THE RETURN OF AN ICON

The Crown first debuted in 1955 as the Toyopet Crown. It was the first Japanese saloon to hit Middle Eastern shores back in 1960, the last being sold around 2000. The new Crown is built around the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform. This delivers excellent body rigidity and a low centre of gravity, guaranteeing a more rewarding driving experience. There is a choice of two environmentally friendly powertrains. The first hybrid electric powertrain consists of a front electric motor and Toyota’s first-ever 2.4-litre, inline, four-cylinder turbo engine, mated with direct shift, six-speed automatic transmission, which generates 349hp and 550.8Nm of torque. The second consists of two electric motors and a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, generating a total power of 222hp. The hybrid-electric batteries are continuously charged by either the petrol engine or when decelerating and braking, eliminating the need to plug in a power cord.

Drivers can choose from several driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Sport+, for enhanced steering response, flat cornering and a sense of stability; Comfort, for a more supple drive that emphasises passenger comfort; and Custom, which allows drivers to adjust system settings individually to their exact driving habits. The Crown’s exterior design is characterised by its simplicity and modernity, combined with its high-quality interior features. The display and operating equipment offer easy control, while the curved shape of the instrument panel provides the driver with optimum focus.

A range of advanced features includes: a 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility; a 12.3-inch TFT colour metre that allows users to choose from 12 patterns to suit their tastes; a colour head-up display (HUD); a dual-zone automatic air conditioning system with rear AC vents; an 11-speaker JBL surround sound system; a panoramic roof; multi-adjustable power and ventilated front seats and 60/40 split and reclining rear seats. A hands-free, electrically powered boot can be activated using a foot-operated system when the user’s hands are full.

Drivers can enjoy complete peace of mind, thanks to the Toyota Safety Sense, an advanced safety and driver assistance system. Toyota's first-ever Safe Exit Assist (SEA) uses the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) to help prevent accidents.

Precious White Pearl, Precious Silver, Precious Metal, Massive Gray, Black, Emotional Red II and Precious Bronze are the available exterior colour options. Further personalisation is possible with the addition of several dual-tone variants – Black can be combined with any of the other hues. The interior offers two options, either fromage or black. A choice of three aluminum wheel designs is also available: a 19- and 21-inch machine-finished black and a 21-inch dark premium metallic. ✤