For this generation, the Hybrid was its own special trim level separate from the usual Athlete and Royal. It was the first hybrid Crown and Toyota wanted to make a big splash by putting every single bell and whistle in their arsenal on this thing.
@@RossReviewsau There were even some sat nav-linked gadgets that you didn't get to try because they don't work outside of Japan. Also, the powertrain is really special because the generation that succeeded it didn't get a V6 hybrid, only a 4-cylinder hybrid. The V6 hybrid only returned for the now outgoing 15th generation.
@@cra_55 Yeah. As a brand product majesta is not crown trim. But mostly share a lot of part together. Usually diff part is appearance and powerplant. Feels like lexus with crown chassis. I mean gs is lirerally has "s" designated chassis. Majesta is like a ls with crown chassis. I mean lexus ls is already underrated, majesta is much less known which makes majesta sleeper sofa.
I owned a fully loaded (as far as I know, I don't have the auto-parking assist. No sunroof because you can't have night vision and sunroof at the same time) 2008 in 1F3 colour. This gen (gws204) is manufactured from 2008 - 2012, face lifted from 2010. After 2012 the updated 3.5 hybrid replaced all v8 in Majestas. Toyota did state the combined output is 345PS. The reason for the fully digital display was the night vision (with pedestrian recognition). Tranny is actually E-CVT (planetary gear with 2 motors), which has nothing to do with belt driven CVTs. To improve highway driving efficiency/performance Toyota attached a 2 speed AT tranny at the back of the E-CVT. I got around 9-11L/100KM with spirited driving and around 10-20% of the time is highway cruising. I think the driver fatigue monitor was first installed on this generation as well.
@@EugenernatorVideos Around 2 years ago, around 17k before RWC, then all the parts (mainly the KYB OE rear struct shipped from Japan) to make it through RWC, total under 20k
@@laureus31 interesting. Did the broker not send someone to check it out or were they unable to determine that it needed replacing to pass rwc? Or did you import knowing so? Which broker did you use? I'm currently looking at importing one myself, but I don't really know a person I can ask questions so yeah...
@@EugenernatorVideos Auction lot staff only take photos while the car is sitting in the parking lot so you are trying your luck. After compliance is done you can use any shop you prefer for RWC, you don't have to use the compliance shop to do it. I don't know the leak but I am prepared for it. Factory rear struct is always the weak point for all S20 crowns, even the Athletes. All the brokers are more or less the same, you can talk to them and see which one you like. I use J-spec import. I suggest factor the cost for the rear structs in (I guess around 3-5K if you ask a shop to do it for you? I bought a set of KYB oe replacement from Japan via Import Monster for around 1k including sea freight. DON'T do it yourself if you have no idea, compressing a spring is really, really dangerous.) Also don't forget the front lower control arm bushings. You won't go through RWC if there is any crack on the rubber part. Also as the car care nut suggested, try to avoid low mileage ones (normally more expensive) unless you have proof that the hybrid battery was replaced not long ago. You can choose new battery, rebuild ones and aftermarket ones. A local Toyota dealer quote me 5k for a new battery without labour (It's unlikely you will have to replace the hybrid battery but yeah)
@@laureus31 thanks for the info. I remember reading on the j-spec website (was thinking of going with them too) that they send someone to inspect the car if they think it's a worthy candidate but I guess not? I'm more or less prepared for battery cell replacements because my uncle has been doing it for his Prius himself but I don't have the means to change struts so rest assured I'll let a workshop handle that. I was thinking around 100k kms to be reasonable?
These hybrids are much cheaper, and just the sane quality as the Lexus, but at an affordable price point, it's sad that Toyota Australia won't bring any even though its a JDM! Thanks for bringing this on the channel. Always love the Japanese models
The good old Toyota Crowns have always been known to drive nicely with plenty of luxury thrown in mate & are pretty reliable from what I've heard,the Japanese know their stuff that's for sure,so yeah I have no doubt as to why you like it Johnny it's a perfect everyday cruiser man,nice one again thanks bro.
I love my 2009 Crown. I paid 21K landed for 36K km and Maybe 2022. Best buy of my life! Mine doesn't have leather but has a classy velour but I put sheepskink for that luxury feel Mine has a sunroof as well...love it.
This video helped me make the decision to go ahead and buy one of these (GWS204, from VansWest too!) It's good to know that economy-wise, I'm getting what Toyota claim at 7.2L/100km (with the occasional lead foot when I get to on ramps.) Best car I've owned so far. Great video, mate.
@@shenzhenmaster I've done 50,000km in it since I got mine 6 months ago, and nothing has gone wrong. It's such a solid car. I did have to replace the hybrid system, but that's a given on any hybrid model you import - basically all of them are going to have sat for a while and the batteries will have died, so budget for that.
Ive heard too that in japan they can mod the computer to power assist for launch etc. would be a weapon, but gotta learn japanese or know a good aussie mechanic that speaks it fluent to mod them.
You are correct that there is separate specs there is the royal saloon which is base, then the athlete and the hybrid which has many of the features of the athlete in the 08-10 spec in the 10-12 hybrid they have a face lift but still use the same power train and the hybrid base spec os now based on the Royal saloon rather then the athlete spec so had some features removed as standard. It has the same power train as the lexus gs 450h and the full hybrid combined makes I believe closer to 340 hp with the engine making 290 by itself. I typically get around 11km per litre and that's with flooring from most lights because it's just so fun.
