The next chapter in the story of the revered Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is set to begin with the arrival of a new powertrain option to the 4×4 icon, sporting new styling, upgraded technology and enhanced specification.
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,” says Crompton.
UNDER THE METAL
Prior to this point, the current-generation 70 Series range has been available with a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol inline-6 (single and double cab pick-ups), a 4.2-litre naturally aspirated diesel and a 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8. All these powertrains being mated to a manual transmission.
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 bodyshapesare available with the 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine. The new 2.8-litre four-cylinder powertrain has been proven over the years in a range of Toyota 4×4 models (Hilux, Fortuner and Prado among others) and produces a stout 150kW at 3400rpm and 500Nm from 1600-2800rpm.
Multiple mechanical changes have been made to the engine specifically for the 70 Series to ensure optimal cooling and performance in tough conditions and under heavy towing loads, with all models of the 70 Series’ maintaining a strong 3500kg braked towing capacity.
As before, the Land Cruiser 70 Series range is equipped with a part-time 4×4 system with low-range gearing, durable live axles and front coil suspension. The four-cylinder models add front and rear locking differentials for ultimate off-road traction.
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.
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, with a small hood vent above the grille borrowed from the original 40 Series model. A wide bumper and black overfenders 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.
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. Station Wagon variants are made more functional with new second-row seats with 60:40 split-folding-functionality and can be tumbled forward to maximise cargo space.
All variants powered by the 2.8 GD-6 engine are upholstered in durable grey fabric, while the Station Wagon VX grades gain leather upholstery.
Four-cylinder versions gain Downhill Assist Control (DAC) for steady, controlled off-road descents, automatically modulating the brakes to safely navigate steep declines. 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.)
The LC70’s classic colour palette continues with Ivory White, Satin Silver Metallic, Sand Beige, Graphite Grey Metallic, Ruby Metallic and Dark Blue. The LC78 Wagon derivative is reintroduced and offered exclusively in Attitude Black and Avant-Garde Bronze.
All Land Cruiser 70 Series models are offered with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and an optional 100 000km service plan.
MyToyota
All Toyota owners can sign up for a personal MyToyota profile. MyToyota is designed by Toyota SA to provide a platform for owners to quickly and conveniently access all information and services related to their vehicle(s). Additionally, all new Toyota vehicles are fitted with a device that opens up a whole new world of 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
