Specifications
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Performance characteristics | |
| Max Speed | 180 km/h |
| Acceleration time | 8.6 s |
| tank capacity | 96 l. |
| Fuel consumption: | 15.4 /100 km |
| Recommended fuel | AI-98 |
| Engine | |
| Type of | Petrol |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Working volume | 4663 cm3 |
| intake type | Injector, multiport fuel injection |
| Max power | 235 HP at 4800 rpm |
| Max Torque | 422 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| Body | |
| Number of seats | 8 |
| Length | 4890 mm |
| Width | 1940 mm |
| Height | 1890 mm |
| Trunk volume | 2212 l |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm |
| Ground clearance | 220 mm |
| Curb weight | 2470 kg |
| Full mass | 2910 kg |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Drive unit | Full |
| Steering | |
| Amplifier type | hydraulic booster |
History of Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus
The Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus SUV model is an elite modification of the popular SUV from Toyota. In Russia, in the USA and some other countries, the model is known as the Lexus LX470. The participation of this car in the premium sub-brand Lexus underlines the entire elite component and originality of this model.
The Japanese car manufacturer Toyota released this car as a variation of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The famous "weave" is supplemented here, improved and at the same time has a more premium look.
Initially, this model was created exclusively for the North American automotive market. Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus was supposed to compete with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Range Rover models, which were beginning to rapidly gain popularity.
As a technical basis for this car, Japanese engineers used the Land Cruiser 100 platform. The difference between Cygnus is that this SUV had a more prestigious role. The manufacturer added a more individual trim and exterior.
One of the main differences between Cygnus and "hundreds" is the front optics. In this model, the designers decided to choose 4 headlights instead of the traditional 2. The radiator grille, sills, body kits, bumpers, trims and lights are also different.
The model first appeared in 1998. In December, the SUV entered dealerships in Japan. The model was intended for the domestic market. Toyota engineers created this SUV with the wishes of buyers of cars in the prestigious segment. That is why in the interior you can see natural wood and leather. A DVD player and a rear view camera are also the prerogative of the Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus.
Belonging to the premium segment gives the absence of "twists" on the climate control unit. Their functionality is replaced by buttons. Unlike the “hundredth” Prado, here many of the equipment items that were available as an option are already offered as standard.
In 2002, the Japanese manufacturer carried out a restyling. The SUV has become even more solid, the appearance has improved.
The subsequent restyling took place in 2005, as a result of which the design of the radiator grille became more luxurious. Also changed the design of alloy wheels and rear combination lamps.
- The off-road car Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus was created as a premium version of the popular Land Cruiser Prado 100. In some markets, the model is known as the Lexus LX470.
- This model is based on the Land Cruiser 100 SUV.
- The main visual difference between the Cygnus and the J100 is 4 headlights instead of the traditional 2. Bumpers, lights, grille, lining and body kits also differ.
- For the convenience of boarding / disembarking the driver, the steering column is equipped with an electric drive. When the car is turned off, the steering column moves up and back.
- Land Cruiser Cygnus, as well as the "simpler" relative - 100, is also offered in special anniversary trim levels.
Options
Japanese designers have provided only one engine for this elite and productive SUV. Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus is equipped with a 4.7-liter V-engine that is capable of delivering 235 hp. The motor has 8 cylinders, each with 4 valves.
Due to good traction in the low-speed zone, the Zignus SUV performs well when driving off-road at low speeds. For a more confident off-road overcoming, the manufacturer has provided a permanent all-wheel drive.
The suspension is similar to the suspension of the top versions of the Land Cruiser 100, it has pneumatic elements. Vehicle ground clearance may vary depending on the type of coverage, driving mode and other parameters. Range of change of a road gleam: 220-270 mm.
The SUV has an excellent active security system. This is a tribute to the high class of the car.
Exterior photo
Interior photo
Price
In the secondary market, Cygnus is valued at 400 thousand - 1.8 million rubles.
Where to buy a car
The car is currently out of production. It can be purchased on the secondary market or on electronic sites on the Internet.
Signus is a zoological category, this is the name of a breed of birds - a large white northern swan. I'm not joking: I found it in an English-language reference book, it says so there - "Cygnus - big northern swan". Well, the name is beautiful, but how suitable is it for a heavy SUV?
SWAN WHITE
Land Cruiser Cygnus - appeared on the market in 1998 - first in the USA as the Lexus LX-470, then a little later - at home. The equipment seemed to be only one, but according to the all inclusive principle, in Russian - “tricked out”: interior - genuine leather of special dressing, front panel shells - natural walnut or poplar root, electronics and audio - “full stuffing”. And the main highlight is the super suspension: automated clearance control and arbitrary control of shock absorber stiffness. The Swans have only one engine - a 235-horsepower V8 2UZ-FE gasoline engine. Such cars in Japan initially cost a little less than 50 thousand dollars, the latest "improved" modifications have become more expensive - up to $ 60 thousand. In Russia, new Lexus LX-470s are sold at prices starting at $80,000,000. This car is favored by celebrities. It is known, for example, that the famous director Andrei Konchalovsky drives a Lexus LX-470. Are there any differences between the American and Japanese versions? Not much, and those are only cosmetic - the form of foglights, taillights and something else on the little things. A little later, the base modification of the Swan appeared on sale with the well-known 1HD diesel engine. Are there many "Northern Swans" in Irkutsk? No more than a dozen, and even then if you count both Lexuses and Kruzaks.
Once, I was talking on the side of the road with an old acquaintance - a big fan of Japanese jeeps - he himself operates an old Prado 70 and considers him a "real rogue". Suddenly, a white LX-470 "solemnly floated" past us, to which my interlocutor gritted: "The largest Japanese SUV." Here are those on - you need to check! And in general, what does “SUV” mean!? Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to me that the "SUV" is an all-wheel drive station wagon with high ground clearance, but without off-road frills in the transmission - demultipliers, differential locks. That is, with a monocoque body and permanent all-wheel drive with a non-locking center differential. So look at the table - Cygnus is far from being an "SUV", it has everything that a real all-terrain vehicle should have: two differential locks, a demultiplier and a chassis on a frame with a solid rear axle. Plus, adjustable suspension stiffness and clearance control!
The opportunity to check, as always, presented itself by chance: I met my classmate. Once upon a time, as boys with slingshots in our pockets, we rushed along Gagarin Boulevard, and today a childhood friend is the director of a reputable Irkutsk enterprise and “under himself” uses the “White Swan”. Since the leaders are very, very busy people, let's leave the owner of the jeep incognito: his deputy went to meet with the correspondent of "A + C" - he became a co-author of our report.
CLOSE CONTACT OF THE FIRST KIND
At the appointed hour, a “white fluffy” Land Cruiser Cygnus and Dmitry Leonidovich Nizhegorodov, accompanying him, were standing under my window. Dmitry himself, as it turned out, is a former pilot! Yes, a real professional - he graduated from an aviation school and worked in small aviation. In the early 90s, when, according to Dmitry, “our small aircraft were destroyed,” our hero began to look for sources of livelihood worthy of a real man. These searches were not crowned with success either in the traffic police or in the police (this is life!) and, finally, proudly bearing the honorary title of reserve officer, Dmitry found a haven for the restless spirit in the "special services". Well, from the “organs” of the state, the well-known wide path leads to commercial structures. In short, we, dear readers, were lucky: a very serious, educated and technically competent person got caught, which means that he can tell something interesting and sensible about the car.
The car, as it turned out, was produced in 1999, my friend has been in Irkutsk for 3 years, the mileage is 151,000 kilometers. What is such a machine for? It turns out that the chef likes to go on vacation to distant tracts among the Baikal ranges. Here "SUV" will not help. Dmitry says: “Well, yes. Imagine, for example, Enhok: from Mukhor to Sarma it is still possible to drive at a light pace. And then - already a question!
For three years, the "Swan" almost nothing broke. Immediately after the purchase, the ball joints were replaced - there was already a backlash. Well, then, during the entire operation, it recurred several times, according to the former pilot, “the main disease of all hundredth Cruisers”. “The front brake discs they work in intense thermal conditions. I drove through a humid city - lo and behold, steam was pouring out of the front brakes! If, after intensive braking, you find yourself in a large puddle or wade into a river, then the disks warp, that is, they actually fail. After that, when braking, even the steering wheel beats in the hands. We bought “very cool disks” - 10 thousand rubles apiece - it didn’t help, the hour came, and the expensive disks also warped! Turns out it's consumable...
OUTSIDE AND INSIDE
From the outside, Cygnus fully justifies its name - it actually resembles a large swan: the lines are smooth, "bird's eyes", stampings on the wings - these are, of course, swan wings ... And he himself is white and fluffy. I really liked it - and the power in it, and tenderness, as in a mighty northern bird. And open the "beak"? Dima clicked the hood lock - let's see what is "in the goiter" of the bird. Nothing interesting at all. The entire engine compartment is occupied by a hefty square cover with the inscription "V8 4700". Yes, this Zmey Gorynych about two heads and eight "pots" pretends to be skewbald.
Opening the driver's door: how is it? For some reason, I was immediately drawn into this "inside" - I just wanted to "jump", which I did not slow down and do. Feel? Very nice! The “Swan” immediately envelops you with comfort: it’s nice and comfortable in the “famous” places, and the grippy steering wheel goes into your hands, and you take your left hand off the steering wheel, and it falls on the head of the gear selector by itself, right there and the mode buttons - everything is at hand . There are three noteworthy buttons on the side of the driver's door: "Set", "1" and "2". Dmitry comments: “Recording and playback of workplace settings for two drivers. This includes the position of the seat, steering wheel and mirrors.” To the right of the steering wheel is a control unit for the position of rear-view mirrors, headlight washer and blower fans. On the steering column, in addition to the usual "steering column", on both sides of the "joystick" - pulled over, there was a displeased grunt of the servomotor, and the steering wheel began to "run into" your humble servant. It's clear. What about on the left? To the left of the steering wheel, the most important button labeled "Diff Lock" is the rear cross-axle differential lock. And the interaxle? Dima shows: here it is, on the center console, bottom right - all four wheels and a cross in the middle.
The console, I would say, is a typical Toyota one. And it pleases! It is better when all the controls do not require getting used to. The touch display has long entered the everyday life of our lives - everything is as usual here, climate control, navigation, video, audio are controlled by on-screen buttons ... This is where the most grandiose inlay made of natural walnut veneer flaunts. Below is the automatic transmission selector. To the right of the “cobra head” is the damper stiffness knob: COMFORT - SPORT. A little back - a long button with arrows "back and forth" - adjusting the ride height. This "baida" can be turned off altogether - there is a corresponding "Off" button. Nearby is a “box” mode button with two positions: 2nd - a winter soft start from second gear, PWR - a sports mode that allows you to turn the “engine” in each gear to maximum speed. To the left of the selector flaunts the "knob" handout - the most commonplace with three positions "H", "N" and "L". What else? Oh yes, appliances. Here they are ordinary, not “opti”, but very nice design and readability is good - there is a knob for adjusting the brightness of the glow. As for space, there is room everywhere - both in front and behind. Above his head, too - the lord may not remove the top hat. This car has a third row of seats - for "corporate purposes". The third row is three-seater, it makes the entire crew eight-seater. The rear seats can be removed, can be folded traditionally, or rotated in an Oise - on the sides.
OUTSIDE, TO PAMPAS
The task set is not simple: to prove that this beautiful white car is not a SUV, but a real jeep. What is needed for this? At best, virgin snow. At worst? There is also this: arable land of the “black fallow” type, well, and sprinkled, in accordance with the season, with half a meter of snow. Where to find it? I know! On the fifteenth kilometer of the Baikal tract, if you turn towards the bays, there is arable land - I saw it “in its pure form” in the fall, and now it is covered with deep snow! There - to the Wolf Bay. The former pilot liked it, he smiles: it is clear that he is a tester by nature. We drive through the city to the dam. Fast. At the wheel, Nizhegorodov is like in an office: he drives with one hand, juggles with a cell phone with the other, takes out some papers from his pockets, reads them and dictates something to someone.
After Novaya Lisikha, Dmitry “drowns” and goes to a “one and a half hundred” on a gentle, insidious turn, my muscles stiffen, and I say instructively: “Hush. Quiet. There is often ice here. The “Chief” realized that “the reporter was in alarm” and let go of the “trigger”.
At the hillock - turn right. Here we are on the field. We turned around - on the right is a pine forest, on the left - an endless distance. Ahead is the Irkutsk Sea and a cozy bay with the harsh name Volchiy. I don’t believe it: won’t Dima take pity on “Kruzak” and jump off the road onto the snow-covered arable land? Has stopped. We check the depth of the snow ford: knee-deep! "Kruzak" is above the hubs. And under the snow, cloddy earth - black-brown loam, arable land - the mother of the Russian people. Differences under the snow of 30-40 centimeters - it is very difficult to walk with your feet. We roll down the "White Swan" from the road: swinging left and right, as if on the sea. We remember: you need to raise the clearance. Stop. We press the button for lifting the suspension: an indication lights up on the instrument panel. Here the middle position blinked, then it lit up constantly. middle. We hold the button. The top position flashed. We hold on for a long time. No, it didn't light up for some reason. Nizhegorodov says: “For some reason, he doesn’t want to. Well, God be with him. And so high." Let's start. No, it doesn't! Grinding diagonally. We turn on the locking of the center differential: we went right away, and it’s good. We stop. I get out of the car, Dima remains behind the wheel - we will shoot a photo report about the fight against virgin snow. Well, I mean that I need “factual material”, that this is “not a SUV”.
I went out onto the road - Dima drove across the field. He described a wide circulation with good speed and drove into a deep drift - "Swan" snow "belly deep". Stopped, looked out. They jumped: "Come on!". Sanded - from under the wheels of snow like a fan. Can't move. Quiet. Silence, and suddenly without any "tension" went and went, and so briskly - faster than at first. As it turned out, blocked the rear differential! I look, it enters the second, wider circle, and the speed is greater than before. After a large semicircle, a sharp turn - at 90 degrees: a professional reception for testers for patency in loose soils. But Cygnus did not even think of stopping: rushing, he almost said "like a real swan."
| Specifications | ||
| BODY | ||
| Type of | station wagon, UZJ100 | |
| Number of doors/seats | 05.aug | |
| Chassis | closed rectangular frame with cross bars | |
| ENGINE | ||
| Type of | 2UZ-FE, petrol, V8, 32 valves, VVTi, multiport fuel injection, DOHC - 4 camshafts in chain-driven heads | |
| Working volume, cub. cm | 4663 | |
| Cylinder diameter x piston stroke, mm | 96x84 | |
| Compression ratio | 9,6 | |
| Power, kW (hp) / rpm | 172,8 (235)/4800 | |
| Torque, N * m at rpm. | 421,7/3600 | |
| TRANSMISSION | ||
| Transmission | 4-speed hydromechanical planetary automatic with adaptive electronic control (ECT-i), transfer case with range and center differential with viscous coupling | |
| Drive unit | permanent full with forced mechanical electronically controlled inter-axle and rear inter-axle differential locks | |
| STEERING | ||
| Type of | rack and pinion with hydraulic booster | |
| Turning radius | 5.9 m | |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Front | independent, torsion bar on double wishbones with anti-roll bar | |
| rear | dependent - rigid axle on trailing arms with Panhard rod | |
| WHEELS | ||
| Tire size | 275/70R16 | |
| DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, VOLUME | ||
| Length/width/height, mm | 4890/1940/1890 | |
| Base, mm | 2850 | |
| Track front / rear, mm | 1620/1615 | |
| Maximum ground clearance, mm | 220 (arbitrarily adjustable by the driver) | |
| Empty vehicle weight, kg | 2470 | |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 96 | |
| DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE | ||
| Maximum speed, km/h | 175 (electronic limiter) | |
| Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h, s | 11,5 | |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION, l/100 km | ||
| Mixed cycle | 17 | |
| ELECTRONIC, SERVICE SYSTEMS AND SERVO DRIVES | ||
| Cruise control, central locking, ABS, el. power windows, air conditioning, el. steering column adjustment (back and forth and up and down with memory for 2 positions), driver's seat (back and forth and up and down with memory for 2 positions), rear-view mirrors (with memory for 2 positions), automatic adjustment of the rear mirrors reverse view, audio, video, TV, CD player | ||
DRIVER AMBITIONS
Now it's my turn to drive. Well, what can be said? The impressions are threefold: firstly, as an electric locomotive driver - the dimensions are huge and the power is felt formidable, secondly, like a tractor-combine operator - there is no road, but the “hefty machine” goes (I remembered how in my youth I cultivated fields on a tractor K -700), and thirdly, like a driver of a car - easy to manage, obedient, meek and dynamic at the same time. This is what I came up with! Honestly, it's not my fault, it was "Swan" that inspired me. And on the road? Let's go on the road, especially since it's already time to go home - the test "in full growth" took place. With what to compare something? The last “all-terrain Toyota” that I drove was the Kluger V. Compared to the “Umnik”, the Cygnus is no less dynamic, according to the response to the accelerator pedal, it has more weight, but almost a hundred more power. In turn, the roll is significant. Oh yes, we, riding around the field, set the soft mode of shock absorbers! The steering wheel, like all large Toyotas, is very light - without reactive action: I return the steering wheel to the "internal" turn with my hands. Here we are on the highway. Fourth gear, 80 km / h, 2000 rpm on the tachometer - a huge motor is not audible. I pressed the pedal - the “kick-down” worked, the second, 3500 rpm - the motor became audible - an extremely pleasant V8 rumbling! Few things so caress the ears of an old fat chauffeur. After a few seconds I release the pedal - again 2000 revolutions, again the "Swan" majestically floats in silence. We return to the city along the bypass past the cargo port, here you can “sink” - the place is the very “drager”. We decide to "put the arrow". A little more than 10 seconds - 100 km / h. I count “ticks” in my head: 25 seconds - 180 km / h - the speedometer “lies”, and now the “Shiryamka” has appeared, it's time to release the “brake parachute”.
REVIEWED AND DECIDED
If I lied, then by inspiration, and the former pilot Nizhegorodov will forgive me! After all, we, journalists, are creative people, impressionable and amorous. And falling in love with the "Northern Swan" is very, very easy: he is handsome, strong and affectionate at the same time.
So what will be the conclusions, comrade former pilot? And the conclusions are as follows: Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus is a real full-featured jeep, always ready for severe off-road. Honestly, even the most strange: such a seemingly gentle, white, elegant, and even the word “off-road vehicle” does not fit him, because we drove ON FARMED FIELD COVERED WITH DEEP SNOW - places from time immemorial considered a training ground for a horse or tractor! And not just “on the move” slipped, but rather freely rode - with stops, starts and sharp turns. Here it turns out "two in one bottle" - a comfortable large "station wagon" with a super saloon and a real "draft SUV" with two locks and a "demyan". These are the pies. By the way, it suddenly dawned on me: the tires were ordinary road tires. Dear Editor-in-Chief, this is the kind of car our editors need in order to travel on routes to the outback!
Vladivostok residents were among the first in Russia to learn what Japanese cars are. The lineups of companies from the Land of the Rising Sun provide an opportunity to choose a car for almost anyone. The undisputed leader in the executive SUV segment is now considered Toyota Land Cruiser 100, a jeep that was launched nine years ago, which should soon be replaced by the 200 model. "Cruiser" is a classic frame SUV, in the range of engines there are both dynamic gasoline and economical diesel engines. Let's talk more about the design of the base model before proceeding to the description of the top modification.
The model that replaced the "eightieth" model is distinguished by an even greater level of comfort: the driver's and front passenger's seats can be set to any of the necessary positions with the help of electric adjustments - a person of any build and height will find a comfortable place in the front of the SUV. The steering column is also adjustable in height and reach with a small lever. On the massive center console, the driver has a climate control unit, an audio system, and, in addition, a mass of less noticeable keys that do not “fall out” of the overall picture of a well-designed interior.
The Optitron dashboard is an interesting detail of many modern Toyota cars: when the ignition is turned on, the scales and arrows are effectively illuminated in white, without distracting the driver from the control process. It seems that it’s not worth talking about the appearance of the Land Cruiser - the body of the SUV is “drawn” in such a way that not only respectable men, but also fragile ladies want to be behind the wheel - with sufficiently large dimensions, the car does not look too aggressive, but simply solid .
Now for the technical part. An interesting element in the Land Cruiser's suspension is the TEMS automatic strut adjustment system. Electronics offers the driver to choose (or does it herself) one of four levels of rigidity of the racks or one of three height options. It is worth noting that the indicated ground clearance of 220 mm is the value for the “norm” level, while for the convenience of boarding and disembarking the body can be lowered by 5 cm, and when a speed of 5 km / h is reached, the automation returns the car to its original position . But already at around 30 km / h, the car “crouches” again to reduce air resistance and lift.
When the Land Cruiser goes off-road, the on-board systems give the command to raise the body by another 50 mm, so the clearance reaches 270 mm. By the way, when official deliveries to our country had just begun, Toyota did not install the TEMS system on “our” options because of the fear of Russian roads. As for the classic suspension elements, the rear axle is “held” by springs, and the suspension is made dependent. Unlike the Land Cruiser 80, which also had a dependent axle in front, torsion bars were used on the "hundredth". Otherwise, the V8 engine simply would not fit into the engine compartment. Further - it is about the power unit.
The range of engines of the previous model was already quite outdated by the end of the 90s, so the engineers of the Japanese concern developed new gasoline and diesel units. The in-line 6-cylinder 1HD-FTE diesel engine was created on the basis of the previous model, but it was equipped with an intercooled turbine and an electronic injection angle advance system, due to which the power and torque increased by 1.5 times. But the petrol V-shaped “eight” was created “from scratch”.
Its volume is only 187 cc more than the previous generation inline-six, but the performance has increased markedly - by about 20%. Relative to the engines of the previous generation, the operating speed of the new line has increased, so the gear ratio of the main pair has been changed from 3.7 to 3.9. Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs with a gasoline engine and a manual transmission simply do not exist - “mechanics” can only be purchased in tandem with a diesel engine. The "automatic machines" paired with the V8 are equipped with a torque converter that smooths out the lack of torque at low revs.
Having become acquainted with the design of the Land Cruiser 100, let's see what the modification is Cygnus. Like the base model, the Signus began production in 1998 and was restyled in 2002. The car is produced only for the domestic Japanese market, and cars leaving the gates of Toyota factories outside Japan and intended for export are called Lexus LX470. Let's clarify what was included in the restyling five years ago. New bumpers, taillights, a full-fledged stabilization system and the already mentioned Optitron instrument cluster are the elements that make the Land Cruiser family a little younger.
Cygnus Outwardly, it differs from its base in a different front part: the hood opens along with the radiator grille, and instead of two headlights, four are made. Inside, the top modification is trimmed with more expensive woods and leathers, and a rear-view camera and a DVD changer are standard. The last device should be told in more detail. When buying a Signus, the owner will face such surprises as refusing to read even some licensed discs - this is due to the presence of their own standards in Japan.
The same can be said about the possibility of installing your SIM card in a car - many car companies in the world practice using cellular communication without a handset, but again, Japan has its own type of communication, so the GSM standard will not work. The presence of a rear view camera is a big plus for a large SUV. It turns on automatically when the “automatic” selector is set to the “R” position and significantly reduces the risk of collisions when parking.
Acquainted with Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus, you can notice its differences from the "weaving". It makes you want to write “the usual “hundreds”! But no, such stylish executive jeeps will never become commonplace, they will always remain an "extension" of the owner, talking about his status.
Owner's opinion. Sergey Vershinin, head of the Vershina construction company.
AG: How many years have you been driving? What cars did you have before?
Before entering one of the St. Petersburg universities, I served in the army, where I began to drive. I have over 20 years of experience. I drove almost all of our army trucks, and my first own car was a 1982 Corolla. As a lover of a healthy lifestyle, I traveled almost all of Primorye on it, I think this car was the most “indestructible”. Since then, I have been a right-hand drive fan - for the region, this control option is the best. I had about ten "black-rack" Mark IIs, then several "Crowns". I think that each car has its own functions, it is very difficult to combine the best properties in one model, so at the moment, in addition to Signus, I use Nissan Maxima and Subaru Forester.
AG: How did you decide to buy a Toyota Land Cruiser in general and modify the Cygnus in particular?
For a very long time I thought that the Cruiser was an immodest car, and the person who owns it must have a certain status. And I do not like to stand out, including with the help of a car. In the spring of this year, I thought about buying a new car, and a friend advised: "Take the Land Cruiser, it's a classic!" His opinion convinced me that the time had come for a representative SUV. Of the three options - Toyota Land Cruiser 100, Land Cruiser Cygnus and Lexus LX470 - I chose the second one, because I know for sure that it was assembled in Japan, and not in any other Asian or European country, especially since the basic equipment of the Cygnus slightly richer than other jeeps. It is very important for me that it has an excellent usable trunk volume with excellent interior dimensions. After all, I often need to transport diving equipment, which I have been doing for more than 7 years, because I really love the underwater world, and I am also fond of underwater photo and video shooting, and you can also hunt in the sea. In addition, last fall I bought equipment for paragliding - no less cumbersome than underwater. So I usually use the comfortable, roomy cabin of the Signus for the transport of goods, not passengers.
AG: Do you prefer to carry passengers or do you like to ride alone? What is your driving style?
I treat any car as a part of myself, it seems to me that a car is such an intimate corner, so I like to drive alone, or with the people closest to me. I love fast driving, I consider the Land Cruiser Cygnus a good car in terms of dynamics, and I also appreciate comfort in any car - I don’t accept extraneous noise, so I don’t like cars with diesel engines.
AG: How are the off-road abilities of the Signus manifested? Have you ever tested it on a dirt road?
Yes, I often go to the Khasan district, Signus is not just an SUV, but a jeep with a high level of comfort. On bad, in particular dirt roads behaves remarkably. At the same time, the cruising speed is at the level of 100 km / h, the suspension simply “swallows” minor surface irregularities. An interesting story is connected with off-road driving: recently I went to the Khasansky district with my niece and her friend, drove quickly, not paying attention to bumps and pits, and only when I returned, I noticed that I had broken the “lip” - the body kit of the front bumper, which I installed myself. It's good that there is a CASCO agreement, the insurance company quickly compensated for the damage. This is how you can get distracted in a good car - since then I have been trying to drive more carefully on the “primer road”. And because of the black color of the body, the slightest scratches become immediately visible, so I don’t drive on particularly bad roads.
AG: What would you like to wish the readers?
I think that a car, like a girl, requires a special approach, and everyone should find not only a worthy soul mate, but also a faithful iron horse. I wish all car enthusiasts to have the opportunity to choose cars so that they have something to compare with, eventually coming to “their” car, and not to doubt its correct choice.
Expert opinion. Vitaly Doronin. Service consultant of the Yellow Box car service.