@@ThoseBrothers the hybrid is the fastest to 100 I believe haven't seen any direct drag races though and there are no official figures that I have ever seen. I haven't seen much surrounding tuning any of these cars for speed so can't really comment on that
@@marclindbom9806 Have to disagree with you on that one, I've dragged a Majesta in my Hybrid and it was quicker, not by a huge amount but definitely noticeable
@@bencoory5917 Ross Reviews has already shown that the 206 is faster, but it’s negligible and uses twice as much fuel 😂 It’s the Limo factor that puts the 206 above the hybrid, but it’s always gonna be 206 vs 204. Whichever one you own you’re convinced it’s the best. Shows how good the cars are across the board 😉
I calculated my G6ET (when it was my daily) actual via receipts over 2 years and it was 11.8L/100. Most Nissan/Toyota 3.5s use 10/11 so this one doesn't seem to do much hybrid-ing.
That’s really good for the Falcon man! My 2012 Infiniti m35 hybrid gets around 6.8 to 7.8/100 and it’s faster too. Got nothing on a modded turbo’d barra though lol
I actually own one of these and I can tell you I manage a lot better than that, a mix of spirted and relaxed city driving I get around 8.5 - 9L per 100kms and on the highway between 7 and 7.5
Not all upmarket Toyotas wear the Lexus badge JDM Toyota sedans are so underrated and way better than the USA where we’re stuck with Camrys and avalons
I live in myanmar where crown is the national car second to japan! Own the 3.5 hybrid crown gws204, that car is meant for luxurious cruising, not good in corner, not 0-100 car, if u want to do like this, there is 2013 markX GR with the same engine 2GR fE, different suspension set up, better brakes. Real sport sedan to have fun on mountain road
@@OM617a That's nowhere near what this Crown has. Those were segment display like what you have in alarm clocks. This Crown has a TFT LCD screen. It's the same as any LCD, it can display a movie on it. Can you play a movie on your mark/cressida's dash?
I thought so too. The Toyota 2GR engine can't be underestimated. I have an IS350 and it gets to 100 in mid 5's, which is quicker than many V8 Commodores/Falcons.
In mine I press on the gas all the way to the floor while holding the brake until I hear the petrol engine start up then I back off release the throttle till about half way. Release the brake and mash down on the gas. That way I get about 5 seconds to 100.
Try keeping it in D1 with Eco mode off I've done this and just with my timer it shaved about half a second off. Also I've got mine to 17.4km/L on freeway alone and I'm averaging 14.1km/L. Mine is a 2009 model still with it's original HV battery.
@@Holyghost707I importer a GWS204 to canada in oct. My fuel economy has been terrible. I run the highest grade fuel possible here e’d (94 Octane) and even when I use eco mode and always use the EV only mode as often as I can, with light throttle at all times I can barely average 10L/ per 100km. Usually in the 9L range. It’s better when highway driving but most of our miles are in town weekly.
To any current owners: What is the servicing like on these, do run of the mill workshops service them fine, seeing as its shared powerplant with other Yota/Lexus?
My 2020 gws224 is coming soon, most concerned thing for me is hybrid battery thats why i paid extra money for new gws224 model which i think is the last generation of real crown compare to the latest fwd crossover crown.
@@RossReviewsau I believe that ecvt is the best transmission on the vehicle which is hybrid. It can hold very huge power. You can find the V8 hybrid which is using the ecvt as well. CVT is rubbish.
Toyota what has happened! Ross it really is a big thing you bought this car onto the Channel man.. these cars are way ahead of there time being a hybrid from the era of the early 2000s, Toyota should really rethink about what they doing. I think some older cars are better than the ones we get today in market. It's a shame, knowing that Toyota has been around for so long but has gone to far with there desire in what Toyota used to be.
@@RossReviewsau I totally agree on that Ross Mate, Toyota has turned chronic over the years, it's like they are wanting to downgrade and are happy to downgrade.. I don't how to say it, each review I watch about the new cars Japan brings its out and half there cars are just cheaply made, don't get weird when I say this but I would've thought that the Japanese would've been on the Mercedes level in today's making of there cars but obviously not. It really is a Shame.
GWS204 is amazing (I own GRS204 and AWS210). The only downside to this model is that the batteries are on their way as they are now pretty old. Other than that, dream to drive
The cost to refurbish the hybrid battery is quite reasonable compared to purchasing a new OEM one. I have owned an 08 GS450H before. The build quality and seamless manner in which it delivered the power was incredible.
@@gavinr9107 I think going forward we need to find battery alternatives here in Australia. I currently own hybrid S210 and can only imagine the cost to replace one in the future.
Great review mate, on the other hand your american accent is confusing me because my brain is interpreting a full strong aussie accent when lookin at ya xD.
Great review, but I wish you'd noticed that you can put the CVT into manual mode and shift manually - would have been good to know how it drove, and whether it made a difference to 0-100 time. I wonder if it would keep the engine running in manual mode, as opposed to starting on EV only in auto mode.
