Tinashe Makichi Motoring Reporter
The Toyota brand has for the past 15 years managed to stamp and consolidate its presence on the local front by exhibiting innovation through churning out brands that have managed to withstand the test of time.

Toyota Land Cruiser V8 seems to be ruling the roost and has become an identity vehicle to many Government officials especially ministers and parastatal heads.

The writer saw it proper to feature the V8 model after failing to resist the charm and luxury that comes with the vehicle. The interior of the V8 is fantastic and too charming to just ignore.

This machine comes with luxury and I still vividly remember the time when I saw the V8 being driven by popular musician cum businessman Energy Mutodi. All I could do was to gaze and freeze in shock.

The V8 that was just coming in, and seeing it for the first time was just amazing. Other flamboyant personalities have since included the vehicle amongst their endless fleets and not to forget the flamboyant Philip Chiyangwa.

As the 4×4 market has moved increasingly towards road-biased “soft-roaders”, it’s easy to forget the continuing demand for vehicles capable of actually venturing into the wilderness and delivering on the promises implicit in the tough styling.

As such, the new, eighth-generation Land Cruiser is undoubtedly the genuine article.

The first Toyota Land Cruiser was a re-badged Jeep clone and the name was first used in 1954, but a five-door station wagon was a far more recent addition to the corporate line-up.

The modern V8’s first spiritual successor was the 60 series, which was introduced in 1980 and became one of the first SUVs.

By the time it was replaced in 1990, it had taken Toyota to a position of global dominance that it still enjoys in the segment today.

The Land Cruiser V8 is bigger and more luxurious than the old Land Cruiser Amazon, but, like its predecessors, it’s been engineered to take on the toughest terrain in the world.

Despite the luxury associated with the vehicle, it also performs the most dirty jobs and its combination of virtues means its closest rival is the hugely successful Range Rover.

The previous Amazon tag has been dropped, with this model distinguished from its smaller siblings by a V8 suffix, referring to the mighty new 4,5-litre twin-turbo diesel that now powers it.

Toyota said the V8 has given a lot of people more sleepless nights than anything, and you’ve got to love it for that.

“Despite clever electronics to keep you on the road, the LC V8 remains nautical. Its unstoppable mass, slightly divorced ride quality and semaphore steering reaction make it feel more like an ocean liner,” said the company.

Superb comfort of the car is assured by the supple suspension and acres of space, plus lashings of power-assisted luxury kit to bring out the lazy in you.

The air-con system is desert-spec, and has no trouble keeping all seven passengers cool. The vehicle’s power comes from a 4,5-litre, twin-turbo diesel and despite weighing 2.6 tonnes the LC’s in-gear acceleration is hugely impressive and overtaking is dispatched with fast saloon levels of ease.

According to Toyota the interior might not have the same luxury as a Range Rover, feeling like an overgrown Avensis, but there’s a real feeling of strength and quality inside.

The V8 has the power to tow a three-and-a-half tonne trailer and it also has seven seats, most of which fold, though they do eat luggage space.

Thanks to the diesel engine it’s not shatteringly thirsty, but is a big and complicated 4×4.

Striking good looks, innovative 4 wheel drive, powerful petrol or diesel engines and an interior that’s as spacious as it is sumptuous. Through town, country and wide open spaces, the Land Cruiser V8 makes a statement of style and refinement wherever it goes, whichever road it goes along.

“Before you even get behind the wheel, Land Cruiser V8 thrills. A striking new front grille and bumper as well as newly sculpted rear lights are the focus of an exciting fresh and even bolder look. All in all, luxury never looked better,” said Toyota in one of its reviews.

The Land Cruiser V8 masters every road you take with a range of innovative technology such as Multi-Terrain Monitor, Multi-Terrain Select and Off-road Turn Assist.

Land Cruiser V8 boasts an interior as spacious as it is sumptuous, high-quality materials abound, beautiful finishes, supreme comfort levels and versatile seating options that adapt to any situation.

Luxury materials and high quality finishes are everywhere in Land Cruiser V8.

“Land Cruiser V8 is built on 60 years of unrivalled driving experience and is robust enough to go anywhere you want, whenever you want, all in supreme comfort,” said Motoring Analyst Mr James Moyo.

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