Toyota Australia has rolled out a notable upgrade to its LandCruiser 70 Series lineup, with the changes covering safety, comfort and convenience across all variants. The update, effective August 2012, expands the range to nine model variants and introduces ABS anti-skid brakes as standard equipment on every model.
The ABS system operates in high-range two-wheel drive (H2) and high-range four-wheel drive (H4) modes, though it is disabled when differential locks are engaged.
At a Glance
- ABS anti-skid brakes now standard on all LandCruiser 70 Series models, operating in H2 and H4 modes.
- New double cab body style added, offered in WorkMate and GXL grades, bringing total variants to nine.
- Wagon fuel tank capacity up from 90 to 130 litres, mounted between the chassis rails.
- New Bluetooth audio system with hands-free calling, audio streaming, voice recognition, USB and AUX inputs fitted across the range.
- Pricing starts from $58,790 for the single cab WorkMate.
The most significant body style news is the introduction of a double cab variant, which joins the existing single cab, troop carrier and wagon. Toyota Australia's Matthew Callachor, Executive Director Sales and Marketing, said the double cab was a direct response to demand from the mining and rural sectors.
"Australian requirement has led the world in the development of this variant, just as it was the first export market for LandCruiser more than half a century ago," Callachor said. "Australia is a pivotal market for LandCruiser and our ongoing resolve to service our customers is absolute."
The double cab and troop carrier are available in WorkMate and GXL grades, while the single cab spans three grades, WorkMate, GX and GXL. GXL models gain differential locks as standard, along with factory-installed wireless door locks with a new key fob (previously a port-installed accessory) and a new in-dash multi-function clock. That clock, which also appears on the single cab GX, features an alarm, stopwatch and outside temperature readout.
Every 70 Series model in the updated range now ships with an air-inlet snorkel mounted on the A-pillar as standard. A new four-speaker audio unit replaces the previous system, bringing Bluetooth hands-free calling, audio streaming and voice recognition, alongside a single CD player, radio text, a facia-mounted 3.5mm AUX jack and USB input.
Wagon models receive the most extensive interior revisions. New front bucket seats feature an extended cushion made from visco-elastic foam and an extra 30mm of fore/aft slide adjustment. The rear seat gains a 42mm longer cushion. These improved seat designs are also fitted to the new double cab. Fuel tank capacity in wagon models jumps from 90 to 130 litres, with the tank positioned between the chassis rails.
Across the board, the dashboard gains a new front storage compartment and cupholder with a 12V accessory power socket. The WorkMate troop carrier adds a high-mount centre stop lamp for improved active safety.
Seven exterior colours are available, with a choice of grey vinyl or grey fabric seating. Grey fabric is now offered across all exterior colour combinations. All 70 Series models continue with the turbocharged high-pressure direct-injection V8 diesel engine, five-speed manual transmission, two-speed transfer case and power-assisted steering. WorkMate grades run 16-inch steel split rims, while GX and GXL models (excluding the LC78 GXL) wear 16-inch alloy wheels.
For existing 70 Series owners, the expanded standard equipment list, particularly the ABS brakes and A-pillar snorkel, represents a meaningful lift in the range's out-of-the-box capability for the work and off-road environments these vehicles are built for.