You can actually hold the brake, then hold the accelerator and then within the first few seconds, it will turn on the engine and charge the battery and once you let go of the break will switch engine power to wheels insead of generator and launch pretty hard you can do that on most Toyota hybrids
CVT shift mode is ok. We have an Aurion and it'd be pretty much the same thing, 2GR CVT. It's good for planned overtakes, flip it into S and throw it down to get the revs up. This would be the exact same. The shifts are actually quite immersive and do feel tactile but if you're zipping through them, it does lag. Letting the CVT manage itself when accelerating is best, it keeps the constant rev range.
@@caffeinefix2751 well then... I take that back, my whole life I thought it was CVT just from the way it felt. It holds the revs while the speed increases just like a CVT. However as I'm looking into it I am finding that it takes ATF, what CVT takes ATF lmao. Can't find anything about them having a CVT. Because it's my mum's car, I never looked into it too much, but I'm glad they're a planetary auto. Although longitudinal engine and transmission would've been much cooler.
@@squareeyes1117 I thought so too tbh. My brother had an aurion and currently a kluger. It behaves strangely sometimes at low throttle acceleration where the speed is increasing on speedometer but rpms are steady at like 2000. I think has to do with torque converter
Man literally just got the exact same Crown last week as a daily driver 60,000km for $20k in pearl white! Has been the best car I've driven, fuel economey is so good and for the price can't buy anything like this in Australia from my experience.
@@jethrox827 For my car specifically Ev battery works perfect, Toyota says they have a life span of around 120,000-150,000 km and as mine has been driven pretty lightly from the previous owner in japan with its service being done every 20,000 km so I'm not too worried about it dying anytime soon. I have no idea if the car will still run if the battery runs out, I'm assuming it would but when it does die I'll just replace it.
@@jethrox827 the battery isn't even that expensive to replace I was quoted for a brand new one from Toyota install for only 3000 that's before you look at reconditioned or aftermarket or installing yourself
Anyone know if the s200 athlete came with firmer suspension? Currently tossing up between the Hybrid and the Athlete. I know the Athlete has a bigger boot because it doesn't have the big hybrid battery, but curious if there's a big difference in how they drive/handle. Anyone driven them back-to-back?
I have a hybrid one, and my friend got the athlete, there is a huge difference. And yes, the suspension is different, athlete harder. But I actually love the quiet feeling. But actually, gws204 should be the fastest car in the Crown series.
Drove both back to back and was blown away with the hybrid, the importer had already done the battery to this one so put my mind at ease knowing it's not my issue down the track. So quiet and the power was phenomenal.
i hope you see this im worndering i have the choice between for a 2010 or 2012 crown hybrid, not sure what difference between the 2 year gap, i just know the 2010 has the G package and the 2012 has the L package
I had the 2012 4.6L V8 majesta which is Awsome actually regret selling it but am thinking of one of these but with the 6speed with the 2GR-FSE motor which in my opinion Is far nicer than the hybrid and generates 232kws which does 0-100 in about 5-6 seconds….which according to some is quicker than the V8….Awsome car
Same I had a 2005 modelista v8 majesta, was super nice and smooth but used to get left way behind by mymates 2009 Crown Athlete, the 2grfse is an amazing motor
Theres people in melbourne and adelaide who install android auto headunits for these. for about 1k aud. its steep but i think radically trasnforms the vehicle and makes it instantly relevant and futureproof i think. might do it for mine
@@RossReviewsau yeah man most toyota hybrids do this! if you mash them both it resorts to charging the hybrid battery pretty quickly but the moment you let go of the brakes it will redirect that engine power to wheels instead of the generator
I have a 2012 Infiniti hybrid and it’s like one of these but faster, nicer and cheaper on gas 6.8 100km. I absolutely love it and they are CHEAP, I paid 11k for something I deem far nicer then the falcons I’ve own and for the price I paid it’s great bang for your buck. A friend of mine has one in Auz and he ran a 13.3 quarter mile in the same car but I find 0-100 with the tuque it’s at it’s quickest. People say oh the battery will crap out, well it’s 10 years old and at 72% life and once that dies I’ll turbo the VQ35HR 😁 I don’t like the way the crowns and Lexus have these no normal gears, I drove one before I found mine and I prefer mine by far, it basically use’s the v6 motor for all the speeding up and then the engine will just turn off into ev mode once your at speed. I still appreciate and love a good Ford or Holden though.
@@ThoseBrothers I have the 2012 one and I live in New Zealand, we get heaps of Japanese cars at great prices. I couldn’t believe how good it was for the price, an NA Fg Falcon is more expensive and this shits on that in every aspect
@@RossReviewsau I just realized that despite the trim name Hybrid, zenki body resembles the Athlete, while the kouki “reverts” to Royal Saloon. That goes without saying: I would pick the zenki one to drive 🤣
Hmm, it has the right drive configuration IMO and tech but it still looks like a slightly larger Camry with a bit more lipstick applied. Still white goods on wheels?
That is like saying that a Statesman looks like a slightly larger Commodore. The aesthetics of a Camry is much more bland than the Crown. 'White goods on wheels' that is smoother, more refined and more luxurious than anything locally produced in Australia....
