2010 Toyota Prado First Drive Review




Toyota Australia has now launched the fourth-generation 150 Series Toyota Prado.Slightly larger than the outgoing model, the new Prado is 80mm longer, 10mm wider and 15mm lower. LED lights feature in the Prado's integrated door mirror indicators and tail-lights, and a body-coloured rear spoiler houses the rear-window wiper and LED centre high-mounted stop lamp.



Prado GX, GXL and SX have back-lit meters, while the VX, Kakadu and ZR trims offer more vibrant vacuum-fluorescent Optitron meters.Larger apertures feature in the front and rear doors, and multiple grab handles offer easier entry and exit.



The 2010 Prado features a range of Driver Assist Technology systems (DAT), including Active Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control on all models.Other DAT systems include constant four-wheel drive and ABS ant-skid brakes, featuring Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.Designed to assist drivers navigating tricky terrain, CRAWL is a 'feet-off' control system that operates in low-range and replaces Downhill Assist Control.



Seven airbags are fitted as standard, including two-stage driver's airbag, driver's knee airbag, front-passenger front airbag, front-seat side airbags and side curtain-shield airbags.Front-seat head restraints are standard, improving occupant protection in a rear-end collision.Featuring rear camera views, outside air temperature and trip information, Prado GXL, VX, SX, Kakadu and ZR models get a 4.3-inch display in the instrument cluster.



Trip information includes cruising range, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, fuel consumption since refuelling, average speed and total run time.Three-zone climate-control air-conditioning is featured in GXL, VX and Kakadu specs, offering separate controls for both front occupants and controls for rear-seat passengers.Three-door SX and ZR models have dual-zone air-conditioning, with separate controls for the driver and front passenge. Four audio systems are available across the Prado range, each offering iPod, Bluetooth, USB and Aux connectivity.


Prado GX, GXL and SX models offer a six-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio and CD player. Kakadu, SX, ZR, GXL and VX models feature steering-mounted audio controls.
The three-door ZR and the Kakadu five-door both offer a premium Pioneer audio system with DVD-based satellite navigation. The range-topping Kakadu also offers rear-seat DVD entertainment as standard equipment.


The Prado's 3.0 litre turbo-diesel, standard in the three-door bodystyle and the five-door GX, gets new injectors and a front-mounted intercooler.The three-door automatic turbo-diesel lists a fuel economy of 8.3 l/100km.Both the six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions are matched to a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a lockable Torsen centre differential and two-speed transfer.The manual transmission is available on five-door GX and GXL model grades only.

Long-travel five-link rear suspension features at the rear, and Toyota says a balance of optimum roll-stiffness, a low roll-centre and low roll-steer has been achieved.According to Toyota, the new Prado was designed to "drive like a sports car" on the road. The five-door VX and Kakadu models get Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which first appeared on the LandCruiser 200 Series.



1 comments:

justein clark said...

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