Toyota has re-launched the LandCruiser 70 Series in Japan for one-year only to celebrate the 30th anniversary.

TO CELEBRATE THE 30th anniversary of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, Toyota in Japan has announced it will produce the original 70 Series LandCruiser for one year only in Japan.

The 70 Series went off-sale in Japan back in 2004, but continues to be sold in other markets, including Australia, but demand in Japan has prompted the car maker to revive the tough off-roader. Offered in two variants: Wagon and dual-cab ute, the 70 Series Land Cruiser lists from 3,600,000 Yen – Toyota expects to sell around 200 units per month while the special-edition 70 Series is on-sale.

While the 70 Series in Australia is available with a 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8, the Japan-only limited-edition model will be fitted with a 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine producing 170kW and 360Nm, returning a seemingly very optimistic 6.6L/100km. This is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and runs a part-time four-wheel drive system.

The exterior is relatively unchanged from the original, although the front and bonnet has been modernised with a grille that’s the same as the vehicle’s we get here and head-lights incorporating turn indicators (same as here, too). Modern safety features include airbags and ABS, a trip computer and 30th anniversary commemorative badges round out the interior changes.

Toyota has even released a video to commemorate the re-release, but while the talk in its statement about the 30th anniversary 70 Series was all about its off-road ability the video is a little on the tame side with all of the tracks the LandCruiser drives across easily manageable in a regular SUV. Shame.