I bought a 2012 crown hybrid with 70k six months ago in here new Zealand for $16000 nzd ,I've had many cars but this one is best car I've had ,everything you want from a car you can find it power, luxury, economy ,reliability, the only thing I don't like is small boot
Thank you brother, this was my only concern since I’ve never owned any type of hybrid before. I plan on getting mine next couple of weeks. I’ll come back and let you know how it goes.
i bought mine last year at around 69000kms and about 73000kms i got the warning light and had to get it replaced and mechanical insurance was a pain in ass to deal with to get it replaced because its deterioration but with enough nagging they will replace it for you for free
The technology fir 2008.. What hell TOYOTA.. it's really pathetic and sad to see older cars with such great build quality and technology, this is a perfect example of a car Toyota is just amazing, I'd ditch the new cars and buy one these for sure Shame on Toyota with cars they make today.
![KSI - Dirty [Official Visualiser]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VoDh1h1dPUE/mqdefault.jpg)
The Crown was sold brand new in Australia from 1964 (S40) through to 1988 (MS123). The Crown helped showcase early Japanese cars in Australia.
Yes I forgot they were briefly sold a long time ago here! A shame they still aren’t
@@RossReviewsau 64-88 isn't breif!
But not as a hybrid
I ended up buying one, your review sold it for me. Have had it for a month and absolutely in love. Thanks mate
great to hear! fantastic car
@@B33ond Nope, 12 months on; touch wood - no issues at all. Car's perfect - got it from an importer in Melbourne
@@GARBAGE_MUSICwhich importer did you use, I’m looking for the same car in melbourne😊
@@ketchysplatbartom3737yea, I’d trade in or sell my 2019 Camry V6 SL for this!
For this generation, the Hybrid was its own special trim level separate from the usual Athlete and Royal. It was the first hybrid Crown and Toyota wanted to make a big splash by putting every single bell and whistle in their arsenal on this thing.
It’s so well equipped for 2008!
@@RossReviewsau There were even some sat nav-linked gadgets that you didn't get to try because they don't work outside of Japan.
Also, the powertrain is really special because the generation that succeeded it didn't get a V6 hybrid, only a 4-cylinder hybrid. The V6 hybrid only returned for the now outgoing 15th generation.
S210 gen had v6 hybrid in Majesta trim. Early s210 gen had n/a v6 but every trim level is hybrid after that.
@@shagaitugs7847 You're right, but technically, the Majesta is a larger spinoff series rather than a trim level of the Crown
@@cra_55 Yeah. As a brand product majesta is not crown trim. But mostly share a lot of part together. Usually diff part is appearance and powerplant.
Feels like lexus with crown chassis. I mean gs is lirerally has "s" designated chassis. Majesta is like a ls with crown chassis. I mean lexus ls is already underrated, majesta is much less known which makes majesta sleeper sofa.
I owned a fully loaded (as far as I know, I don't have the auto-parking assist. No sunroof because you can't have night vision and sunroof at the same time) 2008 in 1F3 colour. This gen (gws204) is manufactured from 2008 - 2012, face lifted from 2010. After 2012 the updated 3.5 hybrid replaced all v8 in Majestas. Toyota did state the combined output is 345PS. The reason for the fully digital display was the night vision (with pedestrian recognition). Tranny is actually E-CVT (planetary gear with 2 motors), which has nothing to do with belt driven CVTs. To improve highway driving efficiency/performance Toyota attached a 2 speed AT tranny at the back of the E-CVT. I got around 9-11L/100KM with spirited driving and around 10-20% of the time is highway cruising.
I think the driver fatigue monitor was first installed on this generation as well.
Can I ask how much you paid for it?
@@EugenernatorVideos Around 2 years ago, around 17k before RWC, then all the parts (mainly the KYB OE rear struct shipped from Japan) to make it through RWC, total under 20k
@@laureus31 interesting. Did the broker not send someone to check it out or were they unable to determine that it needed replacing to pass rwc? Or did you import knowing so? Which broker did you use? I'm currently looking at importing one myself, but I don't really know a person I can ask questions so yeah...
@@EugenernatorVideos Auction lot staff only take photos while the car is sitting in the parking lot so you are trying your luck. After compliance is done you can use any shop you prefer for RWC, you don't have to use the compliance shop to do it. I don't know the leak but I am prepared for it. Factory rear struct is always the weak point for all S20 crowns, even the Athletes.
All the brokers are more or less the same, you can talk to them and see which one you like. I use J-spec import.
I suggest factor the cost for the rear structs in (I guess around 3-5K if you ask a shop to do it for you? I bought a set of KYB oe replacement from Japan via Import Monster for around 1k including sea freight. DON'T do it yourself if you have no idea, compressing a spring is really, really dangerous.) Also don't forget the front lower control arm bushings. You won't go through RWC if there is any crack on the rubber part.
Also as the car care nut suggested, try to avoid low mileage ones (normally more expensive) unless you have proof that the hybrid battery was replaced not long ago. You can choose new battery, rebuild ones and aftermarket ones. A local Toyota dealer quote me 5k for a new battery without labour (It's unlikely you will have to replace the hybrid battery but yeah)
@@laureus31 thanks for the info. I remember reading on the j-spec website (was thinking of going with them too) that they send someone to inspect the car if they think it's a worthy candidate but I guess not? I'm more or less prepared for battery cell replacements because my uncle has been doing it for his Prius himself but I don't have the means to change struts so rest assured I'll let a workshop handle that. I was thinking around 100k kms to be reasonable?
