2018 Toyota Land Cruiser revealed with plenty of off-road tech

This week Toyota has revealed the 2018 Land Cruiser – the model headed for the Mzansi and moving 100 units on average.

Combining a large 7-seater SUV configuration, legendary Land Cruiser off-road credentials, rugged ladder-frame construction and robust V8 diesel engine – the ‘Cruiser, as it’s affectionately known in 4×4 circles, is a key player in the large-SUV market segment.

For 2018, the pinnacle of the Land Cruiser family tree has received some subtle tweaks, staying true to the proven formula.

GX-R

As before two grade options are offered; the utility-focused entry level model has been rebadged as GX-R (GX of old) – to align the naming convention with its luxurious VX-R sibling.

Both grades are powered by a 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel engine with outputs of 195 kW @ 3400 rpm and 650 Nm @ 1600 – 2600 rpm.

VX-R

Notable changes to the VX-R model are mostly found at the front of the vehicle. A new front grille design features two prominent horizontal slats intersecting the large grille opening in an east-west fashion – replacing the previously utilised multi-slat design.

A smoked treatment has been applied to the Bi-LED headlamps and LED fog lamps, for enhanced visual differentiation. The headlamps themselves include Auto High Beam functionality, super bright LED illumination and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

A new Brown interior trim colour has been made available, now affording VX-R buyers a selection of three interior palettes – Beige, Black and Brown.

The VX-R model continues to boast an impressive standard specification list, which includes the following:

Blind Spot Monitoring
Auto-dimming mirrors
Integrated tow hitch
Leather interior
Power-adjustable front seats
3-zone climate control
Front ventilated seats
Heated seats (1st and 2nd row)
‘Coolbox’
Optitron instrumentation
Surround-view cameras
Satellite Navigation and touchscreen infotainment
Smart Entry
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Multi-Terrain Select (switchable off-road driving modes)
Active Traction Control (A-TRAC)
Crawl Control
Full suite of electronic driving aids including Lane Keeping system and 10 airbags

Pricing for the Land Cruiser 200 starts at R 1 021 900

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.