Auto major Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) on Tuesday launched its eighth generation Land Cruiser sports utility vehicle (SUV) in the Indian market. It will be available in the price range of Rs 81.64 lakh and Rs 83.1 lakh, almost double the present price.TKM is an 89:11 joint venture between Japan's Toyota Motor Corp and India's Kirloskar group.The new SUV comes equipped with four-wheel drive, the company said in a statement.
"In spite of the recent slowdown, the premium SUV segment has witnessed a growth, driven largely by the introduction of new models," TKM Deputy Managing Director (marketing), Sandeep Singh said.
Currently TKM sells its stripped-down SUV, Land Cruiser Prado, in the Indian market at Rs 40 lakh.While the new vehicle will be imported as a completely built unit, TKM currently manufactures its Corrola Altis and Innova models at its facility near Bangalore.
The new Land Cruiser happens to be the 8th generation model that is sold worldwide. Its reputation as the original bad boy of the SUV brigade, thanks to its ability to take to dunes, riverbeds and wadis, is known by all. Furthermore, the Land Cruiser also comes fitted with a host of creature comforts and knick-knacks that cater to the needs of the well - heeled making it a formidable package both on and off the road.
Powered by a large 4461cc V8 engine that is capable of churning out 282 bhp @ 3600 rpm and a killer 650Nm of torque between 1600-2900 rpm, the Land Cruiser is any driver's delight. The power not only translates to great off-roading usage, but also makes this Cruiser rather quick on the tarmac. Incidentally the Land Cruiser is capable of touching the 100km/h mark in just 8.2 seconds!
The Land Cruiser is available in two versions priced respectively at Rs 81.64 lakh and Rs 83.11 lakh (ex showroom, Thane). The vehicle is one of the most expensive SUVs in the country and boasts of world class luxury features. It has the world’s most advanced air conditioning system and ranks among the top few 4WD vehicles that exist today, in cabin comfort. Audio system options include a 6-CD, 9 speaker, Pioneer Audio package and a 6 DVD (EMV screen), 14 speaker JBL Audio package.Both versions are completely kitted out, the difference of price is mainly due to the addition of a moonroof and a high end music system in the higher priced variant. All other features remain the same.
With the launch of the Land Cruiser, TKM is now set to take on the German brands, namely the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz M Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg and the BMW X5, ,which have been dominating the premium SUV segment till now. The competition is stiff, there is no doubt about that, but only time will reveal whether the original Bad Boy of the SUV brigade will rule the roost.