These hybrids are much cheaper, and just the sane quality as the Lexus, but at an affordable price point, it's sad that Toyota Australia won't bring any even though its a JDM! Thanks for bringing this on the channel. Always love the Japanese models
Totally agree great point!
Have been eyeing various Crowns on Carsales and thought it would've been mint if Jono made a video on this. Cheers mate, perfect timing!
Glad I could help! I rate all the crowns
The good old Toyota Crowns have always been known to drive nicely with plenty of luxury thrown in mate & are pretty reliable from what I've heard,the Japanese know their stuff that's for sure,so yeah I have no doubt as to why you like it Johnny it's a perfect everyday cruiser man,nice one again thanks bro.
Just Bought 2010 GwS204 hybrid. Your video convinced me . Cheers
Imported mine back in January, have not regretted it one bit, have owned a 170 series and prefer this one over it.
Awesome 👏
Any issues with the hybrid battery?
Any issues with the hybrid battery?
Hi there, can you point me to a website or advise how to import one from Japan now in 2023?
@@tonyst4705 iron chef imports my man
There's a trick to launching these, put it in S then put it in 1, I got a 5.5s 0-100
Smart looking Car mate. Thanks for showing us some of these unknown models
Glad you enjoyed it
I love my 2009 Crown. I paid 21K landed for 36K km and Maybe 2022.
Best buy of my life!
Mine doesn't have leather but has a classy velour but I put sheepskink for that luxury feel
Mine has a sunroof as well...love it.
Great buy man! Awesome value
Any issues getting compliance plates?
This video helped me make the decision to go ahead and buy one of these (GWS204, from VansWest too!) It's good to know that economy-wise, I'm getting what Toyota claim at 7.2L/100km (with the occasional lead foot when I get to on ramps.) Best car I've owned so far. Great video, mate.
Have you had any issues? About to import one or buy one already here
@@shenzhenmaster I've done 50,000km in it since I got mine 6 months ago, and nothing has gone wrong. It's such a solid car. I did have to replace the hybrid system, but that's a given on any hybrid model you import - basically all of them are going to have sat for a while and the batteries will have died, so budget for that.
Nice. If I wanted a new car id buy this thing for sure, it tick's all the boxes and I'm very surprised it's rear wheel drive.
Yes definitely a mint daily I would have
Ive heard too that in japan they can mod the computer to power assist for launch etc. would be a weapon, but gotta learn japanese or know a good aussie mechanic that speaks it fluent to mod them.
You are correct that there is separate specs there is the royal saloon which is base, then the athlete and the hybrid which has many of the features of the athlete in the 08-10 spec in the 10-12 hybrid they have a face lift but still use the same power train and the hybrid base spec os now based on the Royal saloon rather then the athlete spec so had some features removed as standard. It has the same power train as the lexus gs 450h and the full hybrid combined makes I believe closer to 340 hp with the engine making 290 by itself. I typically get around 11km per litre and that's with flooring from most lights because it's just so fun.
So which Toyota Crown is the fastest between the 3.5V6, 3.5V6 hybrid and V8? And which one is best to mod/tune to make it even faster?
@@ThoseBrothers the hybrid is the fastest to 100 I believe haven't seen any direct drag races though and there are no official figures that I have ever seen. I haven't seen much surrounding tuning any of these cars for speed so can't really comment on that
The 206 Majesta still has it as the fastest but not by much, and with twice the fuel consumption.
@@marclindbom9806 Have to disagree with you on that one, I've dragged a Majesta in my Hybrid and it was quicker, not by a huge amount but definitely noticeable
@@bencoory5917 Ross Reviews has already shown that the 206 is faster, but it’s negligible and uses twice as much fuel 😂
It’s the Limo factor that puts the 206 above the hybrid, but it’s always gonna be 206 vs 204. Whichever one you own you’re convinced it’s the best. Shows how good the cars are across the board 😉
I calculated my G6ET (when it was my daily) actual via receipts over 2 years and it was 11.8L/100. Most Nissan/Toyota 3.5s use 10/11 so this one doesn't seem to do much hybrid-ing.
Was in sport mode just before and I was sending it.. claimed at 6/7L per 100km typically
That’s really good for the Falcon man! My 2012 Infiniti m35 hybrid gets around 6.8 to 7.8/100 and it’s faster too.
Got nothing on a modded turbo’d barra though lol
I actually own one of these and I can tell you I manage a lot better than that, a mix of spirted and relaxed city driving I get around 8.5 - 9L per 100kms and on the highway between 7 and 7.5
Mine is getting between 7.5-8.5L /100km when driving reasonably in eco-mode
One of my favourite Toyota crowns
Mine too now
That's good
Not all upmarket Toyotas wear the Lexus badge
JDM Toyota sedans are so underrated and way better than the USA where we’re stuck with Camrys and avalons
the crown badge in particular was amazing.. even some blades and other random JDM only cars aswell..
I paid $13,000 NZD for a 73,000 km Pearl White Crown. Our import tax isn't much. I get a constant 13.7 km/l sometimes 15.7 km/l
Good deal!
I paid 12k NZD for an 08 with 51,000 kms - I love it. Did you figure out how to dial the handling settings through the G options?
