VERYONE knows the Toyota Land Cruiser. In its various iterations, it’s been around for nearly as long as CAR magazine. But it has always held somewhat limited appeal – the single-cab bakkie served farmers and overlanding companies, while the station wagon held family appeal (albeit in an unrefined package by modern standards). To bridge this gap, the manufacturer has launched a double-cab version. It sports the same payload of 920 kg as the single cab, but provides seating for five. On paper, it looks like the ideal compromise.

The 4,2-litre straight-six diesel continues the trusted Toyota mandate for this design of vehicle by avoiding the higher-stressed turbocharged and intercooled route, here sticking with natural aspiration. It produces 96 kW and 285 N.m. The non-turbo setup should prove reliable, especially in very hot African climates.

With Land Cruisers, it’s mostly about the engine and transmission. Once you’ve lifted the heavy bonnet and peer into the bay, you are met with lots of metal, a shiny black air cleaner with snap-off clips and bright plated piping. It’s old-fashioned, long-lasting, difficult-to-melt stuff with very little plastic in evidence. The starter motor looks like it could be removed with a small shifting spanner, although the alternator and air-con compressor might take a little longer. The small windscreen-wiper motor is also easy to reach and everything appears designed to be removed (how-ever unlikely) anywhere in Africa. Further back, a five-speed gearbox is easy enough to use with a very positive – if long – shifting action. Coil springing up front and leaf springs at the rear support the live axles.