THE latest version of Toyota's ultimate 4x4 will be in UK showrooms next month as the manufacturer continues the massive regeneration of its UK line-up.

The Land Cruiser V8, on sale from March 1, comes newly-equipped with advanced technologies for off-road driving as well as an impressive array of luxury features. The single version has a £62,285 on-the-road price.

Updating of the formidable 4x4 has seen the model being given a fresh face. It is distinguished by a new-look bumper, grille and fog lights. New head lamps feature high-intensity discharge lamps and LED daytime running lights.

The UK model is further distinguished by new black roof rails, side mouldings with chrome details and new-design 20-inch alloy wheels.

The rear lights have also been refashioned and LED turn indicators have been integrated into the door mirrors.

UK customers can choose from eight exterior colours, including two new to the model range: Pearl White and Pure White.

Inside, the main changes include new, air conditioned/heated front seats, a central cool box, heated steering wheel and all-round improvements to the quality and appearance of the trims and finishes.

The changes in equipment specifications are led by the introduction of a comprehensive array of handling and driver-assistance systems that work together to make the full spectrum of off-road driving scenarios easier and safer to negotiate.

New features include a world-first in Turn Assist, reducing the vehicle's turning radius when driving through tight off-road bends.

It also has crawl control, with five speed settings for tackling steep climbs or descents and multi-terrain select, with five selectable modes to tailor vehicle performance to different off-road conditions.

A multi-terrain monitor provides a 360-degree view of the area immediately around the vehicle via four external cameras.

The vehicle's tyre angle display shows changes in steering angle between zero and 45 degrees.

This is displayed together with the predicted tyre path guidelines on the multi-terrain monitor.

Finally, variable flow control power steering has a unique, dedicated off-road setting, making the model a truly formidable vehicle when tackling difficult terrain.

The high-rider retains its 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission, with adjustments to bring exhaust emissions in line with Euro 5 standards. These include the addition of diesel particulate filter and new fuel injectors in the common rail system. Maximum power is 268bhp at 3,600rpm, with maximum torque of 650Nm delivered between 1,600 and 2,800rpm.

New technologies includes the standard fitting of Toyota Touch Pro, an advanced mul timedia and navigation system with a digital tuner, Bluetooth and a rear-view camera. Controlled by means of a new eight-inch central touchscreen colour monitor, it offers advanced route planning and display functions, with voice controls, 3D landmark representation and "one-shot" destination input.

Easy connection and integration can be made with mobile phones to download contacts, send and receive text messages (including a text-to-voice function) and e-mail.

The system also delivers on-board internet connectivity, using a compatible mobile phone and registration via a Toyotacustomer portal. By linking to Google Local Search, drivers can obtain a wide range of information and useful services for more efficient journeys, including data on local parking availability and fuel prices, and the option to download online points-of-interest as journey destinations.

Access is also provided to data on traffic flows and weather conditions.

A premium in-car entertainment package can be specified as an option. This provides two eight-inch seatback-mounted monitors designed for a clear view from a wide angle range, and to be resilient to screen "jitter" when the vehicle is on the move.