@@hanzjensen2154 Handling Settings?
@@H.R.T.P damper, transmission timing and engine braking can be set using google translate
Hows the hybrid battery ?
I live in myanmar where crown is the national car second to japan! Own the 3.5 hybrid crown gws204, that car is meant for luxurious cruising, not good in corner, not 0-100 car, if u want to do like this, there is 2013 markX GR with the same engine 2GR fE, different suspension set up, better brakes. Real sport sedan to have fun on mountain road
Should try and do a video on a Honda Legend, another lesser known japanese luxury car
If I can find one!
Hey mate try and do a review on the later models ie 2018
How about spear parts and how much does the battery cost and what's the life range for it
This had a full digital color dash all the way back in 2007!
@@OM617a Those were not full color like this one.
@@OM617a Which one?
@@OM617a That's nowhere near what this Crown has. Those were segment display like what you have in alarm clocks. This Crown has a TFT LCD screen. It's the same as any LCD, it can display a movie on it. Can you play a movie on your mark/cressida's dash?
6 seconds on a wet day is still better than some of the Aussie V8s you've reviewed on a dry road
I thought so too. The Toyota 2GR engine can't be underestimated. I have an IS350 and it gets to 100 in mid 5's, which is quicker than many V8 Commodores/Falcons.
It’s impressive for sure
@@jrbuch This has the same engine and drivetrain as the GS450h, which was the quickest Lexus when it came out.
With good tyres ive done a 5.5 in mine i reckon it could easily do sub 5 if you could wind out a little extra power sooner in the cvt values.
In mine I press on the gas all the way to the floor while holding the brake until I hear the petrol engine start up then I back off release the throttle till about half way. Release the brake and mash down on the gas. That way I get about 5 seconds to 100.
Hey how's the fuel economy, thinking of upgrading from my grs180 but not too sure about the reliability of the hybrid battery
@@ironmerc225 normally around 11.3-12.5 km per litre.
Try keeping it in D1 with Eco mode off I've done this and just with my timer it shaved about half a second off. Also I've got mine to 17.4km/L on freeway alone and I'm averaging 14.1km/L. Mine is a 2009 model still with it's original HV battery.
@@Holyghost707I importer a GWS204 to canada in oct. My fuel economy has been terrible. I run the highest grade fuel possible here e’d (94 Octane) and even when I use eco mode and always use the EV only mode as often as I can, with light throttle at all times I can barely average 10L/ per 100km. Usually in the 9L range. It’s better when highway driving but most of our miles are in town weekly.
Would love to see if you can get your hands on its siblings - Century and MarkX
I’ve done a review of the century! v12 go find that review on my channel
Crowns were sold in Australia by the factory during the 70's and 80's
Damn your right I forgot 😅
Hey Ross, great review, is the s200 hybrid athlete the same size internally and externally as the majesta?
im not 100% sure but they feel very similar
Nice car I would buy this here in australia
It’s so sweet as a daily
To any current owners: What is the servicing like on these, do run of the mill workshops service them fine, seeing as its shared powerplant with other Yota/Lexus?
My 2020 gws224 is coming soon, most concerned thing for me is hybrid battery thats why i paid extra money for new gws224 model which i think is the last generation of real crown compare to the latest fwd crossover crown.
Very quick! Similar engine to the Aurion (2GR except Atkinson cycle)power plus electric motors and rear wheel drive!
If I'm not mistaken, I think the engine can switch to otto cycle under power, at least that's true for the Camry hybrids of the same age
What about the battery?
Hi mate this hybrid crown It’s a E CVT not CVT, they two runs totally different
I had one my car 12.7km/L
Around 100km/8.5L
interesting im not familiar with the difference of the 2
@@RossReviewsau I believe that ecvt is the best transmission on the vehicle which is hybrid. It can hold very huge power. You can find the V8 hybrid which is using the ecvt as well. CVT is rubbish.
Toyota what has happened!
Ross it really is a big thing you bought this car onto the Channel man.. these cars are way ahead of there time being a hybrid from the era of the early 2000s, Toyota should really rethink about what they doing. I think some older cars are better than the ones we get today in market. It's a shame, knowing that Toyota has been around for so long but has gone to far with there desire in what Toyota used to be.
To True! this for 2008 is a insane car.. SO FAR AHEAD OF ITS TIME.. its nicer than 90% of the crap thats new nowadays
@@RossReviewsau I totally agree on that Ross Mate, Toyota has turned chronic over the years, it's like they are wanting to downgrade and are happy to downgrade.. I don't how to say it, each review I watch about the new cars Japan brings its out and half there cars are just cheaply made, don't get weird when I say this but I would've thought that the Japanese would've been on the Mercedes level in today's making of there cars but obviously not.
It really is a Shame.
GWS204 is amazing (I own GRS204 and AWS210). The only downside to this model is that the batteries are on their way as they are now pretty old. Other than that, dream to drive
The cost to refurbish the hybrid battery is quite reasonable compared to purchasing a new OEM one. I have owned an 08 GS450H before. The build quality and seamless manner in which it delivered the power was incredible.
@@gavinr9107 I think going forward we need to find battery alternatives here in Australia. I currently own hybrid S210 and can only imagine the cost to replace one in the future.
