Toyota has announced an impressive sales milestone for LandCruiser wagon in Australia while releasing a value-laden "Altitude" special-edition model that offers more than $5,000 of added luxury, comfort, safety and convenience.
The arrival of the new 200 Series Altitude closely follows delivery of the 300,000th LandCruiser station wagon - just one of the many variants offered locally to carry Toyota's longest-running nameplate.
Powered exclusively by a twin-turbo V8 diesel engine, the eight-seat Altitude is based on the LandCruiser GXL grade with premium paint. Just 600 examples are being produced.
It gains a raft of features usually reserved for the higher-grade LandCruiser 200 Series VX and Sahara models, yet it is priced just $1,505 more than the host vehicle at $91,220.
The Altitude's extra equipment includes larger 18-inch alloy wheels with lower-profile tyres, black leather-accented interior, premium-wrapped steering wheel and gear-shift knob, power front seats, front foglamps, cool box and a choice of five premium colours.
The new Altitude, like all LandCruiser 200 Series wagons, is fitted with a Multi-Terrain ABS that adapts to driving conditions such as sand, mud and gravel by detecting engine output, acceleration and wheel speed.
It also features Toyota's off-road cruise-control system, CRAWL, which has five low-speed settings and disengages at speeds over 25km/h.
CRAWL automatically controls the engine output and brake hydraulic pressure to maintain a low uniform vehicle speed with minimal wheel spin or lock-up, allowing the driver to concentrate fully on steering.
The 195kW, 650Nm twin-turbo V8 common-rail diesel engine, mated to an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission, achieves fuel economy of 10.3 litres/100km for a theoretical range of more than 1,300km from its 93-litre main and 45-litre sub tanks.
All LandCruiser 200 series models attract a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The Altitude has eight airbags, vehicle stability and active traction control, and trailer sway control - designed to assist if a towed vehicle becomes unsettled by crosswinds, bumpy roads or sharp turns of the steering wheel. Braked towing capacity is 3.5 tonnes.
A 6.1-inch LCD screen displays images from the reversing camera and satellite navigation system#.
The Altitude comes in five exterior colours - Crystal Pearl and Eclipse Black (both previously reserved for VX and Sahara), Silver Pearl, Graphite and Shimmer.
It is covered by Toyota Service Advantage with services capped at $210 for each of up to six standard scheduled services.
