Getting to know 2.8-litre auto Land Cruiser 70 Wagon
Auto recently had the opportunity to sample what for us is one of the biggest new car arrivals of 2024. We had a new Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Wagon at our disposal on a business trip to Jozi. Not the ideal hunting ground for the King of Africa, but that made little difference in the end.
The big news around this latest Cruiser, is its step to the tried and tested 150 kW 500 Nm 2.8-litre four cylinder and its six-speed box. You should know then well. They’re nicked from the Hilux, and others. Need any better introduction? The new combo comes in all three of the single and double cab, and this station wagon ‘Cruiser 70 body shapes.
biggest news is under that fat new bonnet
First thing you notice is that the Land Cruiser 70 Series returns to round headlamps and a fresh grille and look. It includes a fatter new bonnet intended to look a bit meaner too, and that certainly has worked. Even in the concrete jungle, more people physically came up to me to compliment it than any other car I’ve driven. “Big car strong car,” more than one observer chirped. The facelift is growing on me, although I’d immediately black out the chrome bumper if it were mine!
But the biggest news lurks under the bonnet. Many may argue, but this torque-rich four-cylinder automatic certainly does propel the 70 into the future. It’s better, faster, pulls harder, and is easier to drive. All while being far more economical. Don’t worry if you’re a V8 diesel or straight-six gas or oil burner fan. All three still continue with their 5-speed manual transmissions too. For now.
This four-pot has of course been tweaked for its implant to the 70 Series. Cooling is enhanced for low speed work to ensure best performance in toughest conditions, and heavy towing. All models also retain a 3,500 kilogram braked towing capacity. I wasn’t able to test it on this run, but with the auto and the 2.8 being more responsive down low, we expect when we do get round to tricky off road driving, it will be far easier at that.
70 Wagon Spec promise made us giggle
While on the drivetrain, just to remind you that the Land Cruiser 70 Series range continues with its tough as Africa part-time 4×4 with low-range. Those durable and dependable, tried and tested live axles and front coil suspension remain in charge. This new four-cylinder however adds front and rear locking differentials, and Downhill Assist.
I had to giggle when considering Toyota’s chirp about spec. This base version basically has none! The durable grey fabric chairs are comfy enough, and this Wagon gets a new 60:40 split-folding-second-row seats that tumble forward to maximise cargo space. And wow! Upgraded multimedia brings a new screen and systems without taking away any of the good old knobs and buttons the Cruiser is famous for.
But this nine-hundred and ninety-nine grand Station Wagon LC76 2.8 GD-6 Diesel 6AT is still pathetically under-specced for the price. There are no power mirrors, no reverse camera, only auto down window on the driver side, which in this case came with a complementary squeak, etc.
Long live 70 Wagon, King of Africa!
All that said, these new interior storage updates were desperately needed. A new centre console opens up to a storage box, cupholder and multiple small item compartments. They certainly do make a big difference. And if you want a bit of spec, then there’s always the Wagon VX that adds leather, Rockford Fosgate sound, a new reversing camera and even an optional fridge.
Not that any of that lack of anything will ever make a difference on this most popular South African icon. It’s exactly what we what want and expect from a 70. Never mind, on first impressions, this 2.8 adds so much character that I’m prepared to completely ignore the price! And I’m delighted to know that the King of Africa will keep its crown for a long, long time to come. – Giordano Lupini