Style: May 06, 2016

Style | motoring 69
THe speCs
PRice: Toyota Land Cruiser VX, $143,990.
Dimensions: Length, 4990mm;
width, 1980mm; height, 1945mm.
configuRation: V8, four-wheel-drive,
4661cc, 200kW, 650Nm, six-speed automatic.
PeRfoRmance: 0-100km/h, 9sec.
engine barely turning over at just 1800rpm.
Drive is sent through a six-speed transmission and it is a beauty
in terms of refinement and shift quality. How it harnesses that huge
torque flow yet delivers with such sophistication amazes me.
The Land Cruiser has ride quality to envy. It floats over bumps
and ruts, yet has the rugged essentials so that off-road travel can be
completed capably. and that is the secret of Land Cruiser, it is soft and
sultry to drive in the everyday environment, yet it is technically superior
when it comes to life off-the-beaten-track.
I took the evaluation car on a riverbank route that follows the
ashley river. It was perfect for the role with huge grip and drive
programs that can be dialled in depending on the surface likely to
be encountered. The two main dials are for low and high range, but
there is also a crawl control mechanism and multi-terrain select, which
regulates wheelspin depending on the type of ground encountered.
The driver can dial up the appropriate setting within the choices.
The Land Cruiser is complex, there’s no denying that, but the result
is extraordinary off-road prowess. It is so capable the driver can glean
confidence from the vehicle, and yet at the same time each occupant is
cocooned in a lap of luxury.
The test car was the range-topping VX Limited model that sits at
$143,500, there is a lower spec model at $121, 900; however, if you
are serious about off-roading the Limited would be the best pick with
its kinetic dynamic suspension system that improves ride quality and
performance off-road.
Not only has the Land Cruiser been given a makeover, it is still the
quintessential family wagon with eight seats, perfect for the school
run or whatever the constraints are during city driving. Interior space
and associated comfort is vast, and it has a high level of safety for all
occupants.
Convenience features are too numerous to mention but there are
the usual high profile items such as satellite navigation, electric driver’s
seat, four-zone climate control, sophisticated audio and complex trip
computer, the latter displayed through two digital dash panel readouts.
At almost 5m the Land Cruiser makes no apologies for its size, but it
has ability in a corner which adds to the feeling of control; it sits solidly
on the road, while steerage is relatively precise through huge tyres
(285/60 x 18in yokohama Geolander).
The Land Cruiser is most certainly an off-road champion, yet it also
serves in the everyday role. Thousands of buyers new and pre-owned
from Japan will attest to that, there are many on our roads, and the
facelift model builds heavily on that success.
The following
services are available
Mercedes benz, bMw & audi
specialists
service & repair
• Servicing - Lube and Tune • Fuel Injection
• Auto - Electrical • Transmission Servicing
• Brake Servicing • WOF Repairs • Suspension repairs
• Engine Reconditioning • Pre Purchase apparisal
• Lastest diagnostic equipment
324-328 St Asaph Street, Christchurch | P. 365 0531
Hours. Monday - Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm
E. service@kevinburtltd.co.nz www.kevinburtltd.co.nz
About us
Since 1976 our company has
been the leading independent
specialist in Mercedes Benz,
BMW and Audi servicing in
Christchurch - offering a cost
effective alternative to the
franchised dealer.
Kevin Burt Ltd is a owner/
operator business and services
in excess of 2000 Mercedes-
Benz, BMW and Audi cars every
year - from classic models to
the more recent.
Owners: >>>
Kevin and
Maxine