Toyota South Africa has boosted its local Land Cruiser line-up with the introduction of the all-new Land Cruiser 300 HEV.Available in premium ZX specification — and later this year in adventure-focused GR-S grade — this newcomer marries a 3.5l twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine to a compact electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery pack.Paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, Toyota claims a combined system output of 341kW and 790Nm of torque. For context, its non-hybrid petrol sibling produces 305kW and 650Nm. With a top speed of 210km/h, Toyota says the 2,685kg 300 HEV is capable of sipping as little as 10l/100km on the combined cycle (an improvement of 1.6l/100km).Another benefit of the electrified powertrain is the addition of a waterproof AC inverter beneath the centre console, providing an external power supply of up to 1,500W — useful for powering various electrical devices or serving as an emergency power source during load-shedding.The launch of the 300 HEV is complemented by subtle updates across the range. Customers will benefit from a refreshed exterior colour palette, including the introduction of Magnetite Black and Classic White, together with revised availability of several existing colours across the GX-R, ZX and GR-S derivatives. Interior trim combinations have also been refined, further enhancing the cabin’s premium appeal.All Land Cruiser 300 models come standard with: LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights;keyless entry with auto-door-lock;park distance control;an electric parking brake;climate control with rear zone;power driver-seat adjustment;a multi-information display;built-in navigation (with Tracks4Africa support on GX-R);Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration;multiple power outlets with charging ports;Crawl Control; andDrive Mode Select.The ZX and GR-S models build on this with:fold-down third-row seating;a power-operated tailgate with hands-free function;a heated steering wheel with wood accents;a JBL 14-speaker audio system with DVD playback and a 12.3-inch touchscreen;multi-terrain monitor with panoramic view;seat heating and ventilation for first- and second-row passengers;a wireless charger; and tyre pressure monitoring.The ZX model adds a Wi-Fi-enabled rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, while the GR-S model features Toyota’s Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System to maximise off-road capability. Both variants feature additional drive mode select modes and a vehicle dynamics integrated management system to further enhance vehicle control.Toyota Safety Sense is fitted to both the ZX and GR-S grades and offers a full suite of active safety aids, including: Lane Trace Assist; all-speed radar cruise control; blind spot monitoring;lane departure alert; andrear cross traffic alert with braking and adaptive high beam.The new Land Cruiser 300 HEV ZX is priced at R2,287,700 and the HEV GR-S at R2,343,800. Pricing includes: a three-year/100,000km warranty;a nine-service/90,000km service plan; and an eight-year/160,000km hybrid battery warranty.TimesLIVE