Toyota Land Cruiser

TOYOTA Land Cruiser V8

4.5-litre V8 turbo diesel

Top speed: 130 mph
0-62 mph: 8.2 seconds
Max power: 282 bhp @ 3,600 rpm
Max torque: 650 Nm @ 1,6-2,900 rpm
CO2 emissions: 270 g/km (Band G)
Combined fuel consumption: 27 mpg

Towing capacity: 3,500 kg (braked)
Wading depth: 700 mm

Price from £56,100

THE Toyota Land Cruiser has had a long and illustrious existence since its birth in Japan in 1951, and is the holder of many 'world firsts'. Arriving in the UK in 1975, the model has reinvented itself, keeping ahead of the game with each generation, and struck up a following of hardy worshippers along the way.

For almost 20 years the Amazon has been the flagship of the feisty fleet of large off roaders, but has now been replaced by the high-spec giant V8.

It is huge, I'll make no bones about it. It's a really big bouncing boy. The bulbous expanse of bodywork could be the rippling muscles of a body builder. Take that huge grille, it's like a big American truck, and this stationwagon style on a long wheelbase holds 'big' appeal.

Strong looks aside, you can really feel the quality – it emanates durability. Good job the grab handles are sturdy because you need them to pull yourself up into the cabin. Beware of the step in wet weather because it can be slippery.

Up in the cabin you feel miles above the ground. If you look back through the cabin you really see just how big this car is inside. It's like a room on wheels with more leg room than I have experienced in any car. The boot door could be on another car it's so far away.

This V8 model is available in just one high-specification version and it is a luxury one at that. Talk about giving drivers choice. And everything is oversized, from the sat nav screen to the butons, stalks and steering wheel. If I didn't know better, I'd think this was the product of an American family, not Japanese. It's just so BIG and spacious.

Toyota claims the V8 is one of the most technically advanced four-wheel drive vehicles ever produced and is equipped with a series of advanced dynamic and handling features. These include the world's first four-wheel Active Height Conrol and Adaptive Variable Suspension, a fully adjustable system that also provides spring rate control.

These features aim to provide exceptional performance off road. In fact, wheel articulation is so great, the car can crawl over steps with a 630mm height difference without lifting a wheel off the ground – not that you'll ever find yourself in that situation, but it's great to know you are unlikely to get stuck anywhere.

And, what powers this monster is a big 4.5-litre V8 D-4D engine, the first Toyota eight-cylinder engine to feature common rail diesel injection technology. It is also the most powerful Toyota diesel yet, producing 282 bhp and a whopping 650Nm of torque from a low 1,650rpm.

This big lump is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with the option of manual gear changes, plus of course, it has the low ratio gearbox for really tricky traversing.

Despite its magnificent off-road prowess, this car will spend most of its life driving on normal roads, towing, tugging and cruising. Cruising is something it achieves with aplomb, realising 25mpg over the long distance. Not bad for a thirsty V8, however, you wouldn't buy this car for long hauls because that kind of MPG figure just doesn't make financial sense.

It's not suitable in town either because the sheer weight of the car. All that power underfoot is hard to pin down. It lurches to and fro on acceleration and wallows on roundabouts. It's not the worst wagon for this, and considering its size, it handles well. It's just too big for town.

A life in the country is where this car's time will be best spent because of its workhorse capabilities. Rural business people who need a powerful, hard-working machine combined with large, luxury transport will appreciate all that the V8 has to offer.

Those who already use the current Amazon will probably happily continue their love affair with the new V8.

Safetywise, it's top of the heap for pro-active features and, securitywise, the car has just been voted number one in the large 4x4 category at the British Insurance Car Awards. My only grumble, really has to be the price. £56k is a lot of money despite the host of standard equipment.

However, in all probability, this will keep the V8 exclusively for those who don't mind paying over the odds for a car that ticks all the right boxes