Toyota has begun accepting orders in the UK for the 2010 Land Cruiser that will form the basis for the next generation 2011 Lexus GX460 in the U.S., China and quite possibly, other markets also. In the UK, the new Land Cruiser is offered exclusively as a five-door model powered by a revised 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine that delivers 173 horsepower and is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Customers can choose from three different equipment grades, the LC3, LCD and LC5, with seven seats being fitted as standard on all but the entry-level model on which the third row of seats are optional.

The LC3 comes equipped with 17-inch alloys, roof rails, fog lamps, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth and Smart Entry and Start system as standard.

Pick the LC4 and you also get triple-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, powered folding third row seats, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated front seats, dusk-sensing headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, rear parking monitor, 17-speaker JBL premium audio package and a hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system with a 10GB sound library.

The range-topping LC5 adds to equation an Adaptive Variable Suspension with Active height Control, sunroof, Crawl Control, Multi-terrain Monitor, Steering Angle Display, Multi-terrain Select and a rear seat entertainment system for DVD playback and gaming.

On-the-road prices for the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser range from £29,795 to £44,795 with first deliveries set to take place in early December.