Toyota Century - A Legacy of Excellence

Overview of Toyota Century

Produced by the renowned Japanese automaker Toyota, the Toyota Century is a luxury Sedan vehicle. Toyota Century speaks for its exclusive features, such as extraordinary craftsmanship, luxurious interior, and Toyota's commitment to providing a comfortable, classy drive.

The production of Toyota Century dates back to 1967, and since then, it has gained much attention for its classic design. You won't commonly see Toyota Century in many parts of the world as its production is limited. It is mainly available in Japanese markets.

Despite its limited production, the Toyota Century enjoys immense popularity and a high demand. This popularity and demand of Toyota Century is due to its features. Tag along to know more about how Toyota Century has ruled the Japanese automotive market for so long.

Origin and Evolution

To cater to their customers in Japan, Toyota came up with Century in 1967. At its release, it was Toyota's flagship luxury sedan.

Century has what it takes to compete with other luxury brands, not only in Japan but internationally.

1997 Toyota Century

From its production till 1997, the first generation of this luxury sedan had a conservative design. A 3.0 liter V8 engine powered it. The technological advancements were also not up to the mark till the 90s, as the vehicle's primary focus was on providing a smooth and comfortable driving experience.

The second generation of Toyota Century was from 1997 to 2018, and this era witnessed significant changes compared to the first generation. Most of the changes occurred in the power section. The engine was upgraded to a 5.0-litre V12. This change also marked Toyota's return to the V12 configuration. Other than engine changes, the design changes in the second generation were relatively insignificant. Throughout the era, the design remained traditional, and the main emphasis was on offering a comfortable ride.

In 2018, Toyota introduced the third generation of Century, which continues to date. In this era, too, the design didn't undergo much change. However, a significant change is the introduction of modern features. The power system comprises a V8 engine paired with a hybrid system. This enhancement accounts for fuel efficiency in the third generation of Toyota Century. Advancement in technological features and infotainment systems is also seen in the third generation.

Power, Performance, and Efficiency

The first generation Century was equipped with a 3.0 liter V8 engine, as already mentioned. The engine was not sporty enough, which is okay as Toyota prioritized providing a comfortable driving experience. In the early production years, the Toyota Century performed well in chauffer-driven experiences. The fuel efficiency in the early production years till the late 90's was average.

In the second generation, the substantial improvement in the engine power enhanced the performance of Toyota Century. The vehicle's capability and performance on the road improved significantly—all thanks to the 5.0 liter V12 engine. Toyota continued to stick to its words of providing luxury and comfort on the road. However, the fuel efficiency was less than that of the first-generation vehicles.

The third generation of Century that continues to the present has a smaller engine than the previous generation. The V8 engine manages an overall decent power generation due to its hybrid system. The performance is also on-point as the hybrid system improves the acceleration, and on-road performance is enhanced. Thanks to the hybrid engine model in the third generation of Toyota Century, the fuel efficiency significantly improved.

Exploring the Interior Features

Every feature on the interior of Toyota Century speaks volumes about Toyota's commitment to providing a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. The interior uses premium quality materials and takes luxury to another level. The material used includes fine leather, wood trim, and plush carpeting, giving off a classy look that speaks for the luxurious taste of owners.

The interior cabin is spacious, especially the rear seats, which provide a roomy environment for passengers to relax. There are a few other features as well for the comfort of the rear passenger. These include the power recline feature, massage function, and an adjustable leg rest. All these features ensure a first-class luxurious experience for the passengers.

Rear-seat passengers can also adjust climate control and seat adjustment and explore the infotainment system from their seats. The privacy of the interior cabin can be maintained by privacy curtains that are operatable by a single touch button. Some models of Century have a built-in refrigerator in the rear console, which comes in handy on hot summer days.

The sound system features a high-end audio system, which offers a dynamic and immersive listening experience. The keynote about the interior of Toyota Century is the advanced safety features, which include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision systems. These features ensure the safety and well-being of passengers in case of a potential collision or threat ahead.

The interior cabin has ambient lighting, which creates a pleasant atmosphere on the inside. In short, everything about the interior of Toyota Century is up to the mark, and the designer's attention to detail fascinates the observers. You can also customize the seating upholstery in various trim levels per the dealer's offering.

