The luxury crossover Toyota Century will be exported and will be sold in Lexus showrooms

The left-hand drive SUV was presented in China, where sales are expected to start next year. It is possible that the model will reach other countries.

The Century name now bears not only Toyota’s executive sedan, but also a large and luxurious crossover: the SUV premiered in Japan in September. The production of the four-door continues, but it will remain exclusive to the Japanese market. But the cross will be exported: the left-hand drive version was shown at the auto show in Guangzhou, China, held in November. Note that the SUV is called the Toyota Century, while the four-door is now the Century Sedan.

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It is curious that in Guangzhou the crossover was not included in the exhibition of joint ventures with FAW or GAC: the model was displayed at the Lexus stand. Moreover, as local specialized media report, the new product will be sold at dealerships of the Japanese premium brand — and it is possible that only there. Well, in China, the cross was given the local name Shiji: Toyota probably decided not to get involved in disputes with Buick, which includes the Century minivan in its range. There are no plans to organize production in China; cars will be supplied from Japan.

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Recall that, unlike the Century Sedan, built on a rear-wheel drive “trolley”, the Toyota Century crossover is created on the “simple” TNGA-K platform, which is also based on, for example, the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX. The new product has a spring suspension with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link at the rear, while the chassis additionally has a steering mechanism for the rear wheels.

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In terms of design, the SUV for China is no different from the version presented in Toyota’s homeland. The dimensions also seem to be the same: length 5205 mm, width – 1990 mm, height – 1805 mm, wheelbase – 2950 mm. The Chinese will also have access to a four-seater version with a massive “stand” between the rear seats. The seats are heated, ventilated and have folding footrests. There is also a refrigerator, a glass section of the roof over the heads of VIP passengers and separate displays for the entertainment system.

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It is assumed that, as in Japan, in the Middle Kingdom the Toyota Century will be offered as a rechargeable all-wheel drive hybrid based on a V6 3.5 naturally aspirated gasoline engine (total output — 412 hp).

The new crossover should enter the Chinese market next year; local media predict a starting price for the model of 1,980,000 yuan, which is equivalent to approximately 25 million rubles at the current exchange rate. It is quite possible that Toyota Century will subsequently reach other countries.