By Steve & Tamami Laser
Toyota’s iconic Land Cruiser 200 has received a refresh in Japan with cosmetic enhancements inside and out plus a host of newly available safety features. The long-running Land Cruiser has topped global production of 8 million units since first making its debut as a utilitarian model way back in 1951.
Toyota says a refined, flowing design, marked by elevated horizontal character lines, extends throughout the vehicle. By hollowing out the hood center section while maintaining a convex shape from hood to grill, the entire front section strikes a muscular, imposing stance. This is further accentuated by a new three-bar grill, the metallic garnish of which extends horizontally across the LED headlights.
Similarly, the rear license garnish extends across the rear combination lamps, which themselves stretch across the rear liftgate to the edge of the vehicle. Overall, the rear profile projects a sense of unity, width and stability says Toyota.
To improve functionality, switches and displays have been gathered and grouped by function in the center cluster. Six LED-backlit meters convey the status of the vehicle at a single glance. Hairline decorations also adorn the gauge cluster which, along with improved textures, now features a 4.2-inch TFT color LCD screen.
The headliner is now available in black, and the interior offers four colors to choose from including a new shade of brown. The seats are adorned with genuine semi-aniline leather.
The Toyota Safety Sense P active safety package comes standard on all grades. Toyota Safety Sense P is a higher-spec version of the Toyota Safety Sense C package, which debuted earlier this year on the Corolla in Japan. As the standard-bearer for the Land Cruiser nameplate, Toyota considered the Land Cruiser 200 to be the perfect model to showcase this advanced new safety package. Toyota describes the Safety Sense P including the following functions:
Pre-collision System with pedestrian detection. This system uses millimeter-wave radar and a single-lens camera to detect pedestrians in addition to vehicles. To help prevent or mitigate collisions, the system activates an audio and visual alert in addition to brake assist, followed by automated braking if the driver does not brake in time. Automated braking operates at relative speeds of between approximately 10 to 80 km/h for reducing potential damage or collisions with pedestrians and can reduce speed by approximately 30 km/h. For potential collisions with or damage from other vehicles, the enhanced PCS system included with the Toyota Safety Sense P package operates at relative speeds of between approximately 10 km/h and the vehicle’s top speed, reducing speed by approximately 40 km/h.
Lane Departure Alert (LDA) uses a camera to detect white and yellow lane markings. If the vehicle starts to deviate from the lane, LDA alerts the driver with an audio and visual alert.
Automatic High Beam (AHB) helps ensure excellent forward visibility during nighttime driving. It uses a camera to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the tail lights of vehicles ahead, and then automatically switches between high beams and low beams to not dazzle other drivers.
All models feature a Blind Spot Monitor, which uses radar to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and helps with rear view assessment when changing lanes. Additionally, a Rear Cross Traffic Alert system warns the driver when the Blind Spot Monitor detects a nearby vehicle when backing out of parking lots. Finally, hazard lights automatically flash during sudden braking as a signal to warn vehicles in the rear.
The Tire Pressure Warning System on the Multi-Information Display monitors the air pressure of each tire individually, assisting with safe driving and contributing to increased fuel efficiency.
All Land Cruiser 200 models are powered by Toyota’s 1UR-FE 4.6-liter V8 engine teamed with a 6-speed Super ECT transmission and 4WD. Toyota is aiming for monthly sales in Japan of 250 units.
We’re waiting to see if these upgrades make their way to the Land Cruiser that’s sold in the U.S. market.
News source and photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp. Features and specifications for models sold in Japan are subject to change without notice
Story (commentary) © 2015 CarNichiWa.com