With more styling tweaks and additional features, Toyota, the Japanese automaker, launches its new 2012 Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series wagon. The LandCruiser GX maintains its $77,990 starting price, while the rest of the full-size 4×4 line-up price took an upward leap. Revealed in 2009, the LandCruiser’s new 4.6-litre V8 will replace the existing 4.7-litre engine. Despite its smaller size, the wagon’s new heart brings better figures across the board. Peak outputs rise from 202kW/410Nm to 228kW (at 5500rpm) and 439Nm (at 3500rpm). Combined cycle fuel consumption falls from 14.5 litres per 100km to 13.6L/100km.

The new petrol V8 models get a boxier front bumper, a subtly updated grille design and, depending on the specification, new LED-equipped headlights. The major disadvantage for customers purchasing LandCruisers with the new V8 is the significant price jump, with the GXL and VX models up by $6,576 and the flagship Sahara up $7,826. The brand new 2012 Toyota LandCruiser models benefit from modified exterior styling which includes new grilles, lights and bumpers, and updated interiors.

Powered by Toyota’s 195kW/650Nm 4.5-litre diesel V8, the rugged entry-level GX picks up the Turn Assist function for its CRAWL off-road cruise control system. The system also gains two new low-speed settings, up from three. Standard features in the GX include six airbags, vehicle stability control, active traction control, hill-start assist and multi-terrain anti-skid brakes.  The entry-level five-seat GX gains centre wheel caps for the 17-inch steel wheels, a new black grille and dual LED taillights. Other comforts include manual air-conditioning, power windows with driver’s auto up/down and power-operated exterior mirrors.

Moving to the eight-seat GXL, it  gains a 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior highlights, 6.1-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and reversing camera, USB input, alarm system and a 220-volt connector in the rear. The 2012 GXL also features a black grille with a chrome frame, along with modified halogen headlights. Other standard characteristics of the new models include front and rear parking sensors, auto-levelling HID headlamps, LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers and 18-inch alloy wheels. When it comes to the interior, it features leather upholstery, colour information display screen and chrome highlights.

via Caradvice