 9” Toyota Touch™ 3 multimedia system, Bluetooth hands-free system, dual-zone climate control, powered tailgate, front & rear parking sensors, Smart entry & start, side steps, mud guards, Projector LED headlamps, rear LED brake light, 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, manually-adjustable passenger seat, rear-view camera with washer, 7” coloured TFT information display, digital key, and 18” dark grey 6-spoke alloy wheels, and a full size spare wheel, along with many more comfort, convenience, safety, and infotainment systems. The Land Cruiser pulls strongly from low revs, maintaining composure under load, and delivers the kind of effortless progress that drivers crave. The new Land Cruiser delivers genuine refinement without sacrificing the off-road DNA that defines its legacy. Road and wind noise are well-suppressed at motorway speeds, and the ride quality is composed for a ladder-frame platform. A commanding seating position provides excellent all-round visibility, and the leather-wrapped, heated and ventilated seats ensure exceptional comfort for the driver and passenger. Significant improvements in comfort and refinement make this the most road-friendly Land Cruiser yet, broadening its appeal to an even greater audience than before. With an overall length of 4.925m, and height of 1,925m, the vehicle can comfortably fit into a regular multi-storey, or underground car park. The vehicle features a 42-degree climbing angle, and a 44-degree limit angle of vehicle roll-over. With approach, ramp break-over and departure angles of 31-32 degrees, 25-degrees, and 17-22 degree respectively, the new Land Cruiser certainly has the credentials to go anywhere in any conditions.
Verdict & Price.
With its impressive off-road capability, durable and hard-wearing interior, large cargo area, and more standard equipment than ever before, the new Toyota Land Cruiser is undoubtedly one of the best commercial 4×4 vehicles on the market. It represents a significant step forward in terms of usability and drivability compared to its predecessor. It is a highly useful workhorse, which is ideal for using off-road or heavy-duty towing, and it looks great, too. The new Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial is priced from €76,550 (inc. VAT). A passenger edition of the new Land Cruiser is also available, with prices starting from €140,830. Visit www.toyota.ie for further information.
