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Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon V8

Heavyweight champ

For some drivers, size is everything. If you like your off-roaders to have real presence, the Land Cruiser Amazon is sure to appeal. But with the eagerly awaited arrival of Porsche's Cayenne and VW's Touareg, Toyota has invested in a mild makeover to keep sales bubbling.

By Chris Thorp

November 2002

For some drivers, size is everything. If you like your off-roaders to have real presence, the Land Cruiser Amazon is sure to appeal. But with the eagerly awaited arrival of Porsche's Cayenne and VW's Touareg, Toyota has invested in a mild makeover to keep sales bubbling. Outside, changes are subtle, with a new front bumper and revised grille to tidy up the nose, plus clear lenses for the rear light clusters.

Move inside and you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a Lexus. The redesigned console includes a touch-screen LCD display that controls the sat-nav and entertainment systems. Rear passengers also get headsets that allow them to select their own audio. Revised instruments, dual air-con, rain sensing wipers and 18-inch alloys are all added to the Amazon's long list of standard kit.

Owners of the huge 4.7-litre V8 we drove now enjoy one of the smoothest gearboxes around. The five-speed auto is every bit as refined as the unit fitted to the Lexus LS430, and improves performance and economy. The V8 sprints from 0-60mph in 11.2 seconds, while fuel consumption is better, if still frightening, at 17.3mpg. What's more, the new hi-tech steering system offers improved feel. The bad news is that V8 prices are up by nearly ΂£5,500 to ΂£46,955, although a ΂£45,900 4.2-litre diesel automatic is also available.

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FIRST OPINION

    The Amazon is undoubtedly a mighty off-roader, and the extra luxury is a bonus for those with enough money to buy one and enough space to park one!
 
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