Toyota beefs up workhorse LandCruiser in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 24, 2009 -- Toyota has beefed up its LandCruiser 70 Series workhorses with improved passive safety, comfort and features.

The seven-model 70 Series range of cab-chassis, troop carrier and wagon models has driver and front passenger airbags as standard equipment.

LandCruiser 70 Series safety upgrades also include an extended front bumper to accommodate airbag requirements and warning lamps for the airbags and driver's seatbelt.

Prices for these and other features have been increased by just $600* or around one per cent for each model.

The range starts from $57,640* for the cab-chassis, $58,540* for the wagon and $64,540* for the troop carrier. Option prices remain unchanged.

Comfort and convenience improvements begin with newly adopted telescopic steering column adjustment and a new four-spoke urethane steering wheel.

The audio system has been completely revised.

LandCruiser 70 now has a wider (200mm) double DIN head unit with AM/FM tuner, single CD with MP3 capability, USB input that also allows full iPod^ control, and a 3.5mm audio input jack.

It also offers BluetoothTM** hands-free telephone capability and BluetoothTM audio streaming with compatible products.

The workhorse LandCruiser dashboard has been improved with a face-lifted appearance, revised instrument cluster and the addition of a bottle holder next to the gear-shift lever.

Interior upgrades also include new fabric Bluish Gray or Oak trim for GXL models.

The exterior colour choices are French Vanilla, Sandy Taupe and Midnight Blue on all models plus Silver Pearl, Graphite, Merlot Red and Vintage Gold on the Cab Chassis and wagon.

LandCruiser 76 five-seat wagon variants now have a moulded roof lining for added head clearance and increased comfort, as well a resin garnish on the front pillar and header.

The front-passenger assist grip has been moved to the A pillar.

LandCruiser 70 Series models have a new sun visor design.

All models are powered by a turbocharged and intercooled high-pressure injection V8 diesel engine.

The 4.5-litre engine, which meets Euro IV emission standards, delivers 151kW of power at 3400rpm.

Peak torque of 430Nm is reached at just 1200rpm and held all the way to 3200rpm - the flattest torque curve among all of Toyota's engines.

It is matched to five-speed manual transmission and two-speed transfer.