Essentially a clean sheet design, this latest top-of-the-range Land Cruiser follows the tried and tested formula of a strong, all steel body mounted on a ladder type frame for the highest level of durability in tough operating conditions – the type of conditions that have led to the Land Cruiser laying claim to the title “Master of Africa”.
For added safety, an energy absorbing structure is built into the frame. This structure reacts with reinforced areas on the underbody of the vehicle.
Impact absorbing materials now strengthen the cabin and the new 200 is equipped with frontal air bags for the driver and front passenger and knee airbags for both seats. Side airbag protection is provided for the front seats and outer seats in the second row. Curtain shield airbags provide side impact protection for all three rows of seats. Three point seat belts are provided for all seven seats.
The front seat headrests feature Toyota's WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) active head restraint technology.
The latest Land Cruiser is fitted with a full suite of electronic driver aids such as “Multi-terrain” ABS which, in addition to the conventional anti lock-function that prevents the brakes from locking under normal driving conditions, is also able to detect off-road conditions such as loose sand and automatically switches to an optimised setting for the given road conditions.
The system is assisted by Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EDB), Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
The traction control system on the Land Cruiser 200 is an Active TRAC system for improved off-road traction which is boosted by Downhill Assist Control (DAC). Also standard now is Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and a high-tech CRAWL system that allows the vehicle to maintain a low uniform speed over the roughest ground by controlling engine throttle inputs (power output) and brake pressure to individual wheels.
The suspension now features coil springs to replace the traditional torsion bar set up for the front suspension of the new Land Cruiser 200. This change contributes to improved comfort and ride characteristics with improved steering feel. With the change to coil springs comes an increase in suspension travel from 200mm to 230mm for better off-road traction.
At the rear, the well-proven 4-link coil system is retained but this has been further developed with revised suspension geometry for improved ride comfort and handling. Off-road performance is also improved. Rear suspension travel is 240mm.
The new Land Cruiser also sports KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) which is a newly developed world first in suspension technology for Toyota, but unfortunately too technical to explain in detail here.
Footnote: bizcommunity.com Motoring Editor Henrie Geyser says: “I drove one of the first new 200's shortly after it arrived in South Africa and it is a seriously high-tech, very capable off-roader. With all its new fancy electronic driver and safety kit, this Land Cruiser 200 sets new standards for vehicle control in this class. There's going to be a keen demand for this vehicle, so if you are interested I would suggest you book a test drive and get your name and deposit down quickly.”
