Driving off in the massive Land Cruiser for the first time from the Toyota dealership, a strange, overpowering sensation can suddenly take hold of you. Without warning, you could find a strange force take control of your left hand and, against all of your might, pry it off the steering wheel. You'll actually watch your hand move behind the wheel and, with two fingers, flick the stalk on the steering column - full beams on, off, on, off, on, off ?
For some reason, it seems Toyota's full-sized sport-utility vehicle is the usual culprit for flashing lights in the fast lane here in the UAE. That may or may not be true, but it's gargantuan dimensions means it's one vehicle that you won't miss filling your rearview mirror. And the UAE is one of a shrinking number of countries where a large, truck-based luxury SUV is still selling well. Redesigned for 2008, the Land Cruiser hasn't changed all that much from its predecessor. It keeps the same wheelbase, but it grew by about 25 millimetres in height and around 61 mm in length. And though the exterior has been refreshed, it still has that same big, boxy, truck-like look - there is no attempt at trying to disguise its girth or making it look more aerodynamic. It also retains a certain bland, generic look about it - there's not really anything to say "wow" about the sheet metal. It really doesn't look bad, and it is a clean design, but it just does not instil any lust for the car.
For such a big vehicle, you'd expect the room of a three-bedroom flat inside, and the Land Cruiser does not disappoint - for the most part. Sink into the massive driver's seat and you'll practically need an intercom to speak to your passengers. Actually, if you want to talk with the people in the third row (who I sincerely hope will be little people, considering the lack of legroom there) you will have to yell. Loudly. But this is just a row for short trips, and the seats fold up to the side when not in use.
There is plenty of room in the second row, and the seats fold and tilt up toward the front for more cargo room with the simplest touch - just flick the backrest adjust lever for each side and the seat practically jumps on its own. They are some of the easiest operating seats I've experienced that don't say La-Z-Boy on them. It's too bad, though, that my GXR version's cushions were covered in a beige velour - the quality was there, but the choice of materials just seemed to be a throwback to the 1980s. And keeping them clean would be a chore!
Two things I loved about the interior: one is the start button and radio key fob. It might seem out of place on an SUV, but I like the convenience of keeping the key in my pocket and just pressing a button to start the vehicle, or having the door unlock automatically when I pull the handle. The other thing I liked was the cooling box in the centre storage bin. Press the switch for this deep compartment and air conditioning cools it down, perfect for keeping drinks or food cold. I even put a whole bag of groceries in it.
My biggest disappointment with the interior, though, was the lack of head room. Sitting in the driver's seat, my hair was brushing the roof. Yes, the SUV did boast a great sunroof that takes up some space, but I couldn't adjust my seat lower. It just seemed out of context with this giant car. Also disappointing was the centre stack. The plastic was acceptable (just), but a cheap-looking radio topped off a myriad of buttons, seemingly thrown onto the panel with no plan. And, no satellite navigation in a Dh194,000 vehicle? Especially, one that is probably destined for the desert? Tsk, tsk.
I would hope that this vehicle is destined for the desert, because it is certainly built for it. With a body-on-frame construction, the Land Cruiser carries on its long history of being a serious off-road vehicle. Full-time four-wheel drive with high and low gearing will get it out of pretty well any jam, but Toyota has included a few other electronic toys for off-road enthusiasts. Downhill assist control, hill-start assist control and crawl control all make life easier in the dunes or wadis. It's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is also claimed to aid both on- and off-road handling.
On tarmac, the KDSS might help, but this is no track queen. The Land Cruiser feels solid on the motorway and is comfortable around town, but any quick twists and turns will have the driver feeling like a pendulum. The traction control and stability control help keep it on track, and there isn't much bobbing about, but there is only so much you can do with a tall vehicle that weighs 3,260 kg. My Toyota, in the ubiquitous pearl white, was powered by the base 4.0-litre V6. Its 240 horsepower doesn't sound like enough for such a large vehicle, but it actually didn't do such a bad job. That's keeping in mind, however, that I didn't really want to go fast in this truck. But the engine must be kept revving to deliver any reasonable performance, a task the five-speed autobox was usually, though not always, capable of when pressed. The truck sports a pintle hook, so it would pull your Jet Ski or camping trailer, too. But you would certainly be thankful of the Emirates' low-cost petrol, in any situation.
In all, the Toyota Land Cruiser is one of those vehicles that best fits a certain niche. It's a good choice for people with two needs: room for a large brood and serious off-road capabilities. It would be a bad choice for people who are just looking for a commuter vehicle and need parking anywhere within downtown Abu Dhabi or Dubai. For these people, there are many other smaller, more fuel-efficient luxury cars around.
nvorano@thenational.ae
