Toyota Australia has upgraded the LandCruiser 70 Series across safety, comfort and convenience on every variant. The update takes effect August 2012, expands the range to nine variants and makes ABS anti-skid brakes standard on every model.
The ABS works in high-range two-wheel drive (H2) and high-range four-wheel drive (H4). It switches off when you engage the diff locks.
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 big body style news is the double cab, which joins the single cab, troop carrier and wagon. Toyota Australia's Matthew Callachor, Executive Director Sales and Marketing, said the double cab answers 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."
You can get the double cab and troop carrier in WorkMate and GXL grades. The single cab spans three grades, WorkMate, GX and GXL. GXL models get diff locks as standard, 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, also fitted to the single cab GX, has an alarm, a stopwatch and an outside temperature readout.
Every 70 Series in the updated range now comes with an air-inlet snorkel on the A-pillar as standard. A new four-speaker audio unit replaces the old one, so you get Bluetooth hands-free calling, audio streaming and voice recognition, plus a single CD player, radio text, a facia-mounted 3.5mm AUX jack and USB input.
Wagon models see the most interior change. The new front bucket seats use an extended cushion made from visco-elastic foam and add 30mm more fore/aft slide adjustment. The rear seat cushion is 42mm longer. Those seat designs also go into the new double cab. Wagon fuel capacity climbs from 90 to 130 litres, with the tank sitting between the chassis rails.
Across the range the dashboard gains a front storage compartment and a cupholder with a 12V accessory power socket. The WorkMate troop carrier adds a high-mount centre stop lamp for active safety.
You get a choice of seven exterior colours, with grey vinyl or grey fabric seating. Grey fabric is now offered with every exterior colour. All 70 Series models keep the turbocharged high-pressure direct-injection V8 diesel, five-speed manual, 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.
If you already own a 70 Series, the longer standard equipment list is what matters here. The ABS brakes and the A-pillar snorkel mean more capability out of the box for the work and off-road use these vehicles are built for.
