DESPITE being between 120kg and 140kg heavier than the old model, Toyota says performance and economy are better than before. But be prepared for large fuel consumption figures - official (and often hard-to-reach) figures point to 16.6L/100km (US EPA) for the 4.5-litre twin-cam six-cylinder petrol engine that powers the GXL. The big six now musters 165kW at 4600rpm and 387Nm at 3600rpm.

It has improved power and torque by adopting longer intake runners, new short-skirt pistons with higher piston rings to reduce dead air volume, a stainless steel exhaust system with fabricated headers, and new engine electronics.