Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series gets five-star ANCAP safety

THE venerable Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series has finally received a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

However, the five-star ANCAP rating applies only to single-cab chassis variants – the remaining variants are as-yet unrated.

The 2017 upgrade of the 70 Series single-cab chassis includes new head-protecting side curtain airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, seatbelt pre-tensioners, changes to the bonnet and seat designs, and structural improvements to the chassis and occupant cabin – a thicker new frame and thicker side rails.

“[The 70 Series] receives important safety and emissions updates that are required by many customers – as well as regulators – to enable Toyota to continue selling the 70 Series in the Australian market,” said Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia’s executive director of sales and marketing, when news broke of the upgraded Cruiser back in June this year.

3

2017 safety upgrades for the entire 70 Series range includes stability control, traction control, hill-start assist and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).

“It is encouraging Toyota has responded to consumer demand, particularly from commercial and fleet buyers, and implemented design changes and safety upgrades to improve the LandCruiser safety rating,” said James Goodwin, ANCAP’s chief executive officer.

“Safety is a key consideration for everyday consumers and corporations with a significant proportion of businesses requiring minimum five-star vehicle standards for not only their own fleets but also their contractors.

“This competitive pressure has resulted in a two-star jump for the LandCruiser 70 and will have a tangible effect on the safety of worksites and more broadly, Australasia’s vehicle fleet,” Goodwin said.

3

The ANCAP rating applies to all single-cab chassis variants built from September, 2016.

For the frontal offset test the Cruiser scored 14.75 out of 16, losing minor points for chest and lower leg protection; while for the side impact test it received a perfect score of 16.

After the rigorous testing process the Cruiser came away with a cumulative score of 35.75 out of 37.

The upgraded 70 Series also retains the famous 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine, but receives piezo injectors to improve response at low engine speeds.