As the first significan t round of changes the Land Crui ser 70 Series has seen in two years, the 2017 model cements its practical proposition meeting EURO 5 emission regulations with the introduction of a Diesel Particula te Filter (DPF) and adopts Vehic le Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hill-star t Assis t Control (HAC), Brake Assis t (BA) and revers ing camera across the five varian t line-up.

"Th e re-engineerin g of the Land Cruiser 70 series enables us to continue to offer this iconic model to customers who require a vehicle that can handle New Zealand's challengin g environment," said Spencer Morris, Toyota New Zealand's General Manager of Product .

"This unapologetical ly rugged vehic le has an unrivalled reputation for class-lead ing mechanic al reliability and serious towing, load carryin g and off-road perfor mance."

Starting from $75,780, the Land Cruiser 70 Series has both single and double cab variants available in LT and LX grades. The Troop Carrier now adopts the Wagon name and is available as an LT grade; it is the ultimate blank canvas with two seats and van-like cargo space.

Land Cruis er 70 Series continues with a 151kW, 430Nm 4.5-litre V8 turb o diesel engine but features improvement s in performance and efficiency due to the new piezo injectors.

Combined CO2 emissions are down to 281g/km alongside combined fuel consumption reductions resulting in an 8-10 percent decrease from the outgoing model.

Single cab models enjoy a 44 percent increase in fuel capacity from 90 to 130 litres, making trips to even the remotest back country a small feat, while the LT Wagon continues with two 90 litre fuel tanks.

Inside the iconic Land Cruis er 70 Series, a suite of technology makes it equally compatible in the digital age with cruis e control as standard, a 6.1" display audio unit with Bluetooth connectivit y, CD player and USB port. The display also performs as a monitor for the reversing camera.

Single cab variants receive additional enhancements to improve the structural integrity of the cabin and a chassis that is larger and stiffer. Side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag, adjustable seat belt anchors with pre-tensioner s and an Emergen cy Stop Signal (ESS) complete the single cab's safety feature overhau l for 2017.

Further improvements across the range include Dual Autom atic Locking Hubs (D-ALH) in place of manual hubs, the previous High Country Pack option with front & rear diff locks has become stand ard, the split rim steel wheel design has been replaced by a single piece design and taller 2nd and 5th gears contribut e to a smoother, quieter ride and improved fuel economy.

The sweeping engineering and manuf acturing advances for the Land Cruis er 70 Series, particula rly the single cab variants which receive the most widespread updates, have resulted in modest price rises to reflect the value of the safety features offered to the New Zealand market.

The 2017 Land Cruiser 70 is priced at:

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