@@codenameFourtySeven$3-4k
@@gavinr9107curious to know if you have figures for the cost of refurbishing the battery.
Nice Toyota crown I would definitely like to sit in this car and cruise
It’s so nice to cruise
Great review mate, on the other hand your american accent is confusing me because my brain is interpreting a full strong aussie accent when lookin at ya xD.
Yeah, I'm a bit of a hybrid myself.
Any info from owners on the lifespan of the battery, how performance is affected over the batteries life, and the replacement cost?
10:52, was that nine thousand rpm??!?
I was wondering the same thing. Can’t be
Na it's 90% of power usage, bloody hybrids...
Great review, but I wish you'd noticed that you can put the CVT into manual mode and shift manually - would have been good to know how it drove, and whether it made a difference to 0-100 time. I wonder if it would keep the engine running in manual mode, as opposed to starting on EV only in auto mode.
You can actually hold the brake, then hold the accelerator and then within the first few seconds, it will turn on the engine and charge the battery and once you let go of the break will switch engine power to wheels insead of generator and launch pretty hard you can do that on most Toyota hybrids
CVT shift mode is ok. We have an Aurion and it'd be pretty much the same thing, 2GR CVT. It's good for planned overtakes, flip it into S and throw it down to get the revs up. This would be the exact same. The shifts are actually quite immersive and do feel tactile but if you're zipping through them, it does lag.
Letting the CVT manage itself when accelerating is best, it keeps the constant rev range.
@@squareeyes1117 the aurion is a traditional 6 gear planetary gear set automatic and not cvt I'm sure. Fun car!
@@caffeinefix2751 well then... I take that back, my whole life I thought it was CVT just from the way it felt. It holds the revs while the speed increases just like a CVT. However as I'm looking into it I am finding that it takes ATF, what CVT takes ATF lmao. Can't find anything about them having a CVT. Because it's my mum's car, I never looked into it too much, but I'm glad they're a planetary auto. Although longitudinal engine and transmission would've been much cooler.
@@squareeyes1117 I thought so too tbh. My brother had an aurion and currently a kluger. It behaves strangely sometimes at low throttle acceleration where the speed is increasing on speedometer but rpms are steady at like 2000. I think has to do with torque converter
To my knowledge Hybrid tech is only going to save you petrol in stop start and low speed traffic?
Yes they basically get the same milage regardless of how you drive it
Man literally just got the exact same Crown last week as a daily driver 60,000km for $20k in pearl white! Has been the best car I've driven, fuel economey is so good and for the price can't buy anything like this in Australia from my experience.
After over 10 yrs, what shape is the battery in? Will it still run when the battery wears out?
@@jethrox827 For my car specifically Ev battery works perfect, Toyota says they have a life span of around 120,000-150,000 km and as mine has been driven pretty lightly from the previous owner in japan with its service being done every 20,000 km so I'm not too worried about it dying anytime soon. I have no idea if the car will still run if the battery runs out, I'm assuming it would but when it does die I'll just replace it.
@@jethrox827 the battery isn't even that expensive to replace I was quoted for a brand new one from Toyota install for only 3000 that's before you look at reconditioned or aftermarket or installing yourself
@@jethrox827 mines 10 years old and at 72% of its lifespan with 140k on it
How is the CVT?
Anyone know if the s200 athlete came with firmer suspension? Currently tossing up between the Hybrid and the Athlete. I know the Athlete has a bigger boot because it doesn't have the big hybrid battery, but curious if there's a big difference in how they drive/handle. Anyone driven them back-to-back?
I have a hybrid one, and my friend got the athlete, there is a huge difference. And yes, the suspension is different, athlete harder. But I actually love the quiet feeling. But actually, gws204 should be the fastest car in the Crown series.
Drove both back to back and was blown away with the hybrid, the importer had already done the battery to this one so put my mind at ease knowing it's not my issue down the track.
So quiet and the power was phenomenal.
i hope you see this im worndering i have the choice between for a 2010 or 2012 crown hybrid, not sure what difference between the 2 year gap, i just know the 2010 has the G package and the 2012 has the L package
I had the 2012 4.6L V8 majesta which is Awsome actually regret selling it but am thinking of one of these but with the 6speed with the 2GR-FSE motor which in my opinion Is far nicer than the hybrid and generates 232kws which does 0-100 in about 5-6 seconds….which according to some is quicker than the V8….Awsome car
Same I had a 2005 modelista v8 majesta, was super nice and smooth but used to get left way behind by mymates 2009 Crown Athlete, the 2grfse is an amazing motor
S204 hybrid is faster than the N/A
How many km/l did u get on that majesta?
@@Cars_pov23tbh I can’t remember,I do a lot of country running so it was good but the tank was small
Out of interest, could you just replace the head unit to get English readouts?
It's not a standard size, and has extra features.
Theres people in melbourne and adelaide who install android auto headunits for these. for about 1k aud. its steep but i think radically trasnforms the vehicle and makes it instantly relevant and futureproof i think. might do it for mine
Are they the same as the 2015 onwards? Ugh hate that cvt.
My 2002 Prius has launch control. Foot must be FIRMLY on the brake, and put the accelerator ALL THE WAY to the floor.
