Toyota has finally created what could be the dream dual cab ute for many 4WD and towing enthusiasts. The LC70 Series dual cab combines the practicality of the configuration with the extreme robustness of the legendary troop carrier.
This is the dual cab ute for real men. The LC 70 dispenses with a number of the niceties that ‘clutter’ other utes and instead Toyota has responded to demand from the booming mining sector and from others requiring a rugged vehicle
Australia is the first market in the world to get the new LC79 double cab, which builds on the vehicle’s tough, practical design.
On sale in late September2012, priced from around $71,000 RDAP, it will be the fourth body style in the range, joining the single cab-chassis, troop carrier and wagon.
The new variant comes in two grades, Workmate and GXL, both with 130-litre fuel-tank capacity, 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 engine, five-speed manual transmission and part-time 4WD with two-speed transfer case.
The new double cab also benefits from production upgrades to the range, including anti-skid brakes on all grades, air-inlet snorkel mounted on the A pillar, improved seats, in-dash multi-function clock and audio/CD system with Bluetooth™# hands-free, audio streaming and voice-recognition phone/audio.
The main demand for this vehicle comes from mining companies and other regional and rural communities. Add to that keen traditional 4WD enthusiasts.
The 70-Series range has been available in various guises for several decades. The wagon version and the 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 were introduced as part of a major facelift in 2007. All variants adopted driver and front-passenger airbags in 2009.
Customer loyalty is remarkably strong, with the majority of buyers replacing an existing LandCruiser 70-series vehicle due to its capabilities in rough conditions such as heavily corrugated unsealed roads.
In mine pits, the vehicles and their owners have to cope with extreme dust in the dry and thick mud in the wet. Some vehicles are also be fitted with rail arms to travel on train rails.
Double-cab Workmate comes with 16-inch steel split rims, aluminium side steps, vinyl seat facings and floor coverings, black bumpers and the extra-cost option of diff locks.
The GXL version gains 16-inch alloy wheels, over-fender flares, remote central locking, differential locks, fog lamps, power windows, carpet and cloth seats. Seven exterior colours are offered.
All nine LandCruiser 70 Series models share the 32-valve V8 turbo-diesel engine with common-rail direct injection and an intercooler. The Euro IV-compliant V8 engine delivers 151kW of power at 3400rpm and replaces six-cylinder diesel and turbo-diesel engines. Peak torque of 430Nm is reached at just 1200rpm and held all the way to 3200rpm – the flattest torque curve among all of Toyota’s engines.
The toughness and robustness of the LC70 series is beyond question, however for an outback tourer you may miss some of the goodies that make life a little easier. Like everything in life there is a compromise. The question at the high prices asked are the compromises worth it for the retail consumer.
What is Good
• Off Road ability
• Robust and tough
• Practicality
What is Not so Good
• Ridiculous price
• Spartan interior
• No auto option
Model Toyota LC70 GXL Double Cab
Model Price $75,894 RDAP
Engine 4.5L V8 Diesel
Drivetrain 5sp Man Part Time 4X4
Power 151 Kw @ 3,400 rpm
Torque 430 Nm @ 1,200 rpm
Safety N/A Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions g/km 313
Green Vehicle Rating 2 Star
Fuel (ADR comb) 11.9 L/100Km
Tow Capacity – Max 3500 kg
Tow Ball Rating 350 kg
Warranty 3yr/ 100,000 km
Overall OzRoamer Rating 72/100
Behind the Wheel 6
Comfort 5
Equipment 5
Performance 8
Ride & Handling 6
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 8
Towing Ability 10
Off Road Ability 10
Value for Money 5
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