Page 20 - Motoring Winter 2022

TEST REVIEW TOYOTA

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 300

3.5T ZX

ot long ago, I tested the new adventures but is rather the ‘Urban Cruiser’ version. This is mainly due to the low front spoiler on
Land Cruiser 300 in ‘base’ GX-R this version that seriously reduces available angles and manoeuvrability. The hardware and actual
Nspecification powered by the 3.3l ability are all there, but I was not taking any chances with this R1.8 million luxury beast.
turbodiesel powerplant. At the time, I felt Luckily, a colleague had the GR Sport derivative on test, so we used that for some off-roading
that although the price reduction over the instead, to test the abilities of the vehicle. Engaging all the hardware is simple and we even used
full spec models is significant, there were the trick button that enables you to reduce the turning circle when in crawl mode.
some items missing that I would expect on In ZX spec, the vehicle includes every possible luxury feature that you would expect for your
this vehicle. money, including space for up to 7 passengers and even screens for rear seat passengers. I was
When offered another test, I very quickly rather surprised that a panoramic roof is not included in this type of vehicle.
opted for the luxury version but powered At the end of the day, as much as the sporty performance of the petrol version is fun, fuel
by the 3.5l turbopetrol engine this time. It’s consumption of 12.5l/100km with very careful driving plus the factor of greater diesel availability
almost a sports version compared to the in the bundu would make me choose the diesel version. Luckily, Toyota offers both ZX and GR
more sensible and logical diesel, especially if Sport with both petrol and diesel options, so it’s no problem.
you actually plan to use the Cruiser to fulfil I know which I would choose to head across Africa, all I need is a sponsor. n
its true potential and head out across Africa.
The contrast between the two power Use this link to watch our video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0Z0GI6-jQM
options is mind-boggling. While the diesel
is no slouch, with its 225kW and 700Nm of
diesel-lugging power, you now have 305kW
and 650Nm of turbopetrol responsiveness
that makes a mockery of the sheer size and
weight of the vehicle.
The standard 10-speed automatic
transmission is seamless and smooth and
offers the usual modes in normal 2-wheel
drive motoring. For off-roading, it’s simply a
matter of pressing some buttons to engage
4WD or low range, diff-lock or even crawl
mode.
Before venturing out to the ADA off-road
facility, I was cautioned by Toyota that the
ZX model is not actually suited for such

MOTORING | Winter 2022 | 18