Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon Range
Market forces dictate that when it comes to premium 4x4s, image is often more important than ability off road. Whilst there is no shortage of choices for these customers, those that hanker for a big, top quality 4x4 that can roll up its sleeves and muck in are a little more limited. The Toyota Landcruiser Amazon has always been a bulletproof bet and now its more civilised than ever.
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With the introduction of the next generation Landcruiser below it, the Amazon has come in for a few nip, tucks and tweaks in order to keep it fresh. Few bystanders will notice the subtle changes to the styling. There is a new-look grille with three horizontal bars and a larger Toyota insignia and both front and rear light units have been slightly restyled. Three new metallic paint finishes are available: Tyrol Silver, Slate Blue and Island Green. Where standard equipment is concerned, an automatically dipping electrochromic rear view mirror has been introduced. Plus an ICE system, comprising a DVD player with twin front headrest mounted monitors and infra red headsets, increases the fun factor for long journeys. The package, newly available as an accessory, can play movies and CDs and is compatible with computer gaming systems.
Safety has been beefed up in recent times through the fitment of twin front, side and curtain airbags as standard as well as a revolutionary steering system that Toyota claim to be a world first. Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) utilises a box of tricks which electronically measures steering input and vehicle speed to calculate precisely the optimum steering angle. With better steering feel and response, its a generation on from the usual speed sensitive power steering systems were used to.
"Despite the rugged appeal of the Amazon, its long been known by industry insiders to offer Lexus-like levels of equipment"
Despite the rugged appeal of the Amazon, its long been known by industry insiders to offer Lexus-like levels of equipment. The latest model features Electro Multi-Vision, a wide screen touch sensitive display which includes sophisticated functions such as A DVD navigation system. Dual zone air conditioning helps reduce arguments in the cabin which is just as well because Toyota have fitted Rear Seat Audio, a system which allows rear seat passengers to make their own choice of music source independently of the front deck. The prospect of an audio battle between Turandot and the Tweenies becomes a very real possibility.
The mighty 4.7-litre engine continues as before but its these days mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. Dubbed Super ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission), this box extracts a little more performance from the leviathan V8 whilst at the same time eking out better fuel consumption figures. Those whose perception of fuel economy doesnt extend to the occasional dip into single figures will be reassured by the availability of the 4.
2-litre turbo diesel unit. Toyota expects a majority of buyers to opt for the turbo diesel, thanks to the lower asking price (from £48,245), the manual transmission option and the better fuel economy. Most models come fitted with air conditioning, cruise control, ABS, remote central locking, twin airbags, a CD system with autochanger, alloy wheels and side steps. Plus of course those two extra (removable) foldaway seats in the rear.
On the road, the Landcruiser Amazon trades punches with its British and German rivals. On one hand, it's quieter; on the move, even the turbo diesel is near silent, while the V8 is hardly audible at all. Body roll used to be something of an issue if you pressed hard, but the latest models electronically modulated suspension (TEMS) adjusts the damping hundreds of times per second. This means a tauter ride through corners and less lurch, Active Height Control (AHC) offers the driver the opportunity to raise the car by 50mm for heavy off road work or lower it by the same amount to aid entry and exit. This was originally developed to aid oil sheikhs who kept tripping over their robes getting in and out.
.. We liked the detail touches. The heated rear side windows, the power-operated rear quarter vents and the way the air conditioning splits the climate front and rear.
Plus of course, there are a huge number of cup holders; this, after all, is a car you can stretch out and relax in. Those worried that the Toyota Landcruiser Amazon had gone soft in any way can rest assured. Despite the bigger alloy wheels and improved on-road handling, the Amazon is categorically not trying to be a Mercedes M-Class or a BMW X5. What it represents is the real deal, the apex of monster off-roaders this side of an army-issue Humvee.
You may question its relevance in a world beset by environmental concerns but its impossible to begrudge its existence. So much these days is sanitised, watered down and homogenised that when something as unapologetic as the Amazon arrives its almost shocking. Toyota would have it no other way.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Landcruiser Amazon range
PRICES: £48,245-£50,930 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 292-387g/km
PERFORMANCE: [TD] 0-60mph 13.6s / Max Speed 106mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TD] (Combined) 25mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags / ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE: Length/Width/Heightmm 4890/1940/1880
