This article will discuss a unique SUV from a Japanese manufacturer. Land Cruiser 100 is still considered the largest off-road car from Toyota. Release began in 1998. The 100th model replaced the 80th.
Huge headlights, large fenders, as well as the power that is hidden under the hood, seem to have a hypnotic effect on those who love big cars. "Sotka" is popular among employees of law enforcement agencies and security, owners of large businesses, bankers.
History of appearance
The first Land Cruiser appeared in 1953. The 100th model became the seventh in the lineup of SUVs in this series.
The car was first introduced in 1997 in Tokyo. The car went on sale the following year. Compared to the 80th model, the Land Cruiser 100 received a more modern appearance. The movement on the updated "Cruiser" has become more comfortable.
In 2003, the “hundredth” was slightly redone. The car received new bumpers, optics and trim. But this modification was available only to consumers in the American market.
These machines are distinguished by reliability and high cross-country ability. That is why the newly released models were purchased by the UN. A separate model was also released for the domestic Japanese market. She was called the Land Cruiser Cygnus. The Japanese sold a more prestigious car at home. It was distinguished by a luxurious interior, as well as options that are an attribute of luxury cars. A little later, a representative of this line will appear in Russian car dealerships under the Lexus LX470 brand.
Modifications
The SUV was produced only in a 5-door layout. And the competitors of the Japanese manufacturer made short and sometimes even open versions of the bodies. At the heart of the car is a very powerful spar frame. The body is very strong and galvanized on both sides. This can be seen by looking at the design of the Land Cruiser 100 SUV (photo can be seen below).
"Sotka" was produced in various modifications. The cheapest ones are GX and STD. They are distinguished by unpainted bumpers and a hinged rear door. The STD version does not include electric seat adjustment, mirror and steering column adjustment. This version lacks ABS and many other options. Salon trimmed with cheap leatherette.
The GX version looks richer. There is an electric package, the interior is trimmed with velor, roof rails are installed. This version can accommodate more than 10 people. For this, there are folding seats on the back side. In addition, there were GX and 9 seats.
The VX version is considered deluxe. It was supplied in versions for 5 and 7 seats. The car has excellent sound insulation. Options and equipment here are much more functional and more expensive. The interior is trimmed with leather, there is climate control, regular xenon, a system of exchange rate stability.
We can meet Arabic versions of Cruisers. Among the mass of similar Toyotas, they can be distinguished by a golden nameplate and air conditioning. As for maintenance, everything is the same as with European models. Reliability at a high level.
Land Cruiser 100: Specifications
Everything has been thought of in this car. Engineers and designers have worked out every little detail. Everything that the driver may need is located directly at hand. This distinguishes many models of the Japanese car industry.
Body
"Sotka" is not the name of the model, but rather the name for the body. It was borrowed from the Lexus RX 300 SUV. In principle, the standard cars and GX variants are still the same 80 model, only on a new body. They are bought by those who want to get hold of a large SUV and save money at the same time.
In general, the body is almost trouble-free. It is double-sided galvanized, which means it is reliably protected from corrosion. Fenders Toyota Land Cruiser 100 reliably protect fog lights from stones and dirt. The electrical equipment, of which there is a lot in the car, works properly. Everything feels like quality.
Salon
Here, too, everything is almost perfect. It will be convenient for both short and tall people to sit in the driver's seat. Once the driver removes the key from the ignition, the steering wheel will move back and will not interfere with a comfortable landing or disembarkation. In addition, the position of the steering column can also be additionally adjusted with a button. The range of settings is enough for everyone. In addition to the steering wheel, here you can adjust anything you want, of course, depending on the configuration. For example, you can customize the chair, mirrors and more. In general, the interior of the Land Cruiser 100 will suit a car enthusiast of any build.
In order to drive these cars comfortably, the comfort-loving Japanese equip models with air conditioning and climate control. This is real perfection. A passenger or driver can set the desired temperature in various zones and adjust it at their discretion, and if you are tired of using electronics, then you can open the hatch. Let's move on to the question of the "heart" of the Land Cruiser 100.
