The revered Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is set to receive a new powertrain option, along with new styling, upgraded technology, and enhanced specification. This will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the story of the iconic 4×4.
According to Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), the upgraded Land Cruiser 70 Series would benefit a wide range of customers looking for a tough and capable 4×4.
“The addition of a new powertrain will not only broaden the appeal of the 70 Series to a broader audience but will also give our customers the power of choice between the torque-rich four-cylinder automatic and the tried-and-true manual V8 across all 70 Series body styles, providing a wide range of alternatives for buyers.”
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors
Under The Metal
Up until now, Toyota has offered the current-generation 70 Series range with a manual transmission, paired with a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol inline-6 (in single and double cab pick-ups), a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated diesel, and a 4.5-liter turbo-diesel V8.
However, the upgraded Land Cruiser introduces the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission for the first time in the 70 Series. All body shapes are available with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine. Moreover, the 2.8-litre four-cylinder powertrain has been proven in a range of Toyota 4×4 models, such as Hilux, Fortuner, and Prado among others. This powertrain produces a stout 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm from 1600-2800rpm.
Toyota has made multiple mechanical changes to the engine of the 70 Series, specifically to ensure optimal cooling and performance under heavy towing loads and tough conditions. All models of the 70 Series maintain a strong 3500kg braked towing capacity.
The Land Cruiser 70 Series range comes equipped with a part-time 4×4 system for enhanced off-road capability. This system features low-range gearing for tackling steep inclines and declines, durable live axles for handling rough terrain, and front coil suspension for a comfortable ride. Four-cylinder models take this off-road prowess a step further by adding front and rear locking differentials for ultimate traction in even the most challenging conditions.
Aesthetic Upgrades
The updated Land Cruiser 70 Series – including the 4.0-litre petrol, 4.2- and 4.5-litre diesel models in both pick-up and station wagon configurations – is immediately recognisable thanks to its updated exterior styling, clearly influenced by previous generations of Land Cruiser.
Visually, the updated Land Cruiser 70 Series boasts a series of design elements that pay homage to its rich heritage. A new square grille with a black mesh pattern and ‘TOYOTA’ lettering sits above a three-slot cooling vent inspired by the 75 Series Land Cruiser. Continuing the theme of historical influence, a small hood vent sits above the grille, borrowed from the original 40 Series model. Further enhancing its rugged presence, a wide bumper and black over-fenders give the 70 Series a muscular stance and sense of stability, paired with dark grey metallic 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Station Wagon also sports a steel bumper while the VX variant adds further differentiation in the form of a Rockford Fosgate sound system.
Enhanced Functionality
In addition, all the 70 Series grades gain a new centre console consisting of a lidded centre storage box, cupholder and multiple small item compartments. Also, the new second-row seats with 60:40 split-folding functionality make Station Wagon variants more functional and enable them to maximise cargo space by tumbling forward. All the variants upholster durable grey fabric in vehicles powered by the 2.8 GD-6 engine, while the Station Wagon VX grades feature leather upholstery.
In addition to its off-road prowess, four-cylinder versions now come equipped with Downhill Assist Control (DAC) to ensure steady and controlled off-road descents. Furthermore, this system automatically modulates the brakes to help navigate steep declines safely, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering and manoeuvring the vehicle with confidence. The Station Wagon VX variant also gains a new reversing camera, helping to make parking in tight spaces easier. (The VX variant shown in press photography sports a fridge – offered by Toyota as an optional accessory.)
Additionally, the LC70’s classic colour palette continues with Ivory White, Satin Silver Metallic, Sand Beige, Graphite Grey Metallic, Ruby Metallic, and Dark Blue. Moreover, the LC78 Wagon derivative is reintroduced and offered exclusively in Attitude Black and Avant-Garde Bronze.
Toyota offers a 3-year/100 000km warranty and an optional 100 000km service plan for all Land Cruiser 70 Series models.
MyToyota
All Toyota owners can sign up for a personal MyToyota profile. Toyota SA designed MyToyota to offer vehicle owners quick and convenient access to all information and services related to their vehicle(s). Furthermore, the company fits all new Toyota vehicles with a device that unlocks a host of new features.Simply opt-in, and you have access to in-car WiFi capability (with a complimentary 25Gb), along with a host of supplementary Connect services.
Land Cruiser 70 Series Pricing
Single Cab
- LC79 4.0 Petrol S/C 5MT – R765 500
- LC79 4.2 Diesel S/C 5MT – R829 000
- LC79 4.5 Diesel V8 S/C 5MT – R956 200
- LC79 2.8 GD-6 Diesel S/C 6AT – R917 100
Double Cab
- LC79 4.0 Petrol D/C 5MT – R864 600
- LC79 4.2 Diesel D/C 5MT – R920 800
- LC79 4.5 Diesel V8 D/C 5MT – R1 039 200
- LC79 2.8 GD-6 Diesel D/C 6AT – R1 009 000
Station Wagon
- LC78 4.2 Diesel SW 5MT – R900 100
- LC76 4.5 Diesel SW 5MT – R1 076 800
- LC76 2.8 GD-6 Diesel SW 6AT – R999 900
- LC 76 2.8 GD-6 VX Diesel SW 6AT – TBC
For more information please go here : www.toyota.co.za
