Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) last week in Lagos strengthened its model line-up with the launch of the updated version of the original iconic Land Cruiser 70 series pickup vehicle shortly after the legendary chassis model returned to the Japanese market, after a ten-year absence, in commemoration of its 30th anniversary.
Originally launched in 1984, the Land Cruiser 70 quickly proved to be sturdy and rugged but popular, thanks to its heavy-duty construction and sheer longevity. It has proved very successful in many markets including the United Arab Emirates and other European countries. The Toyota Land Cruiser is capable, but its rugged nature is better suited to Africa than the UK.
It would be recalled that sales in Japan drew to a close in 2004 but, due to continued requests to return it to the market, Toyota has brought back the Land Cruiser 70 in Japan for about a year now and TNL is making it available for institutional buyers like the military, police, state security services, construction companies, engineering firms and other logistics providers.
For the first time in Japan a double-cab pickup variant will be offered, alongside the conventional four-door ‘van’ version. Many classic features are retained, such as the ladder-frame chassis, but both the interior and exterior have been lightly modernised.
Under the bonnet is a 4-litre ‘1GR-FE’ V6, turbo petrol engine found in the current generation of Land Cruiser. It produces 228bhp and 266lb ft, and is claimed to average 13mpg, and delivers an awesome power while offering impressive fuel economy from a tank capacity of 130-litres.
Power is transmitted to the wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and primarily to the rear wheels, although a part-time four-wheel-drive system allows for additional traction on looser surfaces. An optional limited-slip differential is also available.
For the first time ever there, it’s also offering the double-cab pickup version in addition to the traditional enclosed body. The company thinks that it can move about 200 of these classic trucks this year, which isn’t too shabby for a vehicle that’s three decades old.
The vehicle comes with a muscled and purposeful look. It is built with steel to foster greater safety and protection for occupants. Perceived as the toughest, strongest, and smartest work vehicle ever built, LC70 is not just a workhorse, it is an inspiration.
According to the consensus of Toyota Nigeria Limited team made up of Andrew Ajuyah, Bayo Olawoyin, Bukky Ogunnusi and Gerald Nze, the legendary pickup is versatile, dependable, tough and comes with extraordinary stamina to accept any challenge, no matter the terrain.
MIKE OCHONMA
