Much like the old Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, the 70
series Toyota Land Cruiser has been the same vehicle beneath the skin since the
mid-80s. It’s still being sold in different parts of the world, including South
Africa, where the lineup has recently been expanded with the Namib special
edition.
Head over to their website and you’ll see it under
the Land Cruiser 79 4.5D V8 D/C Namib moniker, with an R 893,600 starting
price, equal to US$ 61,145/€ 55,189 at today’s exchange rates, or R 125,000
(US$ 8,553/€ 7,720) more than the regular 79 dual cab model.
Speaking of which, power comes from a 4.5-liter
turbodiesel, which churns out 205 PS and 430 Nm of torque, between 1,200 and 3,200 rpm. On average, it returns 11.3 l/100 km
(20.8 mpg US) and emits 300 g/km of CO2. Payload and towing capacity are
maintained, and the vehicle also features an upgraded suspension and 16-inch
wheels, wrapped in 265/75 Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tires, with white
lettering.
Enhancing the robust appearance of the Land Cruiser,
the Namib, which is available in Sand Beige and Ivory White, adds special
badges on the outside, as well as a new grille with Toyota lettering. It also
gets a steel front bumper with integrated heavy-duty nudge bar and auxiliary
lights, alongside the tubular rear step with integrated towbar.
On the inside, the seats have been wrapped in
bespoke grey canvas, with embroidered Namib logo, and the edges feature
anti-scuff plates that prevent degrading over time. The off-roader also gets a
cooled glovebox, specific roof-console with LED lights, microphone cord hook, a
two-way radio compartment and more storage spaces.
All versions of the Land Cruiser 79 D-Cab V8 get a
touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Bluetooth, power windows,
tilt and telescopic steering column, remote central locking, front power
socket, ABS and two front airbags. They’re also offered with a 3-year/100,000
km warranty, whichever comes first.
