Toyota have taken the covers off their new Crown range. There are 4 different variants with the Crown Crossover to be the first to go on sale in Japan later this year. Making its debut in 1955, the Crown was the first Toyota to be made entirely with the brand’s own technology.
For the past 67 years, Crown has always been synonymous with “innovation and limit pushing” but the model has been losing out recently with customers wanting something different. Thus explains Toyota’s move to launch the car in 4 different guises with “a Crown for a new era” slogan behind it.
The exterior follows a minimalist style approach with both headlights and taillights being rather discrete but important design elements. Overall, the “majestic” design befits the Crown nameplate. A total of 12 colour choices are standard with “Precious Bronze” and “Precious Ray” being the new additions.
On the inside, the central display takes the stage and is readable from any seat. The attention to detail is just out of this world with ‘Warm Steel’ being extensively used to highlight the finishes. The lines flow all along the interior, emphasizing the quality and safe feeling that the interior offers.
Under the bonnet, a 2.4L turbo four hybrid powertrain provides drive to the Crown. The eAxle technology offers strong torque via a unique Nickel-Hydrogen battery. Crown Crossover will also receive a 2.5L hybrid powertrain option which boasts a notably smooth drive.
Another key highlight is the higher ride height which allows the Crown to sit on much larger wheels and makes entry/exiting the car much easier. Rear space is also increased thanks to the change in ride height! A well-balanced rigid body provides a smooth and quite driving experience. A highly advanced version of Toyota’s Safety Sense is also there to help with driver confidence on the road.
Toyota’s Crown Crossover will go on sale first and can be acquired via Toyota’s KINTO subscription service where the fee also covers insurance and maintenance! By paying a pre-determined fee, drivers can keep the car after the initial 3 year lease period is complete. The cost of a monthly lease for the Crossover is NZD $1,040 including tax! Up front, the top-spec Crossover commands a reasonable $70,200 NZD tag.
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Words by Matthew D’Souza, images courtesy of Toyota Newsroom and Noriaki Mitsuhashi/N-RAK Photo Agency.
