The Land Cruiser 100 received a minor face-lift as well. While the overall vehicle remains essentially the same, a number of detail improvements have been made to the styling and specification of the GX and VX models available in South Africa.
Both GX and VX specification levels gain a subtly more modern appearance. Distinguishing elements of this are a new tail light cluster design, new front grille design and a revised front bumper.
At the GX specification level, the more workhorse oriented specification, but nonetheless still very well appointed, the Land Cruiser 100 gains driver and passenger airbags, a spare wheel lock, new design 4-spoke urethane steering wheel, and chromed power side mirrors.
All are an enhancement to the existing specification. Seating is now provided for eight in a 2/3/3 configuration.
The luxury specification Land Cruiser 100 VX with its choice of either petrol V8 or six cylinder 24 valve turbo diesel engines, already at the top end of the luxury spectrum, gains significant specification improvements with this upgrade.
On the petrol model a five-speed automatic transmission replaces the four-speed automatic transmission used previously. Wheels are upgraded to 17" alloy from 16" on both petrol and diesel models.
Interior
On both variants the in-dash stereo audio system with CD changer can now be remotely controlled via a set of steering wheel mounted controls.
A sunroof with power slide and manual tilt mechanisms is standard as is the AHC + TEMS variable height control suspension (previously only available on the V8 variant).
Both the top end petrol and diesel models now have Toyota's high resolution 'Optitron' instrumentation and dual air-conditioning for front and rear compartments. The seating layout on the VX remains in 2/3/2 configuration.
Engines
The engines on VX models now comply with European Step III emission requirements. The turbo diesel engine, a six cylinder 24-valve power unit of 4,2 litres capacity, produces 150 kW @ 3400 r/min and 430 Nm of torque over the very wide engine range of 1 200 to 3 200 r/min.
The V8 petrol engine, derived from that in the luxury Lexus LS 430 sedan but beefed up for its role in a 4x4 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), is a 32-valve unit of 4,7 litres capacity. Maximum power is 173 kW @ 4 800 r/min and maximum torque is 434 Nm delivered at 3 400 r/min.
On GX models there is a choice of either a 4.5 litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, or a latest generation 4.2 litre normally aspirated diesel engine.
Pricing:
The new Land Cruiser 100 is covered by a 90 000 km/5 year service plan