AN IMPRESSIVE SUV

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THE BELOVED TOYOTA LAND CRUISER IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER.


At OHLALA, we always love trying something new, especially when that something is the fabulous 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser GX-R. Having never test driven a Toyota for Diva Drives before, we were most excited when presented with the keys by the outstanding team at Toyota Bahrain.

Toyota is a massively successful Japanese brand, that has been developing and producing these beloved SUVs for over 70 years, and in the process has established the Land Cruiser as a household name. Upon first inspection we were taken by the robust and powerful presence of the GX-R. Available in 10 distinct exterior colours, this fully-fledged off-roader really looks the part with its bulky frame and array of functional features. At the front end, the radiator grille, along with the three-bulb LED headlamps, have been positioned higher to reduce the risk of damage during off-road adventuring. Constantly illuminated clearance lamps are connected to the grille ensuring you don’t bump the vehicle’s large frame at any time.

At the flanks, the powerful silhouette of the vehicle is defined by sharply contrasting lines, whilst roof rails and 20-inch alloy wheels add to the rugged nature of the vehicle. The completely flat bonnet joins a vertical grille at a near 90-degree angle, a design element matched by the roof and back doors.

The contemporary design of the rear is defined by its modern shape that mirrors the straight lines of the rest of the vehicle and underscores the SUV’s solid stance. LED rear combination lamps are fitted as standard, while the wide rear bumper doubles as a step to assist with entering the vehicle. Once seated in the two-tone, synthetic leather, power adjustable front seats, we found the all-new interior of the 2022 model to be a sophisticated, practical and comfortable space.

All materials used are of a high quality and everything has been positioned to maximise convenience. All the controls and switches have been cleverly grouped and are simple to operate, even while tackling challenging terrain. The cabin itself offers a multitude of advanced features including four-zone climate control and wireless charging for smartphones.

“The contemporary design of the rear is defined by its modern shape that mirrors the straight lines of the rest of the vehicle and underscores the SUV’s solid stance.”

The cluster gauge features a seven-inch, colour multi-function display along with a 12.3-inch multimedia display. This smartly designed and user-friendly system supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Optional features include a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system with 11.6-inch, dual touch-screen displays as well as smart entry and start systems, amongst others. Space wise, this vehicle comfortably accommodates seven adults in its three rows of seating, with plenty of head, shoulder and leg room on offer. The luggage compartment also offers ample space to pack for long off-road adventures, especially with the third row of seats folded flat.

Performance wise, the 2022 GX-R is powered by a newly developed 3.5-litre, V6 twin-turbo petrol engine that surpasses the performance of a conventional V8. It produces 409hp and up to 650Nm of torque. This capable engine is coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a unit that assists in the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10% compared to the outgoing generation. This setup allows the GX-R to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a respectable 6.7 seconds, pretty impressive for a vehicle of this weight and size.

The drivability factor of this car is where it really begins to shine. The 2022 GX-R offers three driving modes, namely Eco, Normal and Sports. The full-time 4WD System with 50-Mode Multi-terrain Select, along with Active Traction Control, CRAWL Control and Turn Assist Function ensure you are able to conquer any terrain this vehicle encounters. We found the handling of this SUV to be spot on and along with its effective braking system, superb traction control and superior cornering abilities, this is one of the most enjoyable vehicles we have ever had the privilege of test driving.

We can only imagine everything the Land Cruiser VX-R and GR Sport versions, also available in the 2022 range, have to offer. Safety wise, the designers at Toyota have included a range of safety and assistance features to ensure the wellbeing of you and your loved ones. These include 10 SRS airbags including side-curtain airbags for all three rows, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Parking Support Brake (PKSB) Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS), a clearance sonar featuring eight sensors located on both front and rear bumpers, and so much more.

For more information and to book a test drive of your own, please call Toyota Bahrain on 1773 0730.

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