Top five news stories of 2021

It comes as no surprise that the first all-new Toyota LandCruiser in 14 years got tongues wagging more than any other new model launch in 2021.

Just like in 2020 – when news about Hyundai’s first ute, Nissan’s new Z, Toyota’s upgraded HiLux and Holden Commodore resale values also rated among the top five news stories – the brand-new 300 Series was the topic of our most popular news story in 2021.

But this year the 2021 Toyota LandCruiser dominated our top five most-read news articles, claiming the number one, four and five spots, with another LandCruiser – the 70 Series workhorse – claiming number two.

1. New Toyota LandCruiser price shock

Our sources told us in June that list prices for the new Toyota LandCruiser would increase by 10 per cent across the board, resulting in a price range of between $90,000 and $140,000 for the new 300 Series.

That’s exactly what was announced in August and our price shock story remained our most-read news story of 2021, with almost 250,000 views.

Read the full story on LandCruiser price shock

2. Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series to get major upgrade

We told you in July there was a major upgrade coming within 12 months for the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series workhorse range, involving safety and GVM improvements.

The upgraded 70 Series is yet to appear but will be released by November 2022, so our second most popular news article for 2021 still has plenty of legs.

Read the full story on LandCruiser 70 Series upgrade

3. COVID-19: What you can and can’t do with your car

We kept you abreast of all the coronavirus-related restrictions, border closures and other car-related matters throughout 2021 via regular updates for each state.

The fact this news story was our third most-read this year shows just how widespread – not to mention confusing and frustrating – the impact of COVID has been in Australia.

Read the full story on road rules for Covid-19

4. New Toyota LandCruiser V6 diesel to outgun V8

Downsizing from V8 to V6 diesel power was the source of much consternation for Toyota LandCruiser fans in 2021, and a large part of the reason behind hugely inflated asking prices for the superseded 200 Series.

But just as our fourth most popular news story of 2021 stated, Toyota’s first twin-turbo diesel V6 really does make the new 300 Series more powerful, more capable, more efficient and more refined than its predecessor.

Read the full story on Toyota LandCruiser V6 diesel to outgun V8

5. New Toyota LandCruiser diesel locked in

We reported a new twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel engine would be the sole powertrain choice for the new Toyota LandCruiser way back in February 2021 and that is indeed the case.

Honourable mentions to

Read the full story on New Toyota LandCruiser diesel locked in