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E L E C T R I C A L CO N N E C T I O N
A U T UMN 2 0 17
TRANSPORT
with Terry Martin
T
oyota has overhauled the LandCruiser 70 Series to bring
the workhorse utility range up to date and keep it on the
shortlist of buyers who value the unique combination
of V8 diesel engine muscle, outstanding off-road capability,
3500kg towing capacity and solid payload in both the single cab
chassis (up to 1235kg) and the double cab (up to 1125kg) – both
of which can be easily fitted out to suit various trades.
Far more than a tweak here and there, the new 70 Series has
benefited from a five-year full-scale re-engineering program
that was undertaken in Australia by local and Japanese
engineers and was designed to keep the range viable in the
marketplace for years to come. The alternative was to drop the
vehicle altogether from Toyota’s range.
The single cab benefits most as it lifts its crash-test rating
under the independent ANCAP regime from three stars to
the maximum five, thanks to sweeping changes that include
a bigger, stronger and more rigid ladder frame (including
thicker side rails and now seven cross-members), revised body
panels, redesigned front seats, front seatbelt pre-tensioners,
three additional airbags (side curtains and protection for the
driver’s knee adding to the dual front airbags), under-dash
padding and a host of new electronic safety systems.
On the latter, which also extends to other 70 Series
variants, Toyota has finally introduced electronic stability and
traction control, along with hill-start assist, brake assist and
electronic brake-force distribution (in addition to the existing
ABS brakes).
The suspension has been recalibrated to match the new
frame, with the combination said to have improved handing
and refinement as well as safety. The steering linkage has
also been moved behind the front axle for extra protection for
the occupants, forcing the adoption of a single 130L fuel tank,
although Toyota emphasises that improved fuel economy has
helped offset the reduced tank capacity.
To that end, the 4.5L turbo-diesel V8 – good for 151kW of power
at 3400rpm and 430Nm of torque from 1200-3200rpm – picks
up a particulate filter (part of the move to Euro 5 emissions
compliance in Australia) and piezo-electric injectors, while the
five-speed manual gearbox’s gearing is taller in second and fifth.
Toyota says the combined effect is reduced consumption –
down by 10.1% to 10.7L/100km – and lower emissions, as well as
improved responsiveness at low engine speeds and more relaxed
driving on the highway. The addition of cruise control to the
standard equipment list will also make things more comfortable
on the open road.
Among other changes, the split-rim steel wheels on the entry
WorkMate model grade have gone, replaced by a wider single-
piece 16” design – matched for the first time to tubeless tyres
(225/95 16C). Auto-locking front hubs (with a manual ‘lock’
function) now feature across the range, and a new bank of 10
fuses allows for safer and easier connection of accessories – an
important consideration for tradespeople.
Pricing has risen $5000 for the single cab and $3000 for dual
cab variants, which looks modest considering the engineering
overhaul. The single cab starts at $62,490 for the WorkMate, with
GX adding $2000 and GXL positioned a further $2000 upstream at
$66,490 plus on-road costs.
The double cab is available in WorkMate and GXL grades, priced
from $64,990 and $68,990 respectively.
Air-conditioning is a $2761 option, premium paint adds
$500, diff locks are $1500 for single cab GX and double cab
WorkMate and a broad range of accessories are available to
suit specific industries, trades and applications. New steel
and alloy tray options are also now available on single and
dual cab chassis variants.
Toyota
www.toyota.com.auTOYOTA LANDCRUISER 70 SERIES