Expedition ready Land Cruiser straight from the factory.

Toyota has launched its most expensive bakkie yet in the local market, with a new special edition Land Cruiser 79.

Regarded as the most robust of all double-cabs, this‘Cruiser 79 Namib features some styling and suspension upgrades.

The most obvious exterior upgrade is a new mesh grille, whilst the front bumper has been replaced with an off-road specification steel bumper and nudge bar. Illumination is improved too, with the addition of LED spotlights

Inside this new Cruiser 79, there are factory fitted grey canvas seat covers and an expedition-grade roof console – the latter controlling an array of LED cabin lights. For those drivers who know that the places a Land Cruiser goes don’t really have conventional phone signal, Toyota has added a two-way radio compartment and microphone hook to the cabin architecture.

Mechanically the most significant change is a suspension upgrade. Toyota does not divulge who the supplier is but says that a credible local consultancy has engineered the upgrade.

The Namib edition also rolls a high-volume tyre option, Cooper’s Discoverer S/T Maxx, sized 265/75/R16. This tyre should give the ‘Cruiser 79 Namib ample deflation volume, to ensure excellent sand traction in steep dune terrain.

All the other ‘Cruiser 79 attributes remain the same: three lockable differentials and a huge 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 engine, producing 151 kW and 430 Nm.

In a world where most automotive marketing is empty perception management, this Land Cruiser Namib edition is a credibly authentic product evolution. In the testing conditions of Namibia, the Land Cruiser has achieved legendary status and Toyota has obviously decided to finally leverage its fabled reputation.

Toyota will be marketing the Land Cruiser 79 Namib in only two colours: white and beige. Toyota’s most expensive bakkie prices at R893600 and will probably outlast its owner.

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