Strong New Arguments For Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon

• 2003 model Amazon available from 7 October 2002
• One high specification grade, two engines
• 4.2-litre diesel priced at £44,400; 4.2-litre diesel with automatic transmission £45,900; 4.7-litre V8 petrol engine with automatic transmission only at £46,955
• First vehicle in the world to be fitted with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS)
• Driver, passenger, side & curtain airbags standard
• EMV (Electro-Multi Vision), wide screen touch-sensitive LCD including DVD navigation system
• Rear Seat Audio (RSA) system allows independent music choice for rear passengers via head sets
• Choice of 4.7-litre V8 petrol or 4.2-litre turbo diesel engines
• New five-speed automatic for petrol engine derivatives
• 18-inch wheels as standard
• Rain sensor wipers now fitted as standard

At the same time that its smaller sibling gets a full model change, the majestic Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon also receives several improvements, aiming to conserve its place as one of the world's best SUVs.

This 'go-anywhere' prestige car gets more luxury, more technology and more safety equipment.

The improved Land Cruiser Amazon has a new front bumper and a redesigned grille. The bumper is more robust than before but at the same time is thinner and lighter. The secret is in the use of Toyota Super Olefin Polymer, a polymer with better recyclability and superior mechanical properties.

At the rear, the combination lamps now feature clear lens turn indicators and the chrome-plated rear door moulding incorporates a strong Land Cruiser logo.

A revised exterior colour range has been developed to reflect the reputation of the Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon as a luxury car. This includes new deep, rich colours.

Advanced Technologies

The Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon receives a host of new features aiming at more convenience and superior comfort for its passengers. Some examples are the Electro-Multi Vision (EMV), a wide screen touch-sensitive LCD which includes several features such as a DVD navigation system. This system provides Europe wide mapping of all major roads and can store up to 13 times the amount of information as a CD driven unit.

The Rear Seat Audio (RSA) system allows rear seat passengers to make their own choice of music, independently of the front audio deck. The second row seats are equipped with head set units and a hideaway control panel.

Optitron instruments, dual air conditioning, rain sensors and 18-inch alloy wheels are now also standard on the Land Cruiser Amazon adding to the premium feel.

Improved Driving Dynamics Set The Difference

The mighty 4.7-litre V8 petrol engine in the Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon has a new five-speed Super ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) automatic transmission. It can extract more performance from the powerful V8, while also achieving better fuel consumption. The transmission's weight is reduced through the use of aluminium and a very compact torque converter.

The 32 valve DOHC 4.7-litre V8 engine has been further developed with a new ETCS-i (Electronic Throttle Control System-intelligent) operation for optimal and smooth control of the throttle opening, ensuring excellent performance and refinement.

The Land Cruiser Amazon petrol version also features Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), the first vehicle in the world to receive this system.

The VGRS control unit measures the steering input and vehicle speed to calculate precisely the optimum steering angle. It then commands the motor in the actuator to execute the steering manoeuvre. The results are a much-improved steering feel and response.

In the event of a sudden brake and change of lane, VGRS receives data from the VSC brake control unit, allowing the VGRS control unit to compute the steering correction required and enable the driver to steer safely.

The semi-active TEMS (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension) with Active Height Control (AHC) is retuned to soften the shock absorbers on bumpy roads and the anti-roll control logic is optimised to achieve superior cornering stability and better handling.

The latest additions to this handling package are bigger size tyres: low profile 275/60R18 (18-inch) for optimum on-road performance. Newly designed aluminium alloy wheels add to the stylish look.

2003 Amazon, in line with all Toyota models, has a three year / 60,000 mile warranty, three year paint and 12 year anti-perforation warranties. Major servicing is required only every 20,000 miles with a 'Health Check' service required every 10,000 miles.

Amazon In The Market Place

The Land Cruiser Amazon appeals to the heart as well as the mind of the 4x4 buyer. For these customers the emphasis in the description 'Sports Utility Vehicle' has shifted away from utility towards luxury. They are choosing a 4x4 as a leisure vehicle, often as an alternative to a luxury car or even a family MPV.

They need a practical car with plenty of interior space. They demand quality in design and build with high levels of specification and equipment as standard. Above all they are looking for refinement which reflects the status and success they have achieved.

Despite the desire for the rugged looks which characterise the sports utility market, Land Cruiser customers in the UK are almost as likely to live in the town as they are in the country. Just over a third of existing Land Cruiser Amazon owners hardly ever drive off-road but they do appreciate its reliability and reputation in more hostile driving environments such as Africa and Asia.

Land Cruiser Heritage

From its humble beginnings 51 years ago, the Land Cruiser has developed into one of the most enduring and sought after brand names in off-road driving. In the process, Toyota has become recognised as world leader in the four-wheel drive market for unrivalled quality and reliability standards.

From Australia to Africa, Iceland to Indonesia, the Land Cruiser is the preferred choice of those whose lives depend on their vehicle. Land Cruiser accounts for 30 per cent of the sport utility market in Saudi Arabia and is a key supplier to the United Nations across the globe. In Australia over three-quarters of the sports utility vehicles sold are Toyotas.

In the UK, Land Cruiser has become an increasingly popular choice since it first went on sale in 1975. The Land Cruiser's ability to provide comfortable transport in urban environments as well as off-road has contributed to worldwide success.

Over 3.9 million Land Cruisers have been sold to date, which is 1.2 million units more than all Land Rovers sold since their introduction. In the UK, over 30,000 Land Cruisers have been sold to date. These figures do not include sales of Toyota's other 4x4 sensation, the RAV4, nor any pick-ups or other Toyota 4x4 SUVs.