Toyota Land Cruiser 200 is now a production model / Toyota test drives

The lifespan of the previous generation Land Cruiser turned out to be quite decent by modern standards. It has been replaced by a completely new "two hundred" model, which shares not only recognizable design in the corporate style with its predecessor. Contrary to the expectations of skeptics, the flagship "cruiser" did not abandon the frame and retained the dependent rear suspension. The frame received zones of programmed deformation to improve passive safety, and torsional and bending rigidity indicators became noticeably higher. The body dimensions have hardly changed — the length of the SUV still does not exceed five meters.

EIGHT CYLINDERS

In marketing materials, the new product is positioned as the new Land Cruiser V8 — and for good reason. Under the hood, only eight-cylinder units can now be installed. Two options are provided for the European market. The gasoline one is a refined version of the 2UZ-FE engine familiar from the "hundredth" model, with a volume of 4.7 liters. Its output has increased to 288 horsepower, and now it meets the Euro-4 environmental standard.

The second engine is a completely new development. We are talking about a 4.5-liter turbo diesel V8 with direct injection, designated by the index 1VD-FTV. Its power varies depending on the sales market. For the Russian version, which complies with Euro-3 standards, 235 hp is stated. In Scandinavia and Turkey, the engine develops 265 hp. But in other markets, the diesel produces 286 hp, which is almost comparable to the gasoline unit.

The buyer will not be given a choice of gearbox. The gasoline engine works exclusively with a five-speed automatic transmission, and the diesel with a six-speed one. Both gearboxes are equipped with a manual shift mode.

LSD, NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH LSD

The drive scheme has not changed. It is a permanent all-wheel drive, supplemented by the possibility of manual locking of the center differential. Moreover, the differential itself is now not free, but of the Torsen LSD type (limited slip). Torque between the axles is distributed without the participation of electronics, depending on the surface and load, but this ratio is limited to between 30:70 and 70:30. The low range in the transmission, of course, remains. And to get ahead of competitors, Toyota engineers were the first in the world to introduce the Crawl Control system. A three-position switch (available only on gasoline versions) allows you to move at a snail's pace: 1, 3, or 5 km/h. Off-road, this is very helpful.

On the left, in a corrugated cover, hides the strut of the KDSS stabilizer stiffness control system

Just in case, door opening cylinders are hidden in the handles. Their key lives inside the key fob

The arsenal of electronic assistants has also expanded. There is a VSC stability control system, A-TRC traction control, DAC downhill and HAC uphill assist. It is noteworthy that when the center differential lock is activated, the electronic stability systems are turned off. Among other assistants, it is worth highlighting the advanced ABS Multi-Terrain. It adequately responds to the situation under the wheels and does not allow errors like braking the unloaded wheel.

OFF-ROAD RELAXED

The chassis, at first glance, has not changed much. Except that springs appeared at the front instead of torsion bars. However, the main innovation is electronically controlled anti-roll bars, which for Russia are now included in the basic equipment. This hydraulic system is called KDSS. The electronics itself decides what to do with the stabilizers at a particular moment. On asphalt, they are clamped, and off-road they are relaxed. Thanks to KDSS, the new Land Cruiser has retained impressive suspension travel, like the previous model. But this is not the only plus: on asphalt, body rolls are much less than you would expect from a heavy frame SUV with a high center of gravity. In other markets, the 4W AHS@AVS system is offered, which adjusts the ground clearance. There are also simplified suspension options without any systems. By the way, the Land Cruiser has noticeably "matured": versions with solid axles and simple inline engines have disappeared completely. And it's a pity...

The Crawl Control system allows you to crawl at a speed of 1.3 or 5 km/h without touching the pedals

EVERYTHING FOR THE HUMAN

Inside the car, many new details have appeared. The engine is started with a button, and the key hidden in the key fob will only be useful for mechanically opening the doors if the battery dies. Four-zone climate control will allow each passenger to arrange a personal Tashkent or, conversely, Magadan. Air ducts are also connected to the third row of seats — all versions, by the way, are seven-seater. Ten airbags are responsible for safety, including knee airbags and curtains for all three rows. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable in many directions and remembers settings for three profiles. There is a navigation system with a touch screen (works in Russia too), DVD, and a parking assistant using a rear-view camera. The steering column is electronically adjustable for reach and tilt. In the central armrest there is a cooled box that can hold a dozen 0.33-liter cans. The only surprising thing is the absence of xenon headlights with such rich equipment.

About the seating, I will say this: in the front, anyone will be comfortable. In the second row, there is enough legroom for passengers. But it cannot be called limitless — the high frame, which raises the floor, takes its toll. As for the third row, the seats themselves are not bad, but there is nowhere to stretch your legs, and they sit quite low. Children's... ON THE PAVEMENT With powerful engines and adaptive suspensions (in our case, it's KDSS), the new SUV holds the road very confidently on asphalt. The steering wheel is informative, the effort on it is precise and pleasant. Visibility is beyond reproach. The only thing that upset me was the operation of the HAC system. On the upper range of the transfer case, it does not hold the car on an incline. Before a complete stop, the car rolls back about a meter. And this is with a slight slope and the D position engaged on the automatic transmission. Engine braking is also weakly expressed — even in manual transmission mode. Perhaps a different firmware of the gearbox control unit would fix the situation.

On a mountain serpentine, the driver's seat showed a lack of lateral support. In addition, the sound insulation disappointed: the diesel is clearly audible, which is unforgivable for a car of this class. The gasoline unit runs quieter, and according to the on-board computer, its appetite is practically no different from the diesel. During active driving, both engines consumed an average of about 20 liters per hundred. OFF-ROAD Among long-wheelbase SUVs with all-wheel drive, the new Land Cruiser has one of the best geometric cross-country capabilities. All key components are placed so that it is quite difficult to damage them. The high bumpers also pleased — no "bulldozer faces" like many modern classmates.

During the test, Toyota representatives demonstrated the car's capabilities in the mountains. The spectacle was truly impressive. Looking at the "two hundredth" parked on the asphalt, I could not have imagined that it could handle such rocky terrain. The off-road reserve of strength is colossal — if, of course, you do not go into swamps and remember the mass. The ground clearance here is even slightly more than that of its predecessor. And yet I am ready to argue that no one in their right mind would drive it into real mud. The cost is biting, and it would be a pity to tear off a part. Then why drag a heavy frame, a solid axle, and a serious transmission on asphalt? Such an atavism from those times when a car had to be able to do everything. But it is pleasant to realize that if fate presents a surprise, this car will not give up without a fight. Be that as it may, in Russia there is already demand for the new flagship: five thousand orders have been collected.