Engine
Since there are several complete sets of cars, there are also several power units.
The diesel engine is based on previous models. It is equipped with a turbocharger and an air cooler, as well as an electronic injection timing control system. So increased power and torque. The car began to accelerate better. 100 km / h "Toyota" now "does" in 13 seconds. Also, with the new engine, diesel consumption per liter has decreased. The power unit managed to surpass the gasoline engine that was on the 80s Cruiser models.
Diesel SUVs were imported through "gray" suppliers. They regularly had problems, since the technical characteristics of the engines of the Land Cruiser 100 car provided for a different quality of diesel fuel. Due to the "high quality" of local fuel, high-pressure fuel pumps and nozzles were especially affected. But diesel was much more economical. Here the consumption was only 16 liters per 100 km. It is known that until 2002, Land Cruisers were equipped with another diesel engine. The unit was much more powerful than the others, but in Russia it is a rarity, as, indeed, is a conventional turbodiesel.
"Sotki", which were sold by official dealers, were equipped with a V8 gasoline engine. Most of the cars had a 235-horsepower unit with a VX modification under the hood. It had a smooth and very quiet ride, and the car received chic dynamics. The engine allowed to accelerate to 100 km in 11.7 seconds. This is a good indicator for a car weighing 2.5 tons. The only disadvantage of this engine is its high consumption: the Land Cruiser 100 "eats" from 18 to 25 l / 100 km.
There is also a naturally aspirated diesel. It is installed on STD and GX. This is a 6-cylinder engine with a capacity of 130 liters. from. It is not equipped with a turbine, so it is a little phlegmatic.
Whatever the motor in the "weave", they are all quite reliable. The owner only needs to undergo regular scheduled maintenance.
Transmission
The choice of gearbox exists only for those who have purchased a VX with a turbodiesel. Here the manufacturer provides both automatic and mechanics. Only the automatic works with the VX gasoline unit. The standard equipment and the GX version are friendly with the mechanics. Car owners assure that both the automatic and the mechanics are equally reliable.
All modifications and versions have all-wheel drive, as well as a forced differential lock.
Suspension
Here you can see innovative solutions. This is the decoration of these SUVs. A special feature is the electronically controlled suspension stiffness and height. The system understands that a flat road has ended under the wheels, and adds 50 mm to the ground clearance.
The front suspension is made in the form of longitudinal torsion bars. She is independent. This allowed to significantly increase controllability. The rear suspension is dependent, on springs.
Specifications
The curb weight of the car is 2650 kg, and the total weight is 3260 kg. The maximum speed is 175 km/h. Fuel tank volume - 96 l. The Cruiser is 4890 mm long, 1940 mm wide and 1880 mm high. Wheelbase - 2850 mm. The transmission is presented in the form of all-wheel drive with a lockable differential. Gearbox - 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The brakes are equipped with a vacuum booster. The steering system is made on the basis of the steering rack. Ground clearance is 220 mm.
Such basic technical characteristics and relatively low fuel consumption allowed the Cruiser to be truly the best in its class. The unique suspension allows you to ride almost anywhere under any conditions.
Vehicle fuel consumption
Instead of a conclusion
We can say that the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 is a fairly roomy and comfortable car. It rides great on the highway and overcomes off-road without problems, which is so important for our open spaces. For those who love dynamic movement, car owners recommend opting for the gasoline version. Suspension confidently eats up all the bumps. The owners of the "Cruiser" assure that even large stones and potholes are "too tough" for her. Where many drivers try to slow down, this car can fly without slowing down.
In general, judging by the reviews, this car will be an excellent purchase.
So, we found out what technical specifications, fuel consumption and reviews the Land Cruiser 100 SUV has. This car model can rightly be considered legendary. After all, who else managed to create such a massive all-wheel drive SUV with a unique design and technical “stuffing”, if not the Japanese developers from Toyota? Perhaps this is the last representative of full-size SUVs, because after it the so-called SUVs began to enter the market.