Posted: 12/09/2017
**Expanded range of safety features**
**Dynamic, modern, robust styling**
**Higher quality interior design**
Toyota has unveiled an improved LandCruiser Prado that expands advanced safety features to all grades for local customers.
Introduced at the Frankfurt motor show and due in Australia in November, the updated Prado is distinguished by more modern and robust exterior styling and a higher quality interior design.
The automatic version of the new Prado comes with an upgraded 3,000kg braked towing capacity, an increase of 500kg from the previous model.
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Prado's freshened exterior features a bonnet sculpted in the centre to enhance downward visibility with fenders that have been re-profiled to help drivers more easily locate the vehicle extremities.
The revised grille - displaying broad vertical bars with slit-shaped cooling openings finished in chrome - is flanked by restyled headlamps with main beams positioned inboard to avoid damage from obstacles during off-road driving.
Lower corners on the new front and rear bumpers kick upwards to enhance off-road manoeuvrability.
The redesigned rear includes new lamp clusters and a smaller rear garnish plate incorporated within the number-plate surround.
Inside the more upscale interior, the dashboard, instrument binnacle and switchgear are newly designed.
The revised centre console, which incorporates a flush-surface air-conditioning control panel, has a lower profile at the top for a sleeker appearance and improved forward visibility.
Prado's enhanced active safety technologies, including autonomous features - previously fitted to the premium VX and Kakadu variants - have been added to the automatic variants of the volume-selling GX and GXL grades.
Designed to help prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences, the technologies include a Pre-Collision Safety system* that can now detect impact risks with pedestrians as well as vehicles.
Relying on a camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror and a radar in the grille, these devices enable the Prado to operate its brakes autonomously to reduce the vehicle's speed and even bring the car to a halt.
A smart active cruise control system* can also slow the car to a standstill if necessary.
Every Prado is now equipped with a Lane Departure Alert* system that monitors lane markings and helps prevent accidents and head-on collisions caused by a vehicle leaving its lane.
If the vehicle starts to deviate from its lane without the indicators being used, the system alerts the driver with visual and audible warnings.
The range is also fitted with automatic high beam, a system that can detect the headlights or taillights of vehicles ahead and automatically switch between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers.
VX grade, in addition, now features Blind Spot Monitor* and Rear Cross Traffic Alert* -systems from the Kakadu that support safer motoring by giving the driver better real-time information about the area immediately around the car.
In Australia, Prado is powered by a high-torque 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with an electronically controlled common-rail direct-injection system.
Mated to the six-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain develops an impressive 450 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm.
When mated to the six-speed manual transmission available in the GX or GXL, this engine develops peak torque of 420 Nm from 1,400 to 2,600 rpm. Maximum power is 130kW at 3400rpm.
The 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine will no longer be offered in Australia due to overwhelming consumer preference for the turbo-diesel engine (98.8% of sales).
Prado is Australia's best-selling large SUV. Its 2017 sales of 11,001 vehicles represent an increase of 8.3 per cent over the same period last year.
Its nearest rival is another Toyota, the petrol-powered Kluger.
LandCruiser Prado is covered by Toyota Service Advantage capped-price servicing at $240 (including GST) per service**.
Further details, including other new premium features and pricing, will be announced closer to the vehicle's arrival in local dealerships.
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Disclaimer:
* Pre-Collision Safety system, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are driver assist features only and not a substitute for safe driving practices. Driver remains responsible at all times for safe driving.
** Maximum payable for standard scheduled logbook servicing (normal operating conditions) until first of 3 years or 60,000km (whichever occurs first) (up to the first 6 services). Excludes government & rental vehicles. Contact your Toyota dealer or go to toyota.com.au/advantage for other exclusions, eligibility and full details.