Toyota Century luxury SUV debuts in Japan with a plug-in hybrid engine

KUALA LUMPUR: Toyota has unveiled an all-new luxury SUV named Century. Notably, the Century nameplate is not new to the world, as the automaker already sells the Century limousine in Japan, which puts it in the same league as Bentley and Rolls-Royce. While the luxury sedan is exclusive to Japan, the newly revealed SUV is expected to be a global model.

The new Toyota Century underpins the brand’s TNGA platform mated to a four-wheel steering system. Dimensionally, the SUV measures 5,205 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width, and 1,805 mm in height and spans a wheelbase of 2,950 mm.

In terms of looks, the SUV appears to be an elevated version of the sedan, as it borrows iconic design elements from the older model. It features boxy styling with rounded-off edges, Genesis-like split headlights, and "Pheonix emblem" at the centre of the front grille.

The SUV is equipped with 20-inch wheels as standard, with the option of upgrading to 22-inch alloys. Additionally, customers have a choice between two rear door setups - conventional and sliding. Toyota offers the luxury vehicle in seven exterior colour choices, with certain parts of the painted surfaces polished for a mirror finish.

Inside, the 4-seater Toyota Century SUV boasts two fully reclining seats at the rear with ottoman and massaging functions. There is also a cabin-to-boot separation for enhanced privacy and reduced noise. The dashboard is kitted with woodgrain and brushed aluminium finishing, soft-touch materials, two 12.3-inch displays (one for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment unit), and a heated multi-function steering wheel. Adding to the luxury and comfort are features like -

• Rear Comfort mode 
• Rotating picnic tables
• Two 11.6-inch rear entertainment displays
• Wireless phone charger
• Digital rear-view mirror 
• Two removable 5.5-inch touchscreen control panels
• Refrigerator
• 18-speaker sound system
• A large panoramic glass roof 

Under the metal skin, the new Toyota Century SUV carries a plug-in hybrid setup, which combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and a dual-motor system. The combined output of the setup is rated at 412 PS. 

Also part of the kit is an e-four advanced all-wheel drive system sending power to all four wheels, a lithium-ion battery pack offering an electric range of 69 km, three driving modes (Normal, Eco, and sport), and a Dynamic Rear Steering system.

The Toyota Century SUV price in Japan begins at JPY 25,000,000 (approximately equal to RM 794,130).

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