200 series cruiser

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Unbelievable off road and does it easier then the 100 series, traction control is like having diff locks and in some applications far better.

A standard 200 series would be an even match for a 100 series with diff locks in most applications, a 200 series with diff locks no contest.

The 200 series does everything so easy with little hassle.

Fuel consumption varies, when new driving from Melbourne to Adelaide with zero kilometers on the clock I got around 11 liters per 100, now with the roof rack, steel ARB bar and 12000 pound winch about 12 liters per 100 on long trips and about 14 liters per 100 around town, towing our camper we get about 18 liters per 100 and haven't tried it towing in a serious off road situation yet.

I am not overly happy with the fuel consumption as most traveling is done on cruise control, the trans is very indecisive hunting between 4 and 6 gear on flat roads and 3 to 5 climbing hills.

Hopefully it will get better.

Now my griped.... Sit down pull up a chair as it may take awhile.

1) I hate the trans due to shift patterns, a engine with this much torque and HP should be able to pull 5th or 6th gear up hills at around 2000 rpm not 3500 rpm like it does, some climbs out D4D Hilux would of out pulled it at 100kph with the camper on..... the trans makes the engine drop out of it's torque band to often.

2) The gear stick gate is annoying when going from reverse to drive to reverse as when backing up especially to a trailer.

3) To many bells and ding dongs.... I think there was 64 different ones at last count LOL.

4) The keyless start is fantastic but it's annoying when your sitting in the vehicle without the engine running listening to the radio and you want to put the windows up or down or use the windscreen wipers.... you have to toggle through acc - on - off and back to acc.

5) You have to put your foot on the brake to start and stop the engine, no more reaching in and starting whilst outside the vehicle.

6) Heater temp control if set at 23 will sometimes cook you and other times freeze you, some times you have to set it at 30 to get some heat coming out..... the temp control is very touchy and what may be comfortable one hour may be uncomfortable the next.

7) Snorkel is very load under acceleration.

8) Mild torque steer under hard acceleration.

And I'm sure there are a few more but there are many good things about it, it is comfortable, very capable on and off road, roomy and goes well most of the time.

They would have to be the pick of the bunch out of all new 4x4 wagons for the price and room.

I would advise to get a 500 kg Lovell GVM upgrade done before rego and you should look at the VX as it represents better value for money, the GXL is $10000 to dear for what it is..... and make sure you get KDSS.

The GXL doesn't come with the trip computer and the one in the VX is a waste of space.

We have a VX diesel.