In among the range of 4×4 announcements that have emerged so far this week, Toyota has moved to unveil its new 2014 Land Cruiser model.
Changes are to be made both inside and out, whilst drivers will soon benefit from the vehicle’s improved handling.
Both the three and five-door models have undergone these changes and improvements, with the face of the vehicle presenting the most startling revision.
Featuring a new grille, headlamps, deeper front bumper and rounded fog lights, the vehicle’s headshot is a much more modern take on the previous design.
The grille itself is more prominent, with the five vertical bars, in either a metallic or silver finish, providing a “stronger appearance” and merging into the upper front bumper.
With regard to the bumper, there is now a two-step design, which provides further protection for the headlights. While it adds 20mm to the front overhang, there is no change to the vehicle’s turning circle, or its approach angle when driving off-road.
Changes to the headlights make them less prone to damage when off-road, with a slightly higher location and as part of a single unit with the grille there is reduced vulnerability.
However, it’s not just the outside of the car that has seen aesthetic developments, but the inside has too – as well as new comfort features.
The interior features new trims and detailing to improve the quality, and the centre console now features a switch panel to bring together both the controls for on and off roading. This includes a five-mode dial for the Multi-Terrain Select and five-step Crawl Control. There are also new switches for all-wheel drive and Adaptive Variable Suspension.
Furthermore, the dashboard has also received changes to make it easier to access and monitor the vehicle’s drive systems.
The new model is intended to take on board new technologies which will extend the vehicle’s capabilities, when on- and off-road.
Tech-lovers will also welcome the introduction of a new 4.2 TFT colour screen, and controls added to the steering wheel. These will allow drivers to select options like tyre pressure warnings and headlamp levelling, traction control “off” confirmation and blind spot monitor alerts which have now been added.
The speedometer and tachometer also have been given a facelift, with thinner needles and blue illumination.
For passengers, the access to the third row seating in the vehicle has been made even easier, as the second row seats have had the folding angle increased from 33.8 to 46 degrees.
In addition to the new blind spot monitor technology, safety has been improved in other areas of the vehicle.
A rear cross traffic alert system has also been implemented, using radar technology to alert drivers to vehicles approaching from either side which might not be entirely visible. Lights in the door mirrors will flash and a buzzer will sound if a vehicle is approaching.
On the whole, the vehicle has been designed to be more rugged when off-road, but this will not have a huge impact on comfort.
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