Toyota LandCruiser 200 updated

TOYOTA has given its well-regarded LandCruiser 200 Series wagon a late-life update, with the eight-year-old range receiving a mild facelift and additional safety tech.

The facelift comes at a cost, though, with small prices rises being applied across the range. The diesel GX kicks off the range at $76,500 BOCs (up from $73,600), while the range-topping Sahara diesel is priced at $118,500 BOCs (up from $113,600)The range-topping Sahara now includes a new camera system, which employs four different cameras – front, rear and side mirrors – to assist the driver in on and off-road situations.

The front camera can rotate so the horizon is always displayed as level on the in-car display, which can assist a driver when traversing hills and slopes.

The cameras also give the driver a view of the ground underneath the floor, giving the driver the ability to see where the front wheels are placed.

Toyota product public relations manager Stephen Coughlan said that the camera system is particularly beneficial for off-roading and parking.

“Around town, the new Panoramic view will assist parking and tight, low-speed manoeuvres say within say a carpark. Off-road the new rotation function that automatically tilts the front camera to display the horizon, will assist when cresting hills or sand dunes. Additionally, the underfloor view will be particularly useful for low-range off-roading, when wheel placement on tight trails or over rocks needs to be highly precise,” said Mr Coughlan.

The updated 200 series keeps the same 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel and 4.6-litre V8 petrol powerplants, albeit with slightly tweaked performance and emissions levels.

Power for the diesel engine has been raised by 5kW to 200kW, while torque remains the same at 650 Nm.

Toyota claims that fuel consumption is reduced by 7.7 per cent to 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres (down from 10.3), while also improving carbon dioxide emissions levels to 250 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Performance figures remain unchanged to the 227kW/439Nm petrol V8, though economy and emissions figures have improved thanks to the adoption of secondary air induction through the exhaust ports at start-up, for faster catalytic converter warming, according to Toyota.

Economy is now rated at 13.4L/100km (down from 13.6), while carbon emissions have been lowered to 309g/km.

The updated emissions levels bring the LandCruiser into line with Euro 5 emissions regulations.

Styling changes are the most evident in the front end, with a new grille, headlamps, bumper, bonnet and fenders. The rear styling remains the same as the outgoing model, though LED tail-lights have been added.

The line-up sees the diesel-only option retained for the entry-level GX, with all other variants having the option of petrol or diesel propulsion. All vehicles are fitted with an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission.

The GX is offered with five seats, while the diesel VX and Sahara come with seven seats. All other models seat eight.

The updated LandCruiser comes in two new colours, Copper Brown and Onyx Blue, to bring the total range of colours to 10.

New safety features are now standard in the top-spec Sahara, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert and blind-spot monitor, as well as wireless smartphone charging and updated rear-seat entertainment options.

The VX gains new features such as side airbags for the outboard second-row seats, as well as LED front fog lamps and daytime running lamps, 4.2-inch colour multi-information display and a nine-inch touchscreen display, which is one inch bigger than the outgoing model.

The GXL receives roof rails, LED clearance lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear-shift knob, a revised analogue instrument cluster and variable intermittent wipers.

The base spec GX, meanwhile, gets an additional 12-volt charging socket.

All models come with seven airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, multi-terrain anti-skid brakes, traction control and hill-start assist as standard.

The new LandCruiser arrives in showrooms in mid-October. Toyota has moved 6726 LandCruiser wagons in 2015, holding 89 per cent of the upper large SUV sector it shares with the Nissan Patrol.

Mr Coughlan said Toyota was confident that the LandCruiser would continue its strong sales figures among its class.

“Whilst we don’t typically provide sales targets or plans, we are confident that the upgraded LandCruiser 200-series will offer our guests an even more impressive drive experience and remain the clear favourite choice for buyers within the large SUV segment.”2015 Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series pricing*

GX diesel (a)	$76,500
GXL petrol (a)	$82,000
GXL diesel (a)	$87,000
VX petrol (a)	$92,500
VX diesel (a)	$97,500
Sahara petrol (a)	$113,500
Sahara diesel (a)	$118,500

*Excludes on-road costs