Toyota's Land Cruiser 300 makes its debut
There is no denying that the Land Cruiser holds a rich and long heritage in South Africa. So, it gives locals great pleasure knowing that the Land Cruiser 300 model will be hitting our shores. The flagship 300 models will be the successor of the ‘200-series’ model and will feature a new design, as well as new petrol and diesel powertrains.
In terms of exterior design, the 300 series will get an appealing rectangular theme. Its front facia is set to reinforce the Land Cruiser's Master of Africa status. It will feature new styled lights, with the horizontal slats coming with either black or chrome accents. The front radiator will come in a U-shape, creating a bold and solid appearance. At the rear, the 300 series will employ LED lamps, further enhancing its sporty appeal.
As for engine options, the Land Cruiser 300 will introduce two all-new engines. It will range from a 3.5-litre twin-turbo Petrol V6 engine and a 3.3-litre turbodiesel V6 engine. Both engines will feature the latest Toyota technology and promises to achieve excellent performance. The Petrol V6 will be borrowed from the Lexus LS500, and will deliver an output of 305kW and 650 Nm of torque. The turbodiesel V6 engine option will produce 227kW and 700 Nm of torque. Both engine options will come equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The 300 series will adopt the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. This new TNGA design will see the Land Cruiser 300 get pioneered with new welding techniques, as well as a reconfiguration in the drivetrain placement. The development team has not only focussed on improving the off-road capabilities, but also the on-road performance and driving comfort.
The local introduction date for the Land Cruiser 300 is set for August of this year. More details, pricing, and model line-up will be revealed in due time.
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 cost in South Africa?
Toyota hasn't released official pricing yet, but expect the Land Cruiser 300 to start around R1,200,000 for the base diesel model, with top-spec petrol variants likely pushing towards R1,500,000 or more when it launches in August.
Q: Is the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 worth buying?
If you need the ultimate go-anywhere SUV and have deep pockets, absolutely, the Land Cruiser 300's proven reliability, massive torque figures of 650-700 Nm, and legendary resale value make it worth every rand for serious off-roaders.
Q: What engines are available in the Land Cruiser 300?
The Land Cruiser 300 comes with two brand-new engines: a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 producing 305kW and 650 Nm, plus a 3.3-litre turbodiesel V6 delivering 227kW and 700 Nm, both paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Q: When will the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 be available in South Africa?
Toyota has confirmed the Land Cruiser 300 will arrive in South Africa in August 2021, with full pricing and model lineup details to be announced closer to the launch date.
Q: How does the Land Cruiser 300 compare to the previous 200 series?
The Land Cruiser 300 is a massive upgrade over the 200 series, featuring Toyota's new TNGA platform, significantly more powerful engines with up to 78kW more power, better fuel efficiency, and improved on-road comfort without compromising legendary off-road ability.
Should You Buy It?
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is hands down the best serious off-road SUV money can buy in South Africa, even at an expected starting price of around R1,200,000. With 700 Nm of torque from the diesel V6, Toyota's bulletproof reliability, and resale values that'll make your accountant smile, this is the ultimate investment for farmers, adventure seekers, and anyone who needs to get absolutely anywhere. Sure, it's not cheap, but when you're stuck in the Kalahari sand, you'll be grateful you bought the real deal instead of a pretender.
