Monster Cruiser

Toyota NZ is really focused on the new version of its Land Cruiser 4WD flagship, the 200 Series, just launched to replace the 100 almost simultaneously worldwide.
There are just two options, both with all-independent suspension - a VX or luxurious VX Limited, both with an all-new monster 4.5-litre twin turbo-diesel.
Gone from the line-up is the less-expensive live axle GX – instead you'll have to opt for the Land Cruiser Prado (which will still be around until mid-2009) or, for a real workaday, rugged off-roader there's the 70 Series station wagon
The engine in the LC200 is in fact an upgraded version of the V8 found in the LC70, with twin turbos (one per cylinder bank) instead of one to boost power 195 kW at 3,400 rpm.
More important, though is the stomping 650 Nm of torque, available from as low as 1,600 rpm and in a flat plateau right up to 2,600 rpm.
The latest ‘Cruiser is longer (by 60 mm) wider (30 mm and higher (15 mm) than the one it replaces, but offers an extra 130 mm of interior room, partly due to the shorter bonnet courtesy of the V8 engine versus the former straight six.
This space is mainly allocated between the second and third row seats, giving oodles of room in the back and making the third row of seats finally useable to adults.
The first and second row of seats can be slid through 240 and 105mm respectively
The LC200 still sits on a separate ladder chassis, but now it’s even stronger and stiffer.
Of especial interest is the new KDSS suspension package, a $3,500 option on the VX, standard on the Limited.
This uses a sealed hydraulic system to “dislocate” the front and rear antiroll bars so there’s superb wheel articulation in off-road conditions, while giving superb tarmac road holding.
Designed in Australia and bought by Toyota Japan, the system requires no manual, mechanical or electronic intervention, automatically sensing which settings are required.
Located well out of the way, it seems fairly foolproof. The only thing that can go wrong is hydraulic oil leakage, in which case it defaults to the off-road setting.
We drove at Toyota’s test circuit out at Makoura Lodge outside Palmerston North, set in an old quarry with a 4WD area that has been designed as the perfect test ground, and is used by Toyota to test out its latest off-roaders as well as for training purposes.
The 4WD area includes on and off-camber tracks, an awesome cross-axle test that’s among the toughest we’ve seen in a while, steep climbs and descents, a testing man-made stream passage with running water, clay, and bare rock, and a new “Rubicon Trail” loose rock climb.
In fact Toyota “toughened up” the cross axle test to demonstrate the new ‘Cruiser as it literally walked over the old one, and so extreme is it that on the old 100 (one was available for comparison) I lifted a rear wheel almost a metre in the air; it raised no more than 30 cm on the LC200.
Interestingly, although the suspension was stretched out or ducking into the wheel wells, the body remained almost flat at all times, with passengers staying comfortable and stress-free.
The LC 200 has the same wheelbase as the 100, but its off-road approach and departure angles remain the same at 30 and 20 degrees. The ramp-over angle is 25 degrees.
But before that we had driven on a mixture of tar seal and smooth gravel out to Makoura, using mainly back country roads, and reveled in superb handling and on-road manners that dwell in the BMW X5 realm – which means best of the best. Pushed hard through some really tight bendery we eventually found a bit of understeer, but generally the big ‘Cruiser drove as well as a big sedan.
What’s more the ride quality was on a par, too, with just a hiss of wind noise, and conversations could be held at normal levels no matter what the speed.
We later moved off onto potholed back roads and some rippled gravel; not only didn't it shake or rattle but permitted little more then a tremble though to the seats.
In fact the car's 17 inch alloy rims shod with 295/65 tyres are so big that they roll across most of the tar potholes without dropping into them.
The Land Cruiser 200 comes with a Torsen (torque sensing) centre diff which automatically distributes power between the front and rear axles depending on conditions.
Usually this is split 40 front/60 rear, but can go as much as 70/30 either way. It can also be locked into an equal 50/50 split.
There are no diff. locks on the axles, but the LC200 has a full traction control system linked to the ABS braking system – the latter able to sense when there’s a need to allow wheel lock - as well as VSC stability control, a hill descent system, and a hill start function.
The 6-speed automatic gearbox has a sequential manual mode, giving the ability to lock up completely in the lower gears for off-road work; the transmission also lock-ups on fifth and sixth gears and the box has what Toyota calls "artificial intelligence-shift control" that inhibits ratio-hunting when climbing and engine braking, and especially when towing.
High and low ratio, as well as the centre diff lock, is selected using a rotary switch.
The front suspension is changed from the previous torsion bars to a double wishbone coil spring setup with an antiroll bar. Wheel stroke is increased 30 percent over the LC100.
At the back there’s a big square diff. with a four-link coil rear suspension with a lateral rod, while roll steer has been improved by changing the control arm position. Again, there’s an anti-roll bar.
In addition to the dual front airbags there are side bags for the outer second-row seats and a cabin-length curtain bag along each side to cover all seven seats – including knee and normal protection, there are 10 bags in total.
The Cruiser has individual front and rear controls for the aircon and 28 outlets. On the Limited rear seat passengers can adjust their own aircon temperature.
The list of standard features is long, including emergency braking assistance, a big reversing camera and distance sensors, child restraint system, headlight washers, leather upholstery (VX Limited), satellite navigation with a high-resolution touch-sensitive screen, high-end audio system with MP3 and Bluetooth capability and nine speakers, auto wipers, power seat adjustment, rear privacy glass and an electric sunroof (an $1,100 option),
There’s a rich mix of available exterior colours but the interior comes in just one – grey.
Prices: VX $109,500; VX Limited $125,500. *