Toyota unveils sporty three-door Prado
Oct 6, 2009 By Toyota Australia.
In a first for Australian motorists, Toyota will offer the choice of three-door and five-door versions of next-generation LandCruiser Prado.
Due to arrive here in November, both three-door and five-door versions share a distinctive three-dimensional grille and other styling cues, including the back door, which bears the spare tyre.
The three-door has a unique roof and rear-quarter sheet metal.
However, proving that "less is more", three-door Prado offers benefits aimed at a younger buyer seeking recreational off-road fun.
It features a better break-over angle, courtesy of its shorter wheelbase.
As a result, three-door Prado is able to travel over steeper peaks, which is particularly useful in rugged off-road terrain.
It also weighs less, which means it should produce even better real-world acceleration - plus a small improvement in fuel economy and emissions*.
Towing capacity is truly impressive at three tonnes (braked)^, 500kg more than five-door Prado.
Toyota believes the smaller Prado will be ideal for couples who want a vehicle for its sporty styling as well as towing and off-road capabilities.
The company is confident the new vehicle will attract buyers who have never previously considered a sports utility vehicle.
Specification levels will be high across the Prado range, including flow-down technology from Lexus and from LandCruiser 200 Series.
New electronic technologies will take Prado's off-road ability to new levels for Toyota, catering even for those new to off-road motoring.
Handling, stability and ride comfort have been raised to new heights.
All Australian versions of next-generation Prado will send a strong safety message with seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
Alloy wheels and Toyota's Smart Entry & Start, which provides keyless entry and ignition, are also standard.
Prado first arrived in Australia in 1996 and quickly secured a firm foothold in the mid-size SUV market.
To the end of September this year, Australians have bought just about 149,000 Prados.
The 150,000 milestone is expected to be reached in the first month of next-generation sales.
It was Australia's best-selling SUV overall in 2008.
The medium SUV segment has grown markedly in recent years with sales more than doubling from just 33,468 in 2002 to a record of 75,485 last year.
This year, the segment has basically moved with the overall industry average.
* Fuel consumption and emissions statements are based on Toyota Motor Europe data. Actual fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.
^ Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, towbar design, vehicle design and towing equipment limitations.