How to recognize a UZZ32 active Soarer

How to recognise one?

The UZZ32 "active" Soarers are externally (and internally) similar to the more common base models and can thus be difficult to distinguish. This page summaries the little signs that a Soare is, maybe, or is not, one of the UZZ32.

Definitive Indications

Depending on the circumstances of the sighting and information available (eg chassis number, view or photos of the vehicle), look for:

• a Toyota chassis number starting with UZZ32-xxxx
• distinctive "concertina" suspension strut covers with "active" logo visible in the engine bay
• four-wheel steering (steering rack visible underneath the vehicle, or rear wheels angling slightly when front wheels fully turned at low speed)
• hydraulic suspension components visible in the wheel well areas
• configuration of switches, ie switch, blank, switch in front of the automatic gear selector
• dash cluster showing "active high"' status light (when suspension is in high mode)
• dash including "active suspension" during the power-on self-test (or when manually pressing the 'scroll' button)

Circumstantial Evidence

Less conclusive, but circumstantial evidence can also be used to help ascertain that the vehicle is likely, but may not be, an "active":

• on the track (ie virtually no leaning under heavy cornering / braking / acceleration
• weight: the "active" is the heaviest Soarer of them all at ???? Kg
• presence of expensive options (eg the "factory" reversing camera) may increase the chance that it is a UZZ32, because someone ordering the top-of-the-range model may be more likely (financially and psychologically) to tick the options box when purchasing their new vehicle
• if the active suspension is in need of maintenance, the suspension may - at one or more corners - gradually sag when parked
• if the suspension is in need of maintenance, the vehicle may also exhibit "bounce", typically during low-speed cornering on a bumpy surface

Evidence suggesting it is NOT a UZZ32

Conversely, certain options were not available on the "active" Soarers.For example:

• the factory-fitted dunroof was not available until ???? meaning that, eg an early 91 model with a Toyota sunroof is unlikely to be an active
• the presence of side skirts, a front grill, or late-model (97+) tail lights or rear spoiler would (unless retro-fitted as an upgrade) indicate a '97 or later model, by which time the UZZ32 was no longer being manifactured.

Caution

It must also be remembered that a number of UZZ32 Soarers have had the suspension replaced by more conventional ones.