Given: a frame structure SUV with a connected front axle, dependent spring suspension and a body of simple chopped shapes. It is required to determine: when this car was produced. Well, you say, again, gentlemen, the journalists dug up some kind of all-wheel drive junk. And you will be wrong! We are talking about a car that is still in the production program of Toyota. True, this SUV was really designed in the mid-80s of the last century.
Let's talk about Toyota 70 series spring SUVs. Wait, you say, because the “seventies” have a spring suspension! Is this some old version? Not at all, we are talking about quite modern cars. As modern, the knowledgeable reader will again be surprised, because the production of the Toyota J7 was discontinued already in 1997, when it was replaced by the 90th series, known to us as the Land Сruiser Prado? No, it looks like you can't figure it out without a bottle of warm sake... But before you rush to unravel the genealogy of Japanese "cruisers", it's worth remembering what system Toyota Land Cruiser models are designated by. Each has a factory index, consisting of two or three letters, numbers and possible letter additions. The first (one or two) letters indicate the brand of the engine installed on the car. "J" is a legacy of the company's very first SUV model, plainly called the Toyota Jeep. And then there are numbers, the first of which means a series, and the second - the length of the base or a specific modification.
| WAR... |
| Venezuelan army tactical vehicle based on the Toyota HZJ78 pickup truck. Armament - two machine guns. |
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| This LRPV Al-Thalab by the Jordanian company KADDB is assembled on the basis of the same HZJ78. |
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| Pickup trucks of the 70th series served the Swedish peacekeeping contingent in Bosnia. |
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| The strength of the Toyota HZJ74 chassis allows you to easily equip the car with a recoilless rifle. |
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| Such weapons turn a peaceful SUV into a formidable anti-tank weapon. |
The history of the 70 series began in November 1984, when Toyota finally decided to replace the 40 series with something more modern and comfortable. No sooner said than done! And a whole family of cars was born with three wheelbase options (2300, 2600 and 2930 mm) and several body types, and if the short-wheelbase and medium-wheelbase models directly continued the corresponding lines of the 40 series models, then the long-wheelbase at that time no longer had a predecessor. was. The fact is that the last five-door "magpies" with a long base were released back in 1967, after which they were replaced in the company's production program first by the 50th and then by the 60th series.
From the predecessor, the cars of the new series got ultra-reliable axles Toyota 9.5 "Heavy-Duty, dependent suspension on semi-elliptical springs, a part-time transmission with a connected front axle and two engines - a diesel four" 3V and a petrol "six" 1FZ-F. Another engine, the diesel "six" 2H, was borrowed by Japanese designers from the bestseller of the American market, the Land Cruiser 60 series. These motors were installed on the long wheelbase HJ75. Why did the company need another long wheelbase, and even with the same engine? In my opinion, the fact is that the line of evolution that the "sixty" represented clearly led in the direction of increasing comfort, and the company's management did not want to spoil the image of the car by creating utilitarian versions unified with it. But to make such a car from the heir to the unpretentious 40th series is just right. Moreover, the Toyota 9.5 ” axles designed for huge loads, and the naturally aspirated 3B and 2H diesel engines, and the H55F gearbox were the best fit for a utility SUV.
And it is also time to remember that in 1982 the victorious march along the roads of the world of the "Wild Cat" - Mitsubishi Pajero, began, which showed the world a new look of a Japanese SUV, which in terms of comfort and behavior on the road is practically not inferior to passenger sedans. It was a challenge that needed to be answered. Toyota designers did it in a very original style. They put lighter Toyota 8 ”axles on a spring-lever suspension on the “seventies”, equipped the cars with 2L-T engines (they are lighter, but capable of developing sufficient power due to turbocharging), paired with R150F and R151F manual transmissions (as options - and "automatic"), and slightly "combed" the front of the car (in particular, they changed the shape of the hood, wings and lighting). The result was a "civilian" SUV, in terms of driving comfort, it is quite capable of competing on equal terms with the brainchild of MMC. Thus, another branch of the evolution of mid-size Land Cruisers was born, which received the name Toyota LJ71-G Prado. But we will talk about this branch in detail some other time, since it is time for us to return to the "heavy" machines of the J7 series.
