New Prado from Toyota
 South Africans will experience Toyota's new model Prado fresh
from its European debut at the Paris Motor show in late
September. In the six years since the last full model change,
the Prado has achieved a reputation for excellent off-road
performance. This latest model is set to build on that
reputation with improved performance and quality and is set to
take on all comers in its class. The latest Prado also features
many driving aids, such as vehicle stability control, traction
control and "downhill assist control."
Unmistakably Prado, the new model boasts cleaner looks and
significant advances in terms of interior comfort and driving
dynamics. Designed to provide the ideal cross over between
luxury passenger car and 4x4 leisure use, the Prado brand is set
to be substantially enhanced with this new introduction.
Built on an entirely new platform, the latest Prado has a
more passenger vehicle feel to it than the previous model but
this in no way detracts from the proven durability and off-road
capability of the Land Cruiser brand. The new platform was
developed to enhance already outstanding characteristics in
pursuit of superior handling and stability.
Key to these improvements is a lower centre of gravity and a
wider track. The wider body ensures increased interior space
while the rigid construction offers improved NVH (noise,
vibration and harshness) characteristics. With the new Prado,
Toyota has succeeded in combining the solid durability of a
traditional 4x4 chassis frame construction with the comfort and
feel of lighter duty monocoque construction SUVs.
Completely re-engineered to raise benchmarks in the mid-sized
4x4 SUV market, the new Prado offers sleek exterior looks that
are unmistakably Land Cruiser. Toyota engineers have worked hard
at producing a new model that draws from the experience of
previous models but offers the latest in styling and engineering
trends. Every detail has been examined for an advantage - even
the windscreen wipers have received the attention of the
stylists and are now semi-concealed to improve looks and reduce
drag.
Interior design reflects Toyota's latest design trends.
Dashboard components are all close fitting with reduced gaps and
the general feel is one of upper end passenger car luxury.
Instrumentation is clear and all controls come readily to hand.
Conscious of the demands of off-road motoring Toyota engineers
and stylists have tailored the interior to cope with these
demands with detail improvements. Larger switches and controls
are an example with these now more easily identified and
accessed while traversing rough terrain, requiring less
attention to be diverted from the task at hand. Seats provide
superb support and comfort, both on and off-road.
The air-conditioning system offers higher efficiency in
controlling temperatures, with a lower power draw from the
engine. The fully automatic system provides independent control
for each side of the vehicle and differential controls for the
front and rear compartments. An air filter in the system ensures
a flow of particle and dust free air into the vehicle. Heater
performance, often a problem on diesel powered vehicles because
of specific heat transfer characteristics of these engines, is
improved on the new Prado. An integrated radio and CD changer
provide for entertainment on the move.
Two stage frontal airbags provide advanced protection for
front seat passengers. Side airbags are also provided for the
two front seats while curtain shield airbags provide protection
in the upper body area for both front and rear seat passengers.
Seat belts with two-stage pre-tensioners and force limiters
augment the airbags in the event of deployment.
The brake system includes ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake Force
Distribution). Also included in the specification are mechanical
brake assist - which ensures adequate braking force in emergency
braking conditions, traction control and VSC (Vehicle Stability
Control). Downhill Assist Control (DAC) assists in providing a
smoother ride in undulating conditions. Cruise control adds to
driver comfort on long open road journeys.
The new Prado is more friendly to the environment. Engine
tuning has been optimised through the use of advanced
electronics for the engine management system and the new vehicle
is inherently more economic due to its slippery low drag shape.
Initially the new Prado will only be available in South Africa
with the proven 1KZ-TE turbocharged and intercooled diesel
engine. Maximum power is 96 kW with peak torque of 343 Nm. A
four-litre V6 petrol engine will be added to the range in the
first half of 2003.
Both manual and automatic versions will be available. On the
automatic version a number of additional specification items are
added including power adjustment for the front seats, Toyota's
'Optitron' instrumentation, steering column tilt and telescopic
adjustment, and leather trim. On both models, wheels are alloy
265/65 17".
The new Prado is covered by a 90 000 km/5 year service plan.
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