[Autohome Original Test Drive] COVID-19 has been three years, and new infections from time to time have caused our city to suspend normal life, silence, and control… Maybe we have gradually gotten used to this kind of life, but it has also made us increasingly eager to go out for outings and go wild. Therefore, an all-rounder with strong strength has become particularly important to you and me, such as – Toula, the only large SUV on sale in the domestic market with a large-displacement naturally aspirated engine.
■ Tule history
The first generation of Tule was born in 1951. Strictly speaking, it can only be regarded as a model that can be imitated and borrowed from. Its appearance is very similar to that of the American Willys model. Nine years later, the new second generation model came out, providing a variety of models including two-door soft-top convertible/hard-top/van/5-door models. The new 4.0L L6 engine was also fitted to the new car. When the third generation model was launched, the time had already come to 1980. The new car was brand new in terms of shape, chassis and powertrain, and it could also switch between high-speed four-wheel drive and low-speed four-wheel drive as needed. Some models were also equipped with limited-slip differential locks.
Starting from the fourth generation of the Toule, everyone should gradually become familiar with it. During its ten-year life cycle (1987-1997), with its solid chassis, the Toule can be seen in various competitions and in UN peacekeeping forces around the world. The fifth generation of the Toule, code-named Y61, was launched in 1997, and the traditional trapezoidal girder, front/rear hard shaft and coil spring suspension brought it excellent reliability. In terms of power, this generation of models offers a variety of engine options, with displacement ranges from 2.8L to 4.8L, to meet different use needs.
The sixth-generation Tule has changed its previous square and rigid design, using more curves, chrome trims, and wood trims, which has significantly enhanced the sense of fashion and luxury. In addition, the new car is also equipped with many electronic systems to ensure excellent off-road performance. The new model is equipped with a 5.6L V8 gasoline engine (the previous model) in terms of power, and the domestic guide price of nearly 1.40 million yuan also shows its difference.
■ The new Toule looks more square
At present, the domestic market sells the new Tule introduced into China by parallel import. We can regard it as the 2023 North American version (ARMADA version) model. The price of the two models with different configurations is 798,000 yuan and 838,000 yuan respectively. This time we test-drive the 5.6L Armada flagship version (hereinafter referred to as Tule), which is also the top model on sale.
Toule 2023 ARMADA 5.6L Armada Flagship Edition
manufacturer’s guide price
838,000
The new model follows the V-Motion concept in design. Compared with the old Tule, the style can be said to have a great change. The new car has added more straight body lines, and the overall visual effect is much tougher. Especially the front face part, similar to the C-type headlights are very characteristic after lighting, it still adopts the design connected to the middle net, which applies a new shape, and the thick chrome trim brings full texture and momentum.
The new car offers two sizes of rims, 18 inches and 22 inches, depending on the configuration. The visual effect is naturally that the 22-inch silver-gray rim is more beautiful. The visual effect is fuller, and the size is more suitable for the whole car. Of course, the 18-inch rim with a larger flat ratio (265/70 R18; 275/50 R22) is naturally more suitable for driving on non-paved roads. How to choose depends entirely on your daily use environment. As for the body color, the model introduced into China this time will bring consumers seven appearance colors: white, silver, gray, red, blue, brown and black.
The side and tail contours of the new car give people a very familiar feeling, looking quite sturdy and heavy. In terms of body size, the length, width and height of the new car are 5305/2030/1925mm respectively, and the wheelbase is 3075mm. In addition, it has a 234mm ground clearance, with a maximum approach angle and a departure angle of 21 degrees and 22.4 degrees respectively. By the way, the new car’s taillights are lit up with a C shape, which echoes the headlights well.