Land Cruiser J7 began the development of our planet without noise, pomp and spectacular advertising campaigns. And since the cars were originally given the features of a hard worker and an adventurer, their main habitats were not the autobahns of the old Europe and American highways (cars of this series were never delivered to the USA), but the African savannas, the Australian bush, the deserts of the Middle East and the jungles of the South. - East Asia. Unpretentious "workhorses" with excellent cross-country ability appealed to geologists and rangers of national parks, farmers and signalmen, organizers of jeep safari and employees of international organizations. True, at the same time, insurgents and terrorists of all stripes fell in love with them ... A 12.7 mm machine gun installed in the back of a truck, a recoilless gun or a light mortar easily turned a commercial vehicle into a mobile firing point, indispensable in urban battles. However, the military use of the SUV was not limited to using it as a weapon carrier. For example, in the stories of our special forces who fought in Afghanistan, now and then there are references to the caravans of the "Simurgs", carrying weapons from Pakistan along secret paths to the "spirits". So, these most mysterious Simurghs are nothing but Toyota BJ75 trucks. Personnel military also did not bypass the "seventies" with their attention. And although the Land Cruiser of this series was originally developed as a civilian car, the reliability, unpretentiousness and excellent cross-country ability of these cars served as ample reason for painting their angular bodies in army olive drab. Even today, HZJ75s serve as auxiliary vehicles in the armies of many countries, on all continents (Venezuela even ordered a tactical weapon carrier vehicle based on them).
The turn of the last decade of the twentieth century was marked by the "seventies" by trying on a new range of engines. Diesel engines 3B and 2H gave way to five-cylinder 1PZ and six-cylinder 1HZ. These were completely new engines with a single-plunger injection pump and a timing belt drive. Actually, 1PZ was a 1HZ with one "cut off" cylinder. There was a replenishment in the family of long-wheelbase vehicles: five-door J77s with a wheelbase of 2730 mm were offered to customers. In 1999, the 70th series underwent the last restyling. The cars not only received a more modern design of the radiator grille, but also borrowed the H151F gearbox from the 80th series. In addition, the HZF78 and HZJ79 versions appeared, equipped with 1HD-FTE turbodiesels with electronically controlled direct fuel injection, as well as the FZJ78 and FZJ79, which received a 215 hp 24-valve six-cylinder 1FZ-FE. In this form, the "heavy division of the 70th series" met the twenty-first century.
| ... AND PEACE |
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| Almost everywhere where tourists are taken to exotic places, you can find Toyota J7. |
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| Special vehicles for African safari are built on the elongated chassis of the "heavy seventies". |
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| J7 actively work as part of UN peacekeeping missions. For example, in Sarajevo. |
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| In Australia, the HZJ78 is a favorite recreational vehicle. But they are also used by doctors and the police. |
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| Journalists working in Asia and Africa highly appreciate the reliability of the Toyota HZJ78. |
All 70 Series heavy machines have 9.5” Heavy-Duty axles. Most often they have main pairs with a gear ratio of 4.11. Often there are cars with forced locking of either the rear or both cross-axle differentials. All locks are electrically controlled. In addition, bridges are unloaded and semi-unloaded type. Visually, they can be distinguished as follows: if, having removed the decorative cap, you saw six bolt heads, then this bridge is of an unloaded type, if you can see the axle shaft itself, then you have a semi-unloaded version. Unloaded axles are considered more preferable for long-term off-road work, but their maintenance requires more attention and money, since two hubs are added, in which the lubricant needs to be changed every 20 thousand. Also, every 120-150 thousand, it is necessary to invade the front axle, with the replacement of bronze bushings, thrust bearings, checking the CV joints and drive flanges. From the consumer's point of view, the wear of the front axle parts is felt by the impact when switching from forward to reverse (with all-wheel drive connected). In the pit, the wear of the front axle can be checked as follows: take the shank of the front gearbox and turn it. If the angle of rotation is 90° or more, that means it's time... to prepare the money. And the money, it should be noted, is considerable. Indeed, as a rule, not only bronze bushings and thrust bearings are subject to replacement, but also CV joints, drive shafts and oil seals. CV joints can also be checked by turning the wheels to the limit. If clicks are heard when starting off, then it's time to change the CV joints. The specific time of the onset of the need for such repairs depends on the mode of operation of the car, but, as a rule, we are talking about a mileage of 120-150 thousand. In any case, the front axle is the only sore point of the Land Cruiser J7. If a mixture of grease and oil is visible on the knuckle, this means that the bridge requires urgent opening and inspection. Rusty knuckle balls are no less disturbing symptom.
