The week I picked up Toyota's latest Land Cruiser for test fortuitously coincided with the 60th anniversary of the big off-roader. August 1st is the official birthday of the beast and this particular test car bears a smattering of '60th Anniversary' badges lest we forget.
Badges aside it's impossible to ignore; this is one huge car. Thankfully all that space taken up on the road is used to good effect inside, as, no matter what size you are you'll have loads of room - front or back. There's even a pair of extra seats folded into floor of the (ginormous) boot. The only downside to all this is that you really have to climb up into the car, though of course that means a great view out.
As with virtually every other Land Cruiser of the past 60 years its interior is solid, durable and well specified, if lacking in real creative flair. Fans of premium-badged SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Range Rover may not like it, despite the long list of toys as standard.
Owners of road-biased SUVs may not appreciate the workmanlike approach the Land Cruiser takes, but it's pretty unstoppable off-road and a great tow car, so we can forgive it less than sparkling on-road dynamics. Saying that, its weight and cushy suspension do make it very comfortable.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a bit of an institution here in Ireland and no doubt will continue to be, despite the massive drop in sales in this segment due to our economic situation.
Toyota released a video to celebrate the 60th anniversary. Click here to see it for yourself.
Meanwhile, Paddy has done a full Test Drive of this car, so click here to read it.