For decades, has undergone a metamorphosis with bolder exterior styling, a more refined interior and even better handling for 2014. From the outside, the exterior changes are an extensive redesign with a deeper front bumper, heritage-inspired grille and newly styled alloy wheels that reinforce the Prado’s toughness, reliability and legendary off-road prowess.
Interiors too have benefited from comprehensive upgrades that raise quality, convenience and ease of use with new multi-media audio systems as well as a redesigned dashboard featuring improved materials, detailing and features.
Under-the-skin comprises upgrades to the electronically-modulated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that helps to enhance handling and ride comfort characteristics. With the Prado, Toyota has amplified functionality by providing additional driver guidance aids such as Blind Spot Monitoring and a Tyre Inflation Warning system on the VX and Trailer Sway Control (standard across the range) that assists when towing by wading through the possible unpleasant consequences of crosswinds or bumpy roads.
The upgrades will reaffirm Land Cruiser Prado as one of the most technically advanced and easy-to-use 4WD vehicles in the world and has become renowned in the 4WD market for its blend of rugged performance and premium features.
The latest improvements will enhance Prado’s rock-solid reputation as one of the world’s toughest and most reliable 4x4s, while offering the cachet, comfort and on-tar performance that are important to today’s customer.
With details that enhance smarter interior, dramatic functionality laced with suspension refinements and extra safety kit, Prado’s front-end treatment is the stand-out feature of the redesign, led by a deeper front bumper, heritage-inspired grille and new light clusters.
Toyota has introduced a more prominent grille that marks an evolution of the traditional arrangement of five parallel vertical bars, giving them a stronger appearance.
The new grille and restyled headlamp clusters form a single, powerful-looking unit, which has been positioned higher to make it less vulnerable to damage when driving off-road.
A neat touch is the inclusion of discreet Land Cruiser branding above the turn signal lamp within the headlamp casing, even as headlights and daylight running lamps are LED on the VX. The oversize bumper’s two-step design protects the headlights while its sharply trimmed lower section minimises the effect of the front overhang on the vehicle’s off-road abilities.
In addition to being electrically-adjustable and retractable, the outside mirrors on TX models are now also heated; in the case of VX models, added functionality comes in the form of Blind Spot Monitoring.
The latter warns the driver if there is a vehicle in the blind spot on either side, using millimetre-wave radars to detect other vehicles in adjacent lanes. It informs the driver of the presence of a vehicle by illuminating indicators in the relevant exterior mirror.
Mirror indicator will remain illuminated as long as the vehicle is detected. It will flash when the turn signal is operated while another vehicle is in the blind spot.
Aesthetics aside, Toyota has also increased the new Prado’s aerodynamic stability, thanks to aero stabilising fins on the exterior mirror base and rear combination lamps.
In addition, there are front and rear spats to smooth air flow around the tyres and wheel housings, and a rear undercover to channel air flow behind the rear tyres for a smooth exit behind the vehicle. A rear spoiler smoothes air flow from the roof while front deflector corrects air flow coming through the radiator grille, to reduce turbulence.
Further to this, the front bumper is designed to push air flow away from the sides of the vehicle, to smooth the flow towards the rear.
Prado’s interior décor has similarly been uplifted. Revised interior trims and ornamentation create a more elegant atmosphere for this seven-seater SUV with premium touches such as double stitching for better tactile appeal and even higher perceived quality.
Leather seat upholstery is standard on both TX and VX models, but in the case of the latter, the side door panels are also swathed in leather, plus you get the option of an ivory colour palette in addition to the standard black treatment. The front arm rests on both models now come with slide functionality.
To improve ease of entry and exit for third-row occupants, the forward-folding angle of the second-row seats has been increased by more than 12 degrees. The floor has been lowered by 38.1mm at the third row of seats to increase foot space.
In fact, the story of Toyota brand with the Land Cruiser occupying premium position in the model line-up cannot be told in a hurry. Hope you have enjoyed all our wheel report in 2013. We promise to exceed your