Brakes "seventies" are very reliable. The front brakes are disc, but the rear can be either disc or drum. As a rule, drum brakes were placed on semi-unloaded axles, and disc brakes on unloaded ones. There is a definite problem with the self-adjusting mechanism of the drum brake pads, which turn sour if the parking brake is not applied. The cables themselves, due to their design features, practically do not turn sour.
But once again I want to repeat: all these arguments and warnings can come in handy only if fate brought you to a car that was released ten or more years ago. But that's the beauty of the "heavy seventies" that you have a chance to start building an off-road monster based on a new or almost new car. However, for many applications, for example, for the role of an expedition vehicle, the HZJ75 or 78 is suitable almost in its original form.
We had the opportunity to verify the latter when three representatives of the 70th series fell into our hands: the FZJ75 truck and two three-door station wagons (long-wheelbase HZJ75 and short HZJ74). All cars are quite “fresh”, less than ten years old. We rode them - around the city, the highway and the broken country road. "Seventies" left the most favorable impressions. Judge for yourself: a salon from the series “simple, but tasteful”. Ergonomics is close to ideal - the most comfortable seats in which you do not get tired even after a whole day behind the wheel. Perhaps only the truck received some criticism for the insufficient range of longitudinal adjustment of the driver's seat. But otherwise everything is very good. Of course, the angular shape of the front instrument panel may seem old-fashioned, but at the same time it is very functional, and the instrument readings are not blocked by the steering wheel. I also liked the excellent review, including in the side mirrors.
The behavior of the car on the pavement can be assessed as a solid "four plus". Yes, it shakes slightly on bumps, but the car clearly keeps the trajectory and does not require steering. Naturally, the truck was shaking the most, although its owner had already loosened the springs by removing several sheets from them. Speaking of gas tanks. Their location on all three machines turned out to be different. On the HZJ74, it is located in the rear overhang, on the long-wheelbase HZJ75 it is in the base, and the truck with the rather voracious gasoline 1FZ-F received as many as two “fuel storages” (both in the base and in the rear overhang). This is where the technical differences between the machines almost end.
Off-road "seventies" feel very confident. You press the button on the front panel - the front axle is connected, but the downshift is switched on by the transfer case lever. Most of all I liked the behavior of diesel cars. The thrust of the 1HZ is really diesel, and even uphill you can move almost at idle. As for the volume of the luggage compartment: the J74 has enough, while the J75 is simply huge. The cargo version in its original form is not very suitable for long-distance routes, but the body can be replaced with a kung.
There is one problem with the "seventies" - the "fresh" cars of this series are very expensive. For example, in Australia, the new Land Cruiser HZJ78 costs from 37 to 46.5 thousand dollars. However, not only “fresh” cars are not cheap. For example, for cars manufactured in 1989-1990, they ask about 10 thousand US dollars. The list of original accessories is also impressive, including power bumpers with winches, powerful sill protection, additional lighting fixtures, and trunks. By the way, a considerable part of the cars had winches (electric or mechanical) in the factory. If there is still no mechanical winch on the car you got, and you are a fan of such a traction device, you should not be upset. You can easily equip the car yourself. The main thing is to make sure that there is a place for the power take-off mechanism on the transfer case housing.
As for prices in Russia, there is simply no established market for these cars. They come to us in different, sometimes very exotic ways. A number of right-hand drive cars come from Japan, another source is the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Sometimes cars that have worked their way out in international organizations - the UN, WHO, UNESCO are “thrown out” to the European markets for used cars. In general, if somehow you happen to become the owner of a Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ7x, you can consider yourself lucky. In any case, I personally would take it that way.
Chronology of the 70th series.
1984
Release start. Simultaneously, production of eight models begins:
BJ70 (with awning), BJ70V(with rigid body). Wheelbase 2300 mm. The engine is a four-cylinder diesel 3V with a volume of 3431 cm 3 (98 hp, 223 Nm).
FJ70. Wheelbase 2300 mm. The engine is a six-cylinder gasoline 3F with a volume of 3956 cm 3 (155 hp, 296 Nm).
BJ73. Wheelbase 2600 mm. Engine - 3V, diesel.
FJ73. Wheelbase 2600 mm. Engine - 3F, gasoline.
BJ75. Wheelbase 2930 mm. Engine - 3V, diesel.
HJ75. Wheelbase 2930 mm. The engine is a six-cylinder atmospheric diesel engine 2N with a volume of 3980 cm 3 (115 hp, 240 Nm).
FJ75. Wheelbase 2930 mm. Engine - 3F.
Cars with a base of 2930 mm are available as a three-door station wagon (troop carrier) and light truck (pickup).
1985
In October, the range of models is complemented by two new items:
BJ71. Wheelbase 2300 mm. Engines - four-cylinder turbodiesels 13V-T and 3V-T with a volume of 3431 cm 3 (122 hp, 280 Nm).
BJ74. Wheelbase 2600 mm. Engine - turbodiesel 3V-T.
1990
Since January, the 13V-T and 2H diesel engines have given way to the five-cylinder 1PZ with a volume of 3469 cm 3 (115 hp, 230 Nm). Release BJ71 And HJ74 terminated. Simultaneously completed release BJ70. PZJ70, 73, 75 appear in the production program. At the same time, production was launched HZJ70, 73 And 75 , on which the six-cylinder diesel 1-HZ (4163 cm 3, 135 hp, 253 Nm) first appears. In May, the production of five-door PZJ77 And HZJ77c with a wheelbase of 2730 mm.
1991
Model release starts in December FZJ70, 73 And 75 c gasoline engine 1FZ-F (in-line "six" with a volume of 4477 cm 3, power of 190 hp and a torque of 363 Nm at 2800 rpm). Released PZJ73.
1992
In July-August, the production of all models of the series was discontinued FJ equipped with 3F engine.
1994
Starting in January, 1PZ engines finally disappear from the scene, only diesel versions with a 1H-Z engine remain on the assembly line. At the same time, the production of the last cars with a 3V engine was discontinued.
1999
Minor appearance changes. Installation of new H151F gearboxes from the 80th series begins. Machine production started 78th And 79th series. An injection version of the petrol “six” 1FZ-FE with a capacity of 212 hp appears in the range of engines. and a torque of 372 Nm at 3000 rpm.
present tense
We were not able to establish in what year the production of models began HDJ78 And 79 , equipped with a 1HD-FTE turbodiesel with 4 valves per cylinder, a common rail system and electronic fuel injection control (volume 4164 cm 3, power 170 hp, torque 380 Nm at 2500 rpm), however, these are the cars currently offered in the Australian market.
The rear springs were very stiff.
Andrey Tarasenko, Toyota FZJ75 pickup owner
This car was produced in 1996, it was ordered by a company for work on pipelines, and there was a kung with heavy diagnostic equipment on it. The cars arrived in Russia, but they never went into business and were sold out five years later. I bought such a truck to carry an ATV. It turned out that the springs are very stiff, because the kung was heavy. I had to remove one sheet from the front springs and four from the rear. Still, I try to ride with a full rear tank so that more weight is on the rear axle. I'm not used to paying much attention to fuel consumption, but according to my estimates, the engine consumes about 20 liters per 100 km. Two tanks were enough for me for 820 km. In terms of comfort - some say that everything is convenient for them, but I still would like to push the seat back, but there is nowhere. And, of course, after Suburban the car seems harsh.
The engine has never been touched.
Maxim Ivanov, Owner of the Toyota HZJ75 station wagon
When the "Master Rally" was disbanded, a whole fleet of such cars went on sale. The car had a "non-domestic" look - there was no salon, but there was a safety cage and a tank in the cabin. For a year, we put the car in order, mounted the interior, put the second row of seats from Renault Espase. I travel with the Georaid team to competitions as a light technical team. As for breakdowns, we had problems with the conversion of the on-board network from 24 V to 12 V, and two springs broke after a terrible jump with a load in the Astrakhan steppes. Even at the very beginning, I had to change the crosses on the rear cardan. Yes, I had to change the front brake discs. It cost $110 for a pair. The steering damper and shock absorbers were initially "killed", they also had to be changed. The engine has never been touched.
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It just so happened that in the "off-road" rating of preferences of Russians, Japanese models are out of competition. What is Moscow or the Far East - the whole of Siberia and even the Arctic travel in their cars. And the absolute leaders in Russia are Toyota Land Cruiser and its twin Lexus LX470. They recently got a new addition...
Last fall, at the Paris Motor Show, the debut of a new generation of Land Cruiser Prado, the younger brother of the “hundred part”, formerly known as model 90, took place. And recently, its official sales began in Russia. (The previous generation of the car was produced for almost seven years. This is a short period - in the off-road segment, age is held in high esteem, and generational change occurs much less frequently than in the rest.) The external proportions of the Prado have been preserved, even the outlines of the windows are the same. But all the outer panels are new, more plastic. The dimensions of the car have increased. Thanks to the large Avensis- and Corolla-style optics that extend onto the hood, the car fits well into the modern Toyota lineup. No wonder - the European design bureau ED2, which created Avensis, worked on its appearance.
Prado remained a real SUV - a frame structure, a continuous rear axle, a full-fledged transfer case and a bunch of locks. The new engine is a 4-liter V-shaped six with a capacity of 250 hp. (more than develops a 4.7 liter eight-cylinder engine "weave"). These have not yet been installed on the Prado.
It is called the "little cruiser" ("weave" is half a meter longer and 10 centimeters higher). But this "small" one can accommodate three rows of seats and eight (!) seats - in the third, folding row there are three seat belts, and there can really be three of us.
The interior is brand new - stylish, modern and comfortable. The quality of the materials and fit of the panels is at the level of Lexus models. Wood and aluminum inserts, perforated leather, Optitron dashboard...
In the center of attention is the center console, which looks like a swollen “hood” of a cobra, on which “music” is located (for Europe, instead of a “large” stereo system, a navigation system monitor is installed, which also “shows” DVD) and a climate control unit with separate control. The latter has a dual lock button, which equalizes passenger and driver climate settings. Air flows are distributed in Toyota style, with one button.
In the upper part of the console, under the visor, there is a multifunctional color display of the on-board computer, which displays the readings of the compass, inclinometer and altimeter. And also chronological data (fuel consumption, etc.) for the last hundred kilometers - in the form of graphs. Not a very necessary thing, but effective.
The seats are fully "electric", the steering wheel is adjustable in angle and depth (for some reason, two separate levers). Settled quickly, everything is convenient and at hand. Handbrake on the tunnel, there are also two transmission control levers.
Behind, in the second row, there is plenty of space, the angle of inclination of the seat backs can be changed. For passengers, the center console has its own ventilation control unit. Access to the third row is through the folded half of the second. There are three seats and two headrests. By the way, visibility back through the mirror, despite the three-row interior, is exemplary - often in such cars you see only a forest of head restraints.
There is only one set for Russia, but the richest and most expensive, there are no options. And this applies not only to the interior. In addition to the aforementioned 4-liter “six”, Prado has a four-speed “automatic”, a mechanical two-stage chain transfer case, a Torsen center differential with forced locking and a 40/60 torque distribution along the axles.
A whole arsenal of electronics has been given to help mechanics. Traction Control (A-TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control, Rear Air Suspension (TEMS). Of course - ABS with emergency braking system Brake Assist. Looks like I haven't forgotten anything...
250 forces is enough for two and a half tons of machine weight. Acceleration is smooth and forceful. Softly working "automatic", excellent noise isolation and "all-consuming" suspension conceal the declared 9.5 seconds to hundreds. But this is very good for an SUV, close classmates are 2-3 seconds behind.
The smoothness is amazing. You don't ride Prado, you swim. Nothing reaches the body - no tram tracks, no hatches. Nothing. Business class is easy! The main thing is not to accelerate when huge unsprung masses come into play, transmitting unpleasant vibrations to the body, and Prado sways noticeably on a gentle wave.
The beauty of the Prado air suspension is not only in the automatic control of the ride height (within 30 mm), but also in the adjustment of its stiffness. There are four modes: comfort, sport and two intermediate ones. On a flat road, the difference between the extreme ones - comfort and sport - is practically not felt: the car goes smoothly, does not sway, rolls in corners are small. (Intermediate regimes, apparently, are generally the lot of the elite.) But on the country road, the differences are felt better. In comfort mode, natural body rolls and buildup appear, but there are no complaints about handling, everything is reliable and understandable. At the same time, you can once again verify the validity of the saying “More speed - less holes”: as you accelerate, the vertical swaying of the body decreases.
