Toyota Crown 3.0 Review: Crown Jewel

What we like:

Superb refinement

generously equipped

brilliant ride quality

value-for-money

What we dislike:

Doesn't have a snob badge of a German model

detached driving experience

conservative styling

On the inside, the Crown inevitably feels and looks like a Lexus - that's not a bad thing indeed as Lexus interiors are typically luxurious and well built. The interior features lots of wood and leather. The switches and stalks feel tactile and everything works with Toyota efficiency and competence. The comfortable and plush front seats are electrically adjustable and offer drivers and passengers a variety of adjustments. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable for both reach and rake and comes with satellite controls for the brilliant stereo and trip computer.

As expected, the Crown's relatively long wheelbase equates to large amounts of legroom at the rear for the towkays to stretch their legs in. Headroom is generous as well and there are air-con vents behind the centre armrest and above the windows to cool the boss down on a hot and sunny day. The boss can also adjust settings for the climate control, stereo as well as operate the rear sunshade and ventilated seats via the rear centre arm rest.

Borneo has chosen to equip the Crown with such a long list of standard luxury kit that more expensive premium models can only dream of. It comes standard with auto swivelling air con vents, ventilated seats, easy access, keyless operation, rear sun blinds, HID headlamps, cruise control as well as safety gear like a plethora of airbags, VDIM, VSC and so on.

The last Crown didn't do very well here due to its relatively high price tag, so much so that it was even more expensive than the Lexus GS300 at some point. This new model though, offers a lot more of the Crown's traditional virtues of comfort and prestige while having a significantly lower price tag than less refined and less equipped European models with a more prestigious badge. Those who think that the Crown is always associated as a taxi or just an overpriced Toyota should reorganise their thoughts as the Crown really offers an impressive package.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai