Colin-on-Cars

 New engines and platform for Toyota Land Cruiser

The old adage that good things come to people who wait works in the case of the new Toyota Land Cruiser 300 that is the first all-new model in 14 years, sits on a new platform and includes a Gazoo Racing (GR) sports variant. 

In fact, the entire grade nomenclature has changed and now offers GX-R, ZX and GR-S as the options. GX-R remains the utility-focussed model and serves as the entry point to the range, while the ZX serves as the luxury model.

 

For the first time on Land Cruiser, a GR Sport (aka GR-S) grade will be offered which serves as the off-road performance model. As such the GR-S features bespoke exterior styling and trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, while adopting an off-road-biased specification list –  without skimping on any comfort or convenience. This model joins the other Gazoo Racing (GR) products, and expands the GR brand into Land Cruiser territory for the first time. 

The ZX model in turn takes on a more 'image-focused' persona, with 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome detailing and luxury-oriented interior trim. 

The '300' model is a 'ground-up' design, featuring an all-new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform designated as TNGA-F. The F indicates the first ladder-frame execution of TNGA.

 

On the design front, the '300' has a different profile to Its '200' predecessor. While the design is angular in execution, it offers greater dynamic presence  and, in profile the newcomer bears a passing resemblance to the 80-series of the '90's.  

An all-new engine line-up propels the newcomer and buyers have the choice of a 3,5-litre V6 Twin Turbo petrol engine or 3,3-litre V6 turbo-diesel.  

The diesel engine uses a host of technologies including a new dual-stage turbo-charging system, which offers both low-speed response and high-rpm power. An electronically controlled bypass valve directs all exhaust gasses to the primary turbo-charger (which also employs a variable nozzle design) at low engine speeds –  aiding spool-up of the turbo-charger. At mid-to-high rpm, the valve opens to direct exhaust gasses to both turbines, contributing to increased power and a broad, flat torque curve. 

 

This helps the 3.3 V6 Diesel punch out 225 kW at 4 000 r/min with 700 Nm available between 1 600 r/min and 2 600 r/min.  

The petrol V6 offers 305 kW at 5 200 r/min with 650 Nm available from 2 000 r/min. This engine utilises Toyota's D-4ST injection system (a combination of port and direct injection), quick-response Dual VVT-i system and low-inertia turbo-chargers to achieve an ultra-smooth power delivery. 

The new engines are mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission with low-range and diff-lock functionality. 

Fuel consumption figures are listed as 12,1 l/100 km for the petrol and 8,9 l/100 km for the diesel - with CO2 emissions checking in at 291 and 238 respectively.

 

Standard specification includes LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, keyless entry with auto-door-lock, park distance control, an electric parking brake, climate control with rear zone, power driver-seat adjustment, Multi-Information Display (MID), built-in Navigation (with Tracks 4 Africa support on GX-R), multiple power outlets with charging port, Crawl Control and Drive Mode Select. 

The ZX and GR-S additionally feature power fold-down third-row seating, a power-operated back door with hands-free function, heated steering wheel with wood accents, JBL 14-speaker audio system with DVD playback and 12,3-inch screen, Multi-Terrain Monitor with Panoramic View, seat heating and ventilation for first and second-row passengers, a wireless charger and tyre pressure monitoring. All models have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality. 

The ZX model adds a Wi-Fi enabled rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, while the GR-S model features a E-KDSS system to maximise off-road capability. Both variants also feature additional drive mode select modes and a AWD Integrated Management (AIM) system.

Toyota Safety Sense is fitted to both the ZX and GR-S grades and offers a full suite of active safety aids with autonomous driving technologies such as Lane Trace Assist and all-speed radar cruise control. The usual supporting functions such as Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with braking and Adaptive High Beam are also included. 

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (ATRC) and Hill Assist Control (HAC), join Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and anti-lock braking, EBD and Brake Assist (BA) driver support systems. 

Model Line-up

Land Cruiser 300 GX-R 3.3D - R 1 283 200

Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.3D - R 1 765 500

Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.5T - R 1 797 100

Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.3D - R 1 811 900

Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.5T - R 1 842 900 

All LC300 models are sold with a 9-services / 90 000 km service plan with service intervals set at 12-months or 10 000 km (whichever occurs first). A 3-year/100 000 km Warranty is included across the board. Customers can also purchase service, maintenance plan and warranty extensions from their nearest Toyota dealer.