In sports mode, both buildup and roll are not as noticeable as in comfortable mode, but small irregularities begin to “get” to the body. Here, not only the stiffness of the suspension increases, but the steering becomes sharper, and the reactions are clearer and faster. In any case, non-switchable electronics remain on the alert, upsetting both the car itself and the driver - the more aggressive his behavior, the sooner it comes into action and the longer and more persistently it works.
The combination of road tires and muddy clay underneath doesn't make the driving experience any less complete. We didn’t drive the Prado into deep mud - its predecessor is well known for its outstanding off-road abilities, and the new model has even more suspension travel. In any case, the car goes effortlessly along loose virgin soil and deep ruts. And if you still lock the differential and engage a lower range of gears ...
Now for the electronics. She may not be to the taste of orthodox Jeepers, but we liked her work. Especially the A-TRAC system, which simulates an interwheel lock, works flawlessly, only the brakes click cheerfully. Quite a funny thing - DAC, helping on the descents. It works when moving forward and backward, and even in “neutral”, the main thing is not to touch the brake pedal ....
Yes, the genus of real SUVs has not yet been eradicated. They just keep getting more comfortable and stylish. It’s not a shame to appear on such people and on people, and it’s not scary to mix dirt. But all-wheel drive, as expected, is in the price - for the Land Cruiser Prado they ask for almost $ 55,000.
Not so long ago, we talked about the end of sales of SUVs. Honored Patrol will be removed from production this year. And based on the opinion of the Australian representative office of Toyota, we assumed that a similar fate was destined for the veteran Land Cruiser 70. However, rumors about the death of the legendary "seventies" were greatly exaggerated!
The fact is that the Australian market is far from being the main one for this model, but only the third in terms of sales. In Australia and Oceania, a little more than 10 thousand "seventies" are now bought annually, while in Africa the demand is one and a half times higher. And about 60% of the 75 thousand SUVs sold annually settle in the Middle East: oil-producing Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and, of course, the Emirates are the main consumers of the fashionable model in these countries.
It is curious that the model is practically not represented in the rest of Asia: they prefer more modern and affordable Toyota Fortuner SUVs and Hilux pickups, because you can’t approach the “seventies” without at least 45 thousand dollars in your pocket. There is no veteran model in the two largest world markets - in China and the USA. Although in Canada an exception is made for an SUV: a car can be bought from a single dealer in Saskatchewan, but only as a special vehicle for heavy work in the mining industry and without permission on public roads. Therefore, North American sales are vanishingly small: only about a hundred cars a year. In Japan, Land Cruiser 70 stopped selling 12 years ago, although in 2014, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the model, the Japanese government issued a sales permit for exactly one year. And the only European country where the Land Cruiser 70 can be bought from official representatives is tiny Gibraltar.
Five-door SUV Toyota Land Cruiser 76
Long wheelbase three-door SUV Toyota Land Cruiser 78
Four-door pickup truck Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Two-door pickup truck Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Three-door SUV Toyota Land Cruiser 71 with soft top
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The reason for such a low prevalence is the inconsistency of the model with modern safety and environmental standards. The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is produced at two Toyota Auto Body plants in Japan, and CKD assembly is organized in Bangladesh (at the Aftab plant), Kenya (Associated Vehicle Assemblers - AVA) and Portugal (Toyota Caetano). However, assembly in Asia and Africa is focused on local dealers, the Portuguese make cars exclusively for South Africa. And cars with 1GR-FE gasoline engines (V6 4.0, 231 hp), atmospheric diesel engines 1HZ (4.2 l, 6 cylinders in a row, 131 hp) or 1VD-FTV turbodiesels (V8 4.5, 207 hp), which for the most part only comply with Euro-4 standards.
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As for safety, crash tests under the Australian ANCAP program brought the “seventy” only 22.88 points out of 37 possible and three stars out of five. Moreover, in 2010, the Australians tested a truck with two frontal airbags that had already appeared a year earlier, but still without ABS - the Land Cruiser 70 received this system only two years later. Interestingly, most of the points were awarded for exemplary side impact resistance, and the frontal crash test brought only 6.88 points out of a maximum of sixteen.
ANCAP crash test: 64 km/h, 40% overlap, deformable barrier
In November of this year, Euro 5 environmental standards and stricter safety requirements come into force in Australia, for example, the presence of a stabilization system will become mandatory. Toyota are ready to make sacrifices: it has already been announced that ESP and three additional airbags will appear on the “seventies” - curtains and a knee airbag for the driver. But all this is true only for a single-row cab pickup: the thirteen-seat three-door Troop Carrier, the six-seat pickup and the traditional five-door station wagon all seem to be leaving the Australian market after all.
