Toyota has unveiled an all new Land Cruiser with class leading emissions and fuel consumption at a time where drivers are more inclined to choose 4x4s through need rather than as a style statement.
The new Land Cruiser will go on sale from December 1 and will be offered in the UK only as a five-door version, with an updated version of the current model's 3.0 D-4D engine and five-speed automatic transmission.
The engine produces 171bhp and 302lb-ft of torque - slightly less than the 2.7-litre V6 diesel in the Land Rover Discovery which offers 190bhp and 324lb-ft.
However, fuel consumption of 34.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 214g/km compare well with the Discovery 2.7 V6 auto's 27.7mpg and 270g/km.
All versions come with keyless entry and start, seven airbags, downhill assist control and hill-start assist, Bluetooth integration, automatic climate control and the entry-level LC3 model also comes with the option of third-row seats.
Passenger space in the third row is improved over the outgoing Land Cruiser model.
LC4 models add standard fold-flat third row seats, third row curtain airbags, three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers, leather seats, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, hard-disk satellite navigation and upgraded audio system.
They also have an automatically adjustable suspension system that optimises the car's behaviour for both on-road and off-road conditions.
The top LC5 version adds a system called Multi-terrain Select, which controls power and braking for different types of road surfaces with a display showing real-time images from around the vehicle, as well as a steering angle display. It also has Crawl Control, which offers five different settings to tackle extreme conditions without the driver having to use the throttle or brake, and can also help free the vehicle if stuck in mud or sand. The LC5 also comes with adjustable dampers and rear air suspension.
The interior has also undergone a transformation, with a more user-friendly and less utilitarian lay-out. Prices are expected to start at about £31,000.
