adminTinashe Makichi Motoring Reporter
When dangerous situations arise around the world from humanitarian crises to natural disasters and worse, we often rely on heroic people and organisations to help the victims. In turn, these people rely on daring trucks to take them over mountains and mudslides, through storms and floods, and across scorching deserts.
Working in these harsh conditions calls for the toughest, most-durable, most-capable trucks on the planet but also vehicles that are affordable enough for non-profit and common enough to ensure a steady supply of parts. These are the bravest trucks in the world and the Land Cruiser 4X4 is no exception.
It is interesting to note that this Toyota version is a darling to the defence forces and terrorists in the Middle East.
In what was the least-desirable “celebrity” endorsement ever, a tape emerged shortly after the September 11 attacks showing Osama bin Laden and the rest of the al-Qaeda hierarchy standing in the Afghani desert flanked by a fleet of Land Cruisers.
Obviously Toyota had no interest in putting Bin Laden in that hilarious advert but the official position was that “it was the company’s proudest product placement”.
At that time Toyota said “It shows that the Taliban are looking for the same qualities as any truck buyer: durability and reliability.”
This vehicle is a common feature in Zimbabwe amongst most businessmen’s fleet not to forget all flamboyant white farmers.
It looks shruggish but it remains one of the bravest vehicles used by different NGO’s to access the most primitive places in the Zimbabwean landscape.
Despite the vehicle’s legendary off-roading ability fans call it the “Land Crusher”, after the entire vehicle’s move from utilitarian rock crawler to luxurious, tech-laden Range Rover fighter has brought controversy for the UN and aid organisations
At nearly $70 000 the Land Cruiser 4X4 is by no means cheap.
Venture north of the Tropic of Capricorn and the Toyota Land Cruiser is a more common sight than the Corolla and for a good reason.
For as long as Toyota has been a household name in Zimbabwe, the indomitable Land Cruiser 4X4 pick up has been the ultimate “tough as nails” workhorse.
Having forged a million paths in the country’s “veld and vlei” and bashed its way in and out of mines, through construction sites and up farm trails, this brand has earned an enviable reputation for versatility, ruggedness and dependability.
That’s Toyota-speaks for the more-Spartan Cruiser that has been around since 1984. In the past quarter-century, changes have been minimal.
You can order yours with the under stressed 4,2 liter inline-six diesel introduced in 1990 that develops 129 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque.
In the words of, Toyota South Africa’s General Manager of Marketing Communications, Kerry Roodt said, “If you want the world’s toughest 4WD, for work, towing, or extensive off-road travel, this is it!”
In its latest iteration, Toyota’s hard-working 70 Series Land Cruiser range came in 2013 model-year update which saw the addition of a new Double Cab version, while the headline safety feature is the adoption of ABS anti-skid brakes on all models, together with a raft of other improvements across the range.
Working a “Double” shift the newest member of the Land Cruiser 70 family was borne out of a real need to have a vehicle that combines the carrying capacity of a pick-up with the flexibility of a double cab
The vehicle has an unstoppable 4,2 litre diesel engine which is available across the range.
It provides a laudable 96 kW at 3800 revs per minute (rpm) while offering a excellent 285 Nm of torque from a low 2200 rpm. There’s also the option of the aurally stimulating 4,0 litre petrol power plant on the Land Cruiser 79 Single Cab and Double Cab.
Power comes in at 170 kW at 5600 rpm and torque is pegged at 360 Nm at 3800 rpm.
All models come standard with a differential lock, five-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive system with hardy low-range transfer box for staggering off-road ability.
The vehicle’s new ABS braking system operates when the vehicle is in H2 and H4 modes (except when differential locks are engaged).
Like before brakes are ventilated discs at the front but all 70-series models have made a massive leap forward in technology with the addition of rear disc brakes.
On the subject of safety, driver and front passenger airbags are standard across the board and the characteristic extended front bumper prevents unnecessary airbag response when doing hard-core off-roading. Suspension is the proven combination of live axles front and rear with coil springs at the front and leaf springs bringing up the rear.
Of important to note is the impressive ground clearance , the multi-talented 76 Station Wagon boasts a ground clearance of 230 mm, while the Land Cruiser 78 Wagon and 79 Pick-up variants are 235 mm above the ground, allowing the vehicle to tackle any off-road condition with aplomb.
This “never say die” trooper is equipped with twin 90-litre fuel tanks (total 180-litre capacity) and is now distinguished by twin front fog lamps.
It’s not all work, naturally prized more as a tough workhorse, there’s nevertheless a healthy dollop of retro appeal going on here as well.
Spec levels are also not purely utilitarian along with the indestructibility are more than just a few niceties. All models for example get power steering, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, air conditioning, electric windows, electric mirrors and a 12V accessory connector.
All new Land Cruiser 70 Series models come with Toyota’s comprehensive three-year per 100 000 km warranty.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter