A lot of news coming from Toyota lately. Now the company has decided to launch the big Land Cruiser SUV in diesel form in the Indian market. The hulk SUV would be imported as a CBU and thus attract high imports duties resulting in a sticker price upwards of Rs. 42 lakh. The Land Cruise would be pecked above the Prado as is the case in the international markets too. What the Land Cruiser will offer is unparalleled reliability, off-road ability and luxurious interiors which could rival a Volkswagen Toureg.

The carmaker will also launch the much awaited Fortuner SUV by the end of 2009. This capable SUV will be imported from the Thailand plant (where it sells very well) in completely knocked down form and assembled in India. This will reduce the duty burden on the Fortuner and enable Toyota to price it between Rs. 18-20 lakh. At this price the diesel Fortuner would compete head on with the Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Captiva. The Fortuner will be fitted with a 3.0 litre 163 bhp turbo diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with 4-wheel drive (optional).