🤣 really
@@RossReviewsau yeah man most toyota hybrids do this! if you mash them both it resorts to charging the hybrid battery pretty quickly but the moment you let go of the brakes it will redirect that engine power to wheels instead of the generator
Any update vids of your f6 coming up mate?
Coming soon on the second channel
I have a 2012 Infiniti hybrid and it’s like one of these but faster, nicer and cheaper on gas 6.8 100km. I absolutely love it and they are CHEAP, I paid 11k for something I deem far nicer then the falcons I’ve own and for the price I paid it’s great bang for your buck.
A friend of mine has one in Auz and he ran a 13.3 quarter mile in the same car but I find 0-100 with the tuque it’s at it’s quickest.
People say oh the battery will crap out, well it’s 10 years old and at 72% life and once that dies I’ll turbo the VQ35HR 😁
I don’t like the way the crowns and Lexus have these no normal gears, I drove one before I found mine and I prefer mine by far, it basically use’s the v6 motor for all the speeding up and then the engine will just turn off into ev mode once your at speed.
I still appreciate and love a good Ford or Holden though.
What model was your Infinity? And how did you get it for 11k in this market haha?
@@ThoseBrothers I have the 2012 one and I live in New Zealand, we get heaps of Japanese cars at great prices.
I couldn’t believe how good it was for the price, an NA Fg Falcon is more expensive and this shits on that in every aspect
This happens to be the zenki spec with clear taillights, and I love it. Eligible to import to Canada very soon 😁
its an awesome car!
I'm going to import one soon as they become legal in January
@@RossReviewsau I just realized that despite the trim name Hybrid, zenki body resembles the Athlete, while the kouki “reverts” to Royal Saloon. That goes without saying: I would pick the zenki one to drive 🤣
@@JonasOnAutos almost there! 😁😁
@@JonasOnAutos I was hoping I’m the only one
How reliable are the electronics in these things?
It’s a Toyota.
Does anyone know if these have cooled seats?
yes!! if its got leather seats then theyre cooled! but if theyre the cloth seats then no..
@@henry3078 cheers. Thanks
In Myanmar this cost about 100 million kyats.
Can you review the 2017 Toyota crown athlete
ill do my best to find one
Hmm, it has the right drive configuration IMO and tech but it still looks like a slightly larger Camry with a bit more lipstick applied. Still white goods on wheels?
That is like saying that a Statesman looks like a slightly larger Commodore. The aesthetics of a Camry is much more bland than the Crown. 'White goods on wheels' that is smoother, more refined and more luxurious than anything locally produced in Australia....
I bought a 2012 crown hybrid with 70k six months ago in here new Zealand for $16000 nzd ,I've had many cars but this one is best car I've had ,everything you want from a car you can find it power, luxury, economy ,reliability, the only thing I don't like is small boot
Any issues with the hybrid battery?
@@Vlonerose not any problem, so far so good
Thank you brother, this was my only concern since I’ve never owned any type of hybrid before. I plan on getting mine next couple of weeks. I’ll come back and let you know how it goes.
Hi bro, what's your fuel consumption like?
@@jarwinjacoba4867 in city about 8 litres per 100kms in open road less than that if you drive on cruise control less than 7litres
its a good car until you have a check hybrid system light saying battery deterioration because of its age
i bought mine last year at around 69000kms and about 73000kms i got the warning light and had to get it replaced and mechanical insurance was a pain in ass to deal with to get it replaced because its deterioration but with enough nagging they will replace it for you for free
How much is a new battery??
2-4k. You dont need to change all of them though just the defective modules.
These sell for 11-14k in NZ 😃
Australia and cars = $$$
Hmm nice, it’s essentially just like my Lexus LS460 inside and feature wise, except it’s missing the V8 😉
It’s very much like a Lexus
I cant decide between the toyota blade master g (s2) or this... Someone sell me on one of them!
ive done a review on one of them also.. id prefer the crown tbh
Need to try the 2005-2007 Toyota Crown Athlete with the 3.5. Best crown full stop
I really want to!
It's just a 3GS hybrid with a different body
Could you try and get an athlete G for a video?
I’ll do my best to find one
I just bought 1
good buy
It's a toyota crown royal saloon 🇯🇲
Awesome
Great car
Must not export them to compete with Lexus...
Athlete is more sporty
The technology fir 2008.. What hell TOYOTA..
it's really pathetic and sad to see older cars with such great build quality and technology, this is a perfect example of a car Toyota is just amazing, I'd ditch the new cars and buy one these for sure
Shame on Toyota with cars they make today.
yup this car absolutely destroys modern Toyotas.. it actually pisses me off looking at brand new toyota infotainment systems
What you are driving is a Toyota Crown Majesta F hybrid.
(😔shame, a Magesta without a V8)
Like if you agree
It’s a nice car this.. I would argue the best.. for practicality and fuel efficiency.. I do love a Majesta tho
Cereal box on wheels 😴
First?
:)
The most boring crown
It’s a mint daily tho
@@RossReviewsau actually this one doesn’t go too bad, I was thinking of the 4cyl hybrid Crown
I gave it a thumbs down Jono nothing against your review I won't watch electric crap
Tony
Except it's not electric...
Still a 3.5 litre v6
"I won't watch electric crap"
Watches it anyway.
And it's certainly not "crap" lol
small v6 hybrid and a cvt, kill it with fire