While its design dates back to the 1980’s, it seems that Toyota’s much loved ‘go everywhere’ workhorse vehicle platform, the 70 Series, is going to be with us for a while longer.
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) yesterday announced that the upgraded 70 Series in single cab format had achieved a 5 Star safety rating following a suite of destructive crash tests.
To achieve the increased safety rating (the previous version had 3 stars), Toyota has made structural improvements to the chassis and occupant cabin, added side curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, seat belt pre-tensioners and changes to the bonnet and seat designs.
With business customers becoming more safety conscious in recent years, a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating has become essential so Toyota has responded to the market demand which will keep the 70 Series alive.
This is great news for us more ‘recreational’ customers looking for a solid, proven platform for building a great touring and offroad vehicle.
It’s uncertain at this stage whether the Toyota will be seeking the 5 star rating for its other 70 Series variants like the dual cab.
