Toyota is now giving South African bush whackers another option in the tough but basic Land Cruiser 70 range, with the bakkie and 76 Station Wagon now joined by the 78 Wagon.
So they've taken the 'Station' out of the 'Wagon' by the looks of it - as the new 78 has a more utilitarian body shell that looks very much like the bakkie with a metal canopy welded to it.
The new three-door, five-seat 'Cruiser is aimed at those seeking a personnel carrier, bush hospital and overland vehicle and as such is fitted with hard wearing vinyl seat covers and moulded urethane plastic trim. The roof lining will also feature a moulded shape to offer more head room and easier cleaning.
That's not to say that it's totally devoid of creature comforts as the 78 still has two airbags, air conditioning, central locking and an adjustable steering column.
The Wagon's unique three-door layout means that the vehicle offers a 1245mm x 1510mm load area.
Under the skin the 78 Wagon has the same ladder frame chassis and rigid axle set-up as its siblings, while boasting two fuel tanks for a combined fuel carrying capacity of 180 litres.
Likewise, it's also equipped with a four-wheel drive system designed to tackle just about any obstacle Africa has to throw at it, this cause furthered by a ground clearance of 235mm and approach and departure angles of 38- and 25-degrees respectively.
In keeping with its utilitarian nature the 78 Wagon is fitted with 16-inch steel wheels and a full sized spare wheel is also included, of course.
Power comes from the proven 4.2-litre six-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel engine, delivering very gradual performance if our experiences with the similarly-equipped bakkie are anything to go by. The engine delivers 96kW at 3800rpm and 285Nm from 2200rpm.
Unfortunately its tough-as-nails pedigree comes with a hefty price tag, the 78 Wagon setting you back R450 800. It also offers only two paint options: Ivory White and Sand Beige.