Backed by its impressive reliability and ability to conquer with “go anywhere” approach it’s no wonder Toyota Prado is becoming fastest selling SUV in Australia. Not exactly the most beautiful SUV on the market this upgraded model represents much improved version over what it replaced with the introduction of number of innovative features that ultimately sets this example apart from competitions. Although pricier then the model it replaces, when additional inclusions are considered the price increase is almost negligible. Build on separate chassis design it is wider, longer and heavier than before. There are two engine choices with 4 different variants priced from 55K all the way up to 90K for the top of the range Kakadu model. Buyers can choose between 3.0litre common rail direct injection Turbo Diesel or 4L VVTi V6 petrol engine. At 2300kg both engines will cope exceptionally well with Prado extra weight. In the diesel form you can expect 130kW with 410Nm of power with improved fuel economy, whilst petrol version 195Kw with 385Nm gains 11% increase over its predecessor. 6 speed manual transmission is standard on entry models whilst top of the line is fitted with five speed auto. Its towing capacity is rated at 2500kg for the 5 door model and 3000kg for the three doors variant. Entire body has been completely redesigned sporting front and rear fender design with pushed up guards, revised front end treatment with new bumper, grill and light fittings followed through to a new rear end with more sloped rear quarter window. In fact nothing has been spared from a complete overhaul resulting in a more aggressive but modern designed. Toyota claims revised suspension settings will improve overall handling and ride comfort of the new Prado. All models are fitted with full time four wheel drive system supported by torque sensing LSD. Low and high ratio including diff lock option are now controlled via dashboard fitted switches. It’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System responsible for automatic adjustment of front and rear anti roll bars from soft to firm setting dependable on driving conditions offered as standard option across the range. Top of the line will benefit from Toyota CRAWL system and Adaptive Variable Suspension with electronically controlled auto-height rear suspension adjustment to further assist the driver during off-road adventures. And when visibility is limited Toyota Multi Terrain monitor system provides external view of vehicle surrounding through its 4 on-board cameras. Furthermore there are four individual driver settings called Multi-Terrain Settings helping to tune the car responsiveness according to the road condition. Driver can choose between Mud and Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul and Rock. From safety point of view Toyota Prado has been fitted with VSC with TRC, Toyota Active Brake intelligence that incorporates ABS with EBD and BA, 7 air bags, pre-collision safety system with active cruise control available on upper spec models, seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters and active front head restrains. Standard inclusion is made up of Air condition, MP3 compatible single player CD player, Keyless entry and start and Bluetooth connectivity. Top of the line Toyota Prado models receive touch screen DVD entertainment pack, Satellite navigation, Front fog lights, 6 CD MP3 compatible CD player with up to 14 speakers, 3.5mm auxiliary Jack input, USB and iPod connectivity, rain sensing wipers, Adaptive front headlights lights with build in washer, Heated front seats with memory, leather upholstery, electrically folded third row seats, sunroof and refrigerated bin to name the big ticket items. There are many other small luxury or convenience items that are definitely worth to mention but we are running out of space to include them all in here. At the end, Toyota has delivered yet again taking what has already been quite capable SUV and making it even better.
IMAGE GALLERY TOYOTA PRADO
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