AG: What are the main differences between the Cygnus modification and the base Land Cruiser?
The most important difference between Signus is the presence of hydraulic suspension on all manufactured cars, on the Land Cruiser 100 this system is an option, it may not be. Both cars have an interesting mechanism in the brake system: unlike the models of previous years, the braking is enhanced not due to vacuum, but due to the "booster" - an electric pump.
AG: What are the characteristics of the suspension?
To create the desired level of comfort in the suspension, special dampers are used. Since the liquid in the shock absorbers is not compressible, it is precisely these so-called “pears” that work in tandem with them, in which gas is under a certain pressure. When the wheel hits a bump, the shock is not transmitted to the shock absorber, but is damped by the damper. If the fluid in the shock absorber is not replaced in time, it corrodes the “pear” membranes and fills them instead of gas. This may also be due to the state of the torsion bars holding the front axle - if they are “sat down”, then excess pressure begins on the front elements of the hydraulic suspension. The result is a complete lack of comfort and the need to replace expensive elements. It is also important to monitor the condition of the pump that creates pressure in the suspension hydraulic system.
AG: What other parts are most at risk from untimely maintenance?
AG: Land Cruiser Cygnus is not the most popular car. How do we deal with spare parts and consumables?
Many details of the Signus are the same as on the base Land Cruiser. Parts companies keep track of the parts they search for the most. Therefore, about 70% of spare parts can be found in Vladivostok, and the remaining 30% will have to be ordered in Japan, although this rarely happens. There are no problems with “consumables” - on our market there are high-quality materials that befit such machines.
Land Cruiser Cygnus- this car was released in 1998 in the USA under the name Lexus LX-470 and then in Japan.
This model was released in only one configuration, but in the car you could see everything, and natural wood on the front panel, and leather interior with special treatment, and the best audio and other electronics. The biggest plus of the car is its extreme suspension with automatic control of clearance and stiffness of shock absorbers. Land Cruiser Cygnus as its common variant Lexus LX470 was created on the basis of Toyota Land Cruiser 100VX, if you compare these models, you can notice some differences. Like a Leksovsky 4 - eye front, front mirrors like in right-hand drive cars, rear lights similar to Prado KJ90.
Salon
If we look inside the Cygnus we see a fairly spacious cargo hold.
Numerous mahogany inserts, a grayish interior trimmed with leather with ruffled curtains create a pleasant atmosphere of comfort. The Land Cruiser is also well equipped with electronics, namely electric door windows and mirrors, climate control, heated seats, and an improved audio system with touch control. According to classical models, the most significant control devices are well-equipped and well-equipped. Everything is polite, the keys and pedals are located so that the driver can easily reach them, there is also an electronic seat adjustment that automatically adjusts to the size of the driver, the ability to extend the steering wheel will make driving on the road convenient and simple.
under the hood
A 2UZ-FE V8 2UZ-FE petrol engine with a capacity of 234 horsepower, as well as a 4-speed automatic transmission, is located in a heat and sound insulated hood. The perfectly balanced 234-horsepower 32-valve V8 2UZ-FE "eight" engine is very well controlled on normal highways and off-road.
The dynamics of the car is almost identical to the already well-known 100VX. Thanks to the permanent four-wheel drive with a reduction gear, the car has excellent cross-country ability and extraordinary smoothness of movement. Cygnus is also equipped with a locking center differential, which allows you to sharply control with little influence of skidding. The stability of the machine is supported by an air suspension with the ability to adjust the stiffness of shock absorbers and lateral stabilizers - as in the already well-known 100VX. Therefore, when driving, you can notice how the position of the body changes depending on the speed. First, it rises slightly in front of the body, and then the stern is compared to the same level. All these transformations occur up to 7 centimeters in the top without creating any inconvenience on the road.
Price Land Cruiser Cygnus approximately reaches the mark of 1.5 million rubles, this is far from overestimated, but the really acceptable monetary limit of quality, functionality and reliability.
