The long and anxiously awaited Land Cruiser 300 is set for an August debut in South Africa. After months of wait, speculations, concept renderings and spy-shots, the first production models are ready to be launched and shipped to eager buyers. Talking about the design, the ‘300’ features a crazy different profile when compared to Its ‘200’ model. While the design is unarguably angular in execution, which Toyota says creates a cohesive form that offers far greater dynamic presence with a sense of agility. In profile, the recent model has a striking resemblance to the very much-loved ’80’ series of the ’90’s.
The front end has a large and prominent radiator grille with rectangular headlamps on each side that blend seamlessly into the grille. U-shaped radiator openings underpin a strong design while the bonnet houses the signature Land Cruiser ‘channel’ down the centre. The rear features large trapezoidal tail lamps with stylized light guides, which are complemented by large Land Cruiser lettering and the Toyota symbol.
The Land Cruiser 300 serves as the flagship to the Toyota SUV-range, and carries an enviable reputation as the ‘Master of Africa’. The ‘300’ model is a ‘ground-up’ design, featuring an all-new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform designated as TNGA-F. The F indicates the first ladder-frame execution of TNGA – a fact that should find favour with off-road enthusiasts.
An all-new engine line-up propels the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 range. This includes a twin-turbopetrol 3,5-litre V6 or a turbodiesel 3,3-litre V6. The petrol offers 305 kW at 5 200 r/min and 650 N.m of torque available from 2 000 r/min while the new diesel delivers 225 kW at 4 000 r/min and 700 N.m between 1 600 and 2 600 r/min. Top speed is limited at 210 km/h for both variants. The new engines are mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission with low-range functionality.
SOUTH AFRICAN MODEL LINE-UP AND PRICING
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GX-R 3.3D – R1 283 200
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.3D – R1 765 500
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.5T – R1 797 100
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.3D – R1 811 900
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.5T – R1 842 900
Chris