Off-roader is now bigger and better

TOYOTA’S iconic Land Cruiser Prado has undergone a change with bolder exterior styling, a more refined interior and even better handling for 2014.

Ringing the exterior changes is an extensive redesign with a deeper front bumper, more aggressive looking grille and newly styled alloy wheels that reinforce the Prado’s toughness, reliability and legendary off-road prowess.

The interior has also benefitted from comprehensive upgrades that raise quality, convenience and ease of use with new multi-media audio systems as well as a redesigned dashboard featuring improved materials, detailing and features.

Finally, Toyota has amplified functionality by providing additional driver guidance aids such as Blind Spot Monitoring and a Tyre Inflation Warning system on the VX and Trailer Sway Control (standard across the range) that assists when towing by negating the possible unpleasant consequences of crosswinds or bumpy roads. The vehicle profile is enhanced by newly designed 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels for TX and 18-inch 12-spoke alloys for VX versions. There are two new striking exterior colours, Midnight Blue Metallic, which is a dark blue mica paint and Liquid Bronze Metallic, which is a mid-tone khaki hue. The VX versions are available with an optional electrically-operated sunroof.

Leather seat upholstery is standard on both TX and VX models but in the case of the latter, the side door panels are also swathed in leather. The front arm rests on both models now come with slide functionality. The top-level VX models get a Multi-Terrain Monitor which gives drivers additional guidance when negotiating off-road obstacles by relaying video imagery through four cameras located at the front, rear and sides of the vehicle.

Lastly, dual automatic climate control makes its debut across the Prado range, replacing the previous manual air-conditioning system.

Land Cruiser Prado has the choice of two proven engines, a four-litre V6 petrol engine with dual VVT-i and a three-litre turbo diesel unit. The V6 petrol delivers 202kW of power at 5 600rpm and 381Nm of torque at 4 400rpm and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting. Combined-cycle fuel economy is 11,5 litres per 100km and the CO² reading is 266g per kilometre.

Prado’s 16-valve, DOHC three litre turbo diesel pumping out 120kW at 3 400rpm and 400Nm between 1600 and 2 800rpm, which is matched to a five-speed sequential automatic transmission offering a combined-cycle fuel economy of 8,5 litres/100km. The CO² readings are pegged at 224g/km.

This transmission is coupled to a full time four wheel drive system with a lockable Torsen centre differential and a two-speed transfer case. VX versions additionally feature a rear differential lock and CRAWL control, Toyota’s low speed off road cruise control system.

Prado VX versions have the added features of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) front and rear, and height-adjustable rear air suspension.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado now has an additional layer of confidence and control for owners who use their vehicle for towing in the form of Trailer Sway Control – standard across the range. Trailer sway control is enabled by, and integrated with the existing vehicle stability control technologies to aid the driver in the event that a trailer starts to swing from side to side.

Pricing

Land Cruiser Prado TX 4.0 V6 Auto – R632 200.

Land Cruiser Prado TX 3.0 DT Auto – R642 000.

Land Cruiser Prado VX 4.0 V6 Auto – R728 200.

Land Cruiser Prado VX 3.0 DT Auto – R732 400.

Land Cruiser Prado VX 4.0 V6 Auto Sunroof – R738 200.

Land Cruiser Prado VX 3.0 DT Auto Sunroof – R742 400.

The Prado comes with a three- year/100 000km warranty and comes with a standard five-year/90 000km service plan. The new models are also supported by the ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme, which entitles customers to 24-hour roadside assistance.