Toyota are calling it, `Tougher, yet more refined' - that's the apparent contradiction embraced by Toyota's next-generation LandCruiser Prado. They have coined the phrase "rugged elegance" to describe how the new Prado will appeal to customers who want an extremely competent off-roader or a luxurious family vehicle - or both.

For the first time in Australia, Prado will come as a sporty three-door, as well as a five-door family wagon. Fuel economy has been significantly improved in most models. Prado's 4.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine now has dual VVT-i, which has helped boost its maximum power at least 10 per cent to more than 200kW. The 3.0-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine gains new injectors and improved cooling efficiency from a front-mounted intercooler.

It has an extremely flat torque curve, holding the maximum of more than 400Nm over a 1200rpm range. Both engines can be matched to six-speed manual or five-speed sequential-shift automatic transmissions. All new Prado models will have seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), All-terrain Traction Control (A-TRC) and anti-skid brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA).

Comfort and convenience features across the range include air-conditioning, cruise control, alloy wheels and keyless Smart Entry and Smart Start. For the 'Net generation, there is Bluetooth™* hands-free mobile telephone capability, USB auxiliary input and iPod^®^ control.

Most Prado variants have a rear-view camera and climate-control air-conditioning, which extends to three zones when fitted to seven-seat five-door models. The third-row seat, which is power-operated on upper models, folds into the floor to leave a flat surface for luggage. At the top of the range, customers have the option of a Pre-Crash safety System (PCS) and radar cruise control.

The radar cruise-control system helps the driver maintain an appropriate distance from the vehicle in front - particularly useful on freeways and highways. It can automatically slow the vehicle to maintain the desired distance from another vehicle and automatically accelerate back to the set cruise-control speed when the road ahead is clear.

Prado's off-road capability starts with the basics - a new high-strength ladder-frame chassis and a lockable Torsen centre differential. A rear differential lock is fitted to the top-of-the-range five-door and three-door variants. Upper models gain a new electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that adjusts the front and rear anti-roll bars for optimised roll rigidity.

Electronic KDSS provides excellent vehicle stability during on-road driving and allows greater wheel articulation to help maintain traction in challenging off-road situations. Range-topping models include CRAWL control - in effect, a low-speed cruise-control system that is particularly useful for negotiating the toughest conditions such as deep sand or thick mud.

They are also equipped with a four-camera Multi-Terrain Monitor for checking blind spots and for revealing terrain hazards and apexes normally hidden from the driver's view. Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) is newly available. Incorporating Multi-Terrain ABS, the system offers a wide range of slip-control, providing maximum traction for situations involving mud and sand, loose rocks, moguls and rocks.

Downhill Assist Control (DAC) maintains vehicle speed to ensure vehicle stability when descending slopes, while Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) minimises vehicle roll-back when the vehicle starts to ascend a steep incline or slippery surface. Toyota's Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system with Roll Posture Control lets the driver tune the ride characteristics with a choice of three damper settings.

An electronically controlled rear air suspension system provides an auto-levelling function and switchable height control. A new Steering Angle Display in the instrument panel indicates the angle of the front wheels and their predicted path, further helping the driver plot a safe route.