How to make up for the loss of such a large market? It is possible that the "seventies" will be officially sold in Russia for the first time! Until now, these cars have been imported to us only by "gray" dealers, and some of them even provide their own guarantee. Fumitaka Kawashima, vice-president of the Russian representative office of Toyota, announced the likelihood of "legalization" at the beginning of the year. Will the “Japanese UAZ” at a cost of approximately three million rubles be in demand on our market? Notorious for being indestructible, but at the same time of poor paint quality, and potentially falling into the category of luxury with a corresponding increase in vehicle tax? It’s definitely not worth counting on the rush demand, but after the departure of the Land Rover Defender SUV (in recent years it has found 300-350 buyers annually), the “seventies” may well occupy its niche.
The Russian office of Toyota has not yet confirmed the release of the Land Cruiser 70 model to the Russian market. But they didn't deny it either.
In 2014, the leadership of the Japanese concern Toyota decided to resume production of the legendary Land Cruiser 70 model. The decision was timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the car, and the production itself is planned to be carried out for one year, producing approximately 200 vehicles per month. Unfortunately, the Land Cruiser 70 anniversary series will be sold only in Japan, but this does not reduce world interest in, in fact, a collector's edition.
For some, it will be a discovery - but small-scale batches of the 70th series are still produced to this day, successfully sold in the markets of Australia, Venezuela and other countries. Meanwhile, the debut of this car took place back in 1984, marking the beginning of the modern history of the Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado lines. Reviving the mass production of this model, the Japanese did not make global changes in the appearance of the “classic”, only slightly improving it with a modernized hood, a different bumper, an updated radiator grille, new optics with integrated direction indicators and special anniversary nameplates.
At the same time, the classic style was maximally preserved in every new part of the car, which gives the exterior a special zest and historical value.
Like many years ago, the "resurrected" Land Cruiser 70 (2015 model year) will be produced in station wagon and pickup bodies. The SUV received dimensions of 4810x1870x1920 mm, and the pickup truck - 5270x1770x1950 mm. The wheelbase is 2700 and 3180 mm, respectively. Thus, the "collectible novelty" is slightly larger than its "historical predecessor".
The interior of the "new Land Cruiser 70-series" the developers also tried to keep as close to the original as possible, but at the same time modern finishing materials, athermal glass and better sound insulation are used. In addition, the car received new seats with lateral support at the front and three-point seat belts at the rear, a modern steering wheel, as well as a new front panel, made in a classic angular-rectangular shape, but equipped with a multimedia system with a touch screen and a different instrument panel.
The 30-year-old SUV and pickup had a range of turbodiesel engines ranging from 3.4 to 4.2 liters in displacement and power ranging from 98 to 164 hp.
The version of the "70th" from 2015 is equipped with a non-alternative 1GR-FE unit, which has 6 V-shaped cylinders with a total displacement of 4.0 liters, an aluminum cylinder block and a variable valve timing system VVT-i. The maximum power of this motor is 231 hp. at 5200 rpm, and the peak torque falls at around 360 Nm at 3800 rpm.
The engine is aggregated only with a 5-speed “mechanics”, which has triple synchronizers of the second and third gears. In a combined cycle of operation, the 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 will eat about 15.1 liters of fuel.
The "classic platform" of this car was largely preserved, but the Japanese modernized or replaced some of the elements with modern counterparts. As before, the Land Cruiser 70 is built on a spar frame with a front dependent suspension with spaced springs and shock absorbers, as well as a rear dependent suspension with a continuous axle suspended on leaf springs. The SUV and pickup truck received a hard-wired all-wheel drive, which can be supplemented with optional lockable cross-axle differentials with electric actuators.
Unlike the "classic model", the revived version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 will receive an ABS system, two frontal airbags and a gift box for ignition keys lined with leather. As an option, the vehicle can be equipped with an electric winch.
The 2015 model year Land Cruiser 70-series will be assembled at the Toyota Auto Body plant, and the first copies should arrive at Japanese dealers in the fall of 2014. The Collector's Edition starts at $34,650 for an SUV or $33,700 for a pickup truck.
