Toyota’s first dual cab version of its workhorse 70-Series range is also the final chapter for the tough pickup, thanks to tightening emissions and safety regulations.
In a move certain to be seen by some as a case of too-little-too-late, Toyota has announced that Australia will be the first market in the world to get the new LC79 double cab 70-Series LandCruiser when it arrives in late September.
But the long-awaited dual cab arrives when the 70-Series range is entering the final phase of its model life in Australia, thanks to a move by major fleets such as BHP Billiton to buy only five-star safety rated vehicles.
Despite the introduction of ABS across the 70-Series range, Toyota Australia has previously confirmed to motoring.com.au that the 70-Series range will never meet the five-star (maximum) NCAP safety rating standard.
Along with standard ABS brakes, all 70-Series now boast an A-pillar mounted air-inlet snorkel, improved seats, in-dash multi-function clock and audio/CD system with Bluetooth hands-free, audio streaming and voice-recognition phone/audio.
Two grades, Workmate and GXL, both offer a 130-litre fuel-tank capacity, 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 engine, five-speed manual transmission and part-time 4WD with two-speed transfer case.
The Workmate features 16-inch steel split rims, aluminium side steps, vinyl seat facings and floor coverings, black bumpers and the extra-cost option of diff locks.
In addition, the GXL has 16-inch alloy wheels, over-fender flares, remote central locking, differential locks, fog lamps, power windows, carpet and cloth seats.
The dual cab gets the same 32-valve V8 turbodiesel engine with common-rail direct injection and intercooler as the rest of the range. Delivering 151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm from 1200rpm to 3200rpm, the diesel V8 boasts the flattest torque curve of any Toyota engine in the local market.
Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said mining companies and other regional and rural communities had been keenly waiting for the arrival of the new double cab.
"The 70-Series is so popular for the really tough jobs that customers have been modifying the wagon version to provide the flexibility of a double-cab ute," Mr Callachor said.
"The double cab will carry five adults as well as providing a one-tonne payload for their heavy gear, such as surveying equipment," he said.
Given that the mining and rural sectors have been crying out for a dual cab version of the 70-Series for years, it’s ironic the new model arrives at a time when the entire range appears destined for the knackery.
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