V8 diesel powers top Toyota Land Cruiser

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Introduction

Toyota's Land Cruiser badge has long been associated with no-nonsense reliability and tough off-road ability. There's a new version though, which is kitted out with enough luxury equipment to warrant it being badged a Lexus in some markets. Don't let that fool you, however, as underneath is a car that is designed to pummel most terrains into submission, while towing any load you are ever likely to throw at it.

You may have noticed that this particular Land Cruiser differs aesthetically from the run of the mill models. It's actually a completely different car and powered by an impressive 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel, you'd hope that it's rather different in character too to the humdrum workhorse versions bearing the same name.

What are its rivals?

In terms of engineering and on-paper ability, the Toyota's main competitor would appear to be VW's V10-engined Touareg, though in fairness the VW has the Land Cruiser licked in most aspects, with more power and a lower sticker price. The Toyota is more economical though, if such a thing is important in this market sector.

Prestige models, such as the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL, also enter the equation and perhaps even Porsche's Cayenne. This Land Cruiser occupies a space in the market that is packed with accomplished and desirable machinery, a sector in which buyers may not see the appeal of a Toyota badge, even if at heart it's a Lexus.

How does it drive?

It would be unfair to expect the Land Cruiser - weighing in at over two and a half tonnes - to handle like a sports saloon, and it doesn't. However, the pace on tap from the V8 gives the impression that you are driving something much sportier. The benchmark 0-62mph time is 8.2 seconds, which is quick enough, but it's the effortless accumulation of speed that impresses most.

Sadly, once you've got up to speed, you'll inevitably need to slow down again and that's where the weight makes itself felt. The brakes are up to the task (designed, as they are, to cope with a large towed load), but the nose of the car dives for the ground under anything but the gentlest braking. Likewise, corners are a fraught affair, with ship-like lean and large roll angles. The dampers are adjustable though, which means the driver can choose to eradicate so much movement of the body. The compromise is an overly hard ride.

What's impressive?

Buyers trading up from other Toyotas will be greeted to an interior designed for a Lexus, so it is massively comfortable, full of goodies and quite luxurious. A huge amount of space helps to enhance the luxury impression and there are seven seats to occupy should the need arise.

Many buyers will use this type of vehicle to tow and the Land Cruiser is rated to tow up to 3,500kg safely. The torquey engine should have no problem shrugging that off and still accelerating hard away from the lights.

What's not?

For all its Lexus components and extensive list of goodies, the Land Cruiser doesn't feel like a premium product. This is more to do with the style of the interior than the quality though - it's a little dated.

The ride/handling compromise is never resolved either, no matter what setting the adjustable dampers are in. You either put up with unnerving dip, dive and roll or be prepared to have your fillings rattled.

Finally, there's the image. As mentioned, this Land Cruiser is just humungous and though its diesel engine probably uses a little less fuel than some of its petrol rivals, it will be seen as a large, unnecessary SUV by a lot of people.

Should I buy one?

It's hard to recommend it in truth. Despite a feeling of invincibility, the V8 Land Cruiser isn't special enough to justify its price against the likely competition. Saying that, it will be much rarer than any of the alternatives on the market and that alone may be enough for some. Not for us though.

Shane O' Donoghue

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