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Toyota this morning has took the wraps off the 4th generation Prado in Sydney ahead of the vehicle's launch in November this year. The Australian reveal came at the same time as the world reveal in Japan for the first time and ahead of tomorrow's first day at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The Sydney reveal of an almost entirely hand-built sample vehicle takes into account Prado's importance to Toyota – Australia is the world's fourth largest market for the off-road tough, SUV. The MY 2010 Prado will offer variable valve timing on the 4.0 V6 petrol engine while the diesel engine will achieve under 9.0 litres/100 km fuel economy.
“This fourth generation models inherits the LandCruiser DNA – a pedigree that stretches back more than 50 years,” said Toyota Australia sales and maketing executive director, David Buttner. “Australia is a major LandCruiser market. In the mid 1980's the LandCruiser Prado was created as a derivative of the 70 Series, but was not brought into Australia to compete against the likes of the popular Pajero. A second generation Prado was developed in the mid 1990's with more `car like' handling. This was brought into Australia in 1996 to compete in the mid-size SUV market. Since then it has become part of the Australian motoring landscape, particularly with `grey nomads' who use it to tow caravans around Australia.
To the end of August 2009 more than 148,000 Prados have been sold in Australia dominating the medium SUV segment apart from 2002 during the model run-out ahead of third generation. The 4th generation Prado has distinctive style cues which defer to it's big brother, the LandCruiser 100 Series.
The revised styling of new Toyota Prado has resulted in a vehicle which appears more aggressive and which features improved aerodynamics. Prado is slightly larger – 80mm longer, 10mm wider and 15mm lower – giving new the vehicle a wide, planted stance. The lower overall height contributes to improved aerodynamics, with the drag coefficient cut from 0.37 to 0.35. Aerodynamic aids include front and rear spoilers, front spats, under-body covers and deflectors.
A three-dimensional vertical grille has evolved from the current model, giving an increased sense of depth and texture. Cylindrical high-beam headlamps and projector type low-beam headlamps complement the three-dimensional profile of the clearance and turn signal lamps.
The high position of the grille and headlamps combine with the outwardly extended turn signals to create a wide, distinctively LandCruiser-like Prado face. From the side view, the belt line is higher and the cowl has been moved forward to provide maximum interior space.
The sharply trimmed lower section of the bumpers makes the overhangs look shorter, for a more agile image. The door mirrors have integrated LED indicators. The rear combination lamps also use LEDs, which activate more quickly than conventional lamps. A body-coloured rear spoiler houses the rear window wiper. Toyota claim Prado’s enhanced driveability and technologies will make it more accessible to everyday drivers, while retaining its off-road credentials.
Special attention to handling, stability and ride comfort have raised Prado to new levels of user compatibility. Toyota has upgraded the vehicle’s four-litre V6 petrol engine to include dual VVT-i – variable valve timing – on both the inlet and exhaust camshafts. The petrol engine delivers more than 10 per cent extra power, as well as improved torque, fuel economy and emissions. The turbo-diesel engine has also been improved, resulting in fuel economy better than nine litres per 100km* and a low CO2 figure.
Seven airbags will be standard, as will vehicle stability control and traction control. New state-of-the-art driving technologies are presented as an evolution of LandCruiser heritage. Specification is still being finalised for Australia and Toyota was light on fine detail including pricing, towing capacity, exact economy and the exactly what technologies would be used.
Prado will, however, feature some of the electronic aids developed for Toyota’s passenger cars. The goal is to take Prado’s off-road prowess to new levels.
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