Toyota goes back to its roots with the ‘go-anywhere’ Land Cruiser 4x4

“We have changed our perception and believe that this Land Cruiser model should be offered as a practical and affordable off-roader. We resolved that going back to our roots would be core to the Land Cruiser brand going forward.”

The new one has just been in the brand’s body-on-frame new global architecture GA-F platform.

It provides the foundation for increased rigidity and response, ride and handling on- and off-road, it says, citing the mantra that it is capable of taking you “anywhere and everywhere, and bring you back safe and sound”.

Due to an agreed embargo on driving impressions, I can’t say any more about tackling some fairly serious terrain in Scotland (quagmires, steep near-vertical muddy slopes and miles of rattle-your-teeth stony routes). I will return with driving impressions.

Designed primarily for the bulk of buyers such as Irish farmers and businesses who want a hard-wearing, hard-working machine with permanent 4WD, it is designed to be as comfortable as possible on the tarmac too.

The 8spd automatic transmission and tech modes mean it can crawl at a snail’s pace with enormous traction.

Or whish along good roads in virtual silence with a stabiliser disconnect system designed to improve on-road handling and ride. That’s what Toyota says.

As of now, there are only four prototypes in Europe and all four were in Scotland for our test drives. The irony won’t be lost on most people that Toyota is launching in the land of its arch-rival, the Land Rover Defender.

Propelling the 4x4 was a revised 2.8 turbodiesel (204bhp, massive 500Nm torque). It has a towing weight of 3,500kgs. Overall length is 4,925mm, width 1,980mm, height 1,935mm and a 2,850 wheelbase.

The shortened front overhang creates loads of room inside – enough to take seven occupants – and gives the vehicle a much different look to its predecessors: what Toyota calls “the functional beauty”.

However, most Cruisers bought by Irish customers will be Commercials (north of €70,000, I’d say, €100,000-plus for the Passengers). It is due here in quarter four of this year. Toyota expects sales of up to 1,500 for the commercials – dwarfing passenger volumes.

There will be a mild hybrid diesel 2.8-litre next year: it combines the engine, a 48V electric motor-generator, a 48V lithium-ion battery and a stop-start system. Deep windows and snubby snout serve more than aesthetic purposes; you get wonderful all-round visibility. And for the bits you can’t see there are numerous cameras and sensors, some under the body – a 360-degree monitor lets you “see” what would otherwise go unseen.

There is an impressive array of assists for safety and performance and the latest multi-media systems. The multi-media system is accessed via high-definition touchscreen (8-inch Commercial, 12.3-inch Passenger). It is the first Cruiser to have electric power steering. Depending on the model grade, there will be 18-inch or 20-inch alloys. Kneepads and padded door shoulders provide protection for when the going gets tough.

The First Edition models we ­initially drove have round and more central headlights as part of getting back to its origins – mind you, the other model also looks well up front.

Chief engineer Moritsu believes diesel and petrol have a future, as do large 4x4s.

He made that assertion in response to an Independent Motors question. In the most animated manner of his presentation it was obvious he firmly believes that fossil-fuel large motors will continue for some time because customers need such cars to get them anywhere and return safely – a theme of the launch.

Mr Moritsu’s enthusiasm for the Land Cruiser, its technological prowess and its muscular, flexible power train was there for everyone to see. I found it interesting considering that Toyota says “diesel is dead”. It’s not dead yet. Especially not for thousands of buyers in 170 countries and regions lining up to buy a new diesel Land Cruiser. ​