Upgrade for LandCruiser 200 and 70 Series

Toyota's been busy adding features to its mothership SUV and the offroad workhorse. Since there's no such thing as a free lunch, Toyota will be charging higher prices for the revised models.

But prices of the upgraded models have risen by less than one per cent for the LandCruiser GXL and VX 200 Series or about two per cent for the Sahara 200 Series. In the case of the heavy duty 70 Series, the new pricing (an increase of $600 across the board) amounts to roughly a one per cent rise.

Offsetting that higher pricing, 200 Series LandCruiser buyers gain the 45-litre sub-tank as standard for every variant, rear-view camera as standard, crawl control for the diesel models (replacing Downhill Assist Control previously fitted), a 12-Volt socket in the rear and a 3.5mm audio input jack.

Previously, the sub-tank wasn't fitted or available in the VX and Sahara models, but since it's these variants most likely to cover huge distances on holidays, Toyota Australia lobbied for the inclusion of the reserve fuel tank, which, based on a 10.3L/100km cruising consumption, could lend the higher-grade diesel models a range of up to around 1340km.

There is a downside though. These high-spec vehicles, formerly eight-seaters, now accommodate seven occupants only, if the diesel engine is specified. Petrol variants continue to seat eight. Toyota does offer the no-charge option of doing without the sub-tank if the eight-seat capacity and the diesel engine are required, but the longer touring range isn't.

Diesel models weren't previously engineered for the Crawl Control facility, but are now.

The VX and Sahara models now come with a new five-spoke design of alloy wheels, measuring 18-inch diameter.

Seven-seat petrol Sahara variants gain a standard DVD rear-seat entertainment system with three wireless headphones and the satnav touch screen for both petrol and diesel Sahara models has been upgraded.

There's a new driver's seat for the GXL models, featuring mechanical height and lumbar adjustment, and the GXL and VX LandCruisers are now fitted with the rear-view camera and 4.3-inch display. Map pockets on the rear of the front seats are a further addition to the LandCruiser GXL's specification.

Prices for the 200 Series kick off from $76,500* (a $260 increase for the petrol GXL) and $86,750* ($510 more for the diesel GXL).

The 70 Series LandCruiser is now priced from $57,640* for the cab chassis, $58,540* for the wagon and $64,540* for the Troopcarrier.

All models are now equipped with dual front airbags and can be identified by the extended front bumper which houses the sensors for the airbag activation. There's a new dash -- replete with revised instrument cluster -- and four-spoke urethane steering wheel to accommodate the airbags, and a warning light for the driver's seatbelt has been added. The steering wheel is perched on the end of a new telescopically-adjustable steering column.

Fabrics have been revised and the wagon variants now come with a moulded headlining, said to improve headroom. The passenger assist grip has been relocated to the A pillar and a bottleholder has been added.

Upgrading the dash has allowed Toyota to equip the 70 Series models with a wider, double-DIN CD audio system head unit, featuring MP3/USB compatibility and a 3.5mm audio input jack. Bluetooth connectivity is now standard too.

The elephant in the room remains the 70 Series' lack of antilock brakes -- even as an option. Given the popularity of the vehicle with serious family offroaders this is an obvious omission.

Toyota expects the revised LandCruiser models to hit the dealer showrooms shortly.

All prices quoted in this story are manufacturer's list prices, not inclusive of on-road costs and dealer delivery charges.

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