Land Cruiser 70 Series: The Rugged Retro -Revamp That Refuses to Retire!

Automotive evolution often means slapping a touchscreen the size of a small country into the dash and calling it innovation, Toyota has decided to buck the trend with its latest update to the venerable Land Cruiser 70 Series. That’s right, folks, the automotive equivalent of a sturdy pair of hiking boots has been given a polish, some new laces, and a fancy insole to boot (pun intended).

Under the bonnet, or “metal” if we’re being all technical and stuff, the Land Cruiser 70 Series has decided to join the modern era without losing its old-school charm. Gone are the days when your only choice was a manual transmission that required a workout akin to an Olympic weightlifting session. Now, Toyota introduces the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that promises not to spill your morning coffee as you navigate the outback. This new powertrain churns out a hefty 150kW at 3400rpm and a torquey 500Nm from 1600-2800rpm, ensuring you have enough grunt to tow your house (if it’s on wheels and weighs no more than 3500kg, that is).

Mechanical tweaks have been made to ensure this beast doesn’t break a sweat, even when towing your life’s possessions across the Sahara. And for those who enjoy a bit of off-road ballet, front and rear locking differentials are now included to ensure you maintain grace under pressure.

Aesthetically, the 70 Series is throwing it back to the good old days with a new square grille that screams retro, adorned with the classic ‘TOYOTA’ lettering that could probably be seen from space. It’s like Toyota raided the parts bin from the past, with a nod to the 75 Series and a wink to the original 40 Series model, ensuring this Land Cruiser won’t be mistaken for anything else on the road.

Inside, the Land Cruiser has been dragged into the 21st century, albeit kicking and screaming. A new centre console offers more storage than a Swiss Army knife, and the Station Wagon variants now feature second-row seats with 60:40 split-folding functionality, perfect for when you need to transport your newfound treasure or a small fridge, because, why not?

Safety hasn’t been ignored either, with Downhill Assist Control (DAC) for those heart-stopping moments on steep declines, and a reversing camera for the VX variant to avoid any “oops” moments while backing up.

The colour palette remains as classic as ever, with choices ranging from Ivory White to Dark Blue, ensuring you can match your Land Cruiser to your mood or your wardrobe.

In conclusion, the upgraded Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series is like a fine wine that’s decided to enroll in CrossFit; it’s gotten a bit more refined with age but hasn’t lost its rugged charm. With its new powertrain, retro styling, and a sprinkle of modern technology, it’s ready to tackle both the urban jungle and the actual jungle. So, if you’re in the market for an automotive icon that refuses to follow the crowd, the new Land Cruiser 70 Series might just be the ticket. Just don’t forget to pack that optional fridge.

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