Color Options

The availability of color options for Toyota Century varies depending on the market availability and model year. The standard color options available are:

· Black

· White

· Silver

· Gray

· Dar Blue

· Burgundy

· Champagne Gold

· Dark Green

Customizing the color as per the buyer's choice is also available.

Exploring the Infotainment Technology

By now, it is a clear fact that Toyota has prioritized passenger comfort and luxury in the Century. The same goes for the infotainment system, which is technically advanced and rich in features. The touchscreen display is available on newer models of Toyota Century. The screen serves as a control for all other infotainment features, such as navigation, audio, etc.

Speaking of navigation, the built-in navigation system in Century allows easy access to maps and directions. Bluetooth connectivity allows passengers to listen to music or enjoy hands-free calling. The audio system offers exceptional sound quality. Smartphone integration is also available for Android (Android Auto) and iOS (Apple CarPlay). Some Century models also offer television screens and DVD players in the rear seats.

Space and Storage in Toyota Century

Toyota Century is a luxury Sedan vehicle with plenty of storage and space options to add to passenger comfort. As already mentioned, the interior of the Century is roomy and provides ample legroom and headroom, especially the rear seat area. There is a spacious trunk space with ample storage. It can store luggage bags and groceries. However, providing space is not a primary focus of Century.

Inside, you will find storage compartments and pockets to hold personal belongings and small items. The glove compartment and the arm-rest storage also serve a similar purpose. The rear console is multifunctional. Apart from offering climate control and access to audio settings, it also provides storage space. Cupholders are also available to hold beverages.

Toyota Century's Stand Among Competitors

Toyota Century poses a tough competition for its competitors, including Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 series, Lexus LS, etc. Toyota Century holds the ground primarily because of its Japanese DNA, with Japan being the undisputed king of the automotive market in the 70's. Century takes the honor and prestige in presenting itself as a symbol of excellence of Japanese craftsmanship.

To date, the Century holds a status symbol in Japan, being the first choice of government officials, bureaucrats, and corporate executives. Over time, Toyota Century did not let go of its distinguished traditional design. Undoubtedly, it is the choice of people who prefer class over trend. What adds more to its exclusivity is that each year, Toyota manufactures a minimal number of Century.

The competitors of Toyota Century are undoubtedly big names, and catering to the demand of their target audience, they keep changing the design and overall aesthetics of their vehicles with time. As a result, their vehicles have lost their essence and identity to some extent.

Regarding power, introducing hybrid technology in the current generation of Toyota Century has boosted its fuel efficiency, which is not the case with many big names in the market. Last but not least, Toyota's commitment to its customers and living up to the commitment indeed gives Century an upper status in the market.

Pros

✓ Smooth and comfortable ride

✓ Durable built

✓ Dignified design

✓ Better fuel economy

Cons

✘ Limited availability

✘ High price

Pricing of Toyota Century

Models	Pricing
Base models	$170,000
Customized models	$180,000-$200,000
Limited edition	Above $200,000

Drive Abilities

Toyota Century is known for its exceptionally comfortable ride. The suspension system is spot on and absorbs the road imperfections for a smooth ride. The vehicle is soundproof to ensure a sound and serene environment inside the cabin. The insulations cancel out the wind noise and external noise.

Due to its excellent driving abilities, it is recommended to take Century to long cruising routes and unleash its real potential. The high-performing engine of Century offers a dynamic power display on the road. The automatic transmission provided a seamless transition between gears. The advanced driver-assist safety features already mentioned above further enhance the ride experience.

Conclusion

Toyota Century has a distinct identity in the Japanese automotive market, posing tough competition for fellow brands and their products. The design of Century and everything about it attracts people who value tradition and class. If you are someone who hops on every new trend, then Toyota Century might not suit you. Without a doubt, in the fast-moving era of tech-save and sporty cars, Toyota Century owns its place. It is a jewel in the crown of Toyota and the Japanese automotive market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does the Century's fuel efficiency compare to other luxury cars?

Its fuel efficiency may not be as high as some luxury hybrid models. However, in the latest generation, it features a V8 hybrid powertrain that significantly improves efficiency.

Is the Toyota Century available outside of Japan?

The Century is primarily sold in Japan. It can sometimes be found in other countries but in limited quantities.

What sets the Century apart from other Toyota models?

The Century is distinct for its traditional design. Most other Toyota vehicles are known for their affordability and practicality. The Century's focus is on prestige, comfort, and craftsmanship.