9 February 2011
New car report; Winning formula gets even better
The new 4th generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado just launched in New Zealand will be sold here in five door configuration with diesel power only.
Sales of the 3.5 litre V6 petrol in the outgoing model had fallen to less than 5% of total Prado volume, so it has been dropped from the range.
The 127kW, 410Nm 3.0 litre turbo diesel, Euro 4 emission compliant powerplant consumes just 8.5L/100km in 5 speed automatic form or 8.8L/100km in 6 speed manual, with CO2 emission levels for the auto being reduced from 245g/km down to 225g/km.
Market research told Toyota that customers still liked the look of the previous Prado, so there's no dramatic visual change, despite the vehicle being entirely new with a slightly raised beltline to give a more contemporary look.
Lower than the previous model by 15mm for improved aerodynamics and fuel economy, the new Prado is slightly wider and with an increased track than before to provide additional interior space.
Three spec levels will be offered, starting with the GX, VX and range topping VX Limited.
Specification levels are impressive throughout the range.
The Prado GX has 17" alloy wheels, a rear door mounted spare wheel with hard cover, reverse parking sensors, leather steering wheel, dual zone air conditioning and a single disc MP3/WMA compatible CD player. Bluetooth compatibility with voice recognition, USB input and a 3.5mm input jack are standard.
Equipment for the VX includes 18" alloys, under floor mounted spare wheel, KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), front and side view cameras, front parking sensors, HID headlights, three zone climate air conditioning, six disc CD changer, electric and heated front seats, leather trim, glass hatch in the rear door, roof rails and rear privacy glass
The top of the range VX Limited is loaded with even more gear. An adaptive variable suspension system with rear active height control, pre-crash safety system, dynamic radar cruise control are a few of the hi-tech add-ons.
Creature comforts include leather and woodgrain steering wheel, woodgrain console, rear entertainment system with 9" screen, 6 disc CD/DVD changer with 14 speakers, satellite navigation, coolbox, memory front seats and tilt and slide sunroof.
For the first time in a Prado model, a rear seat entertainment system is included in the VX Limited, allowing rear seat passengers to watch DVD movies or use portable game consoles via a roof mounted 9" monitor. Sound can be played either through the speaker system or on headphones.
VX and VX Limited models are equipped with a 220V AC power socket in the rear loading area.
All models get VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and A-TRC (Active Traction Control) and the usual array of safety equipment which extends to 11 SRS airbags including a driver's knee airbag and curtain airbags for all three rows of seats. ISO fixing points and child seat anchors are fitted in the second row of seats.
Automatic versions have Hill-start Assist Control, but curiously, this feature is absent in the manual version, where it would be more useful.
The Prado shines both on and off road
On-road levels of refinement impress, with ride quality, noise levels, handling and performance offering luxury car-like comfort.
An optional off-road package is offered on the VX and VX Limited for those buyers wanting to venture off the tarmac. While most Prado drivers won't be going bush, for those who do enjoy the rigors of the back blocks, the package offers sensational off-road capability.
The off-road package includes a Multi-terrain Select feature which regulates the amount of wheel spin under various conditions, with settings of mud and sand, loose rock, mogul and rock.
CRAWL control is another feature of the off-road package. This operates like an off-road cruise control feature, using various sensors and the engine ECU to maintain throttle control and the A-TRC system to apply braking separately to each wheel to maintain traction on rugged terrain.
The new Prado will tow up to 2,500kg braked and 750kg unbraked.
Pricing starts at $78,490 for the GX manual and $79,990 for the GX automatic. VX is $89,900 and the top grade VX Limited is $104,990.
The off-road package adds $2,250 to the VX but is a no cost option on the VX Limited due to the radar cruise control and pre-crash system being deleted.
Toyota tell us that a 3 door Prado will be offered in Australia, and they will be keeping a close eye on how the model goes across the Tasman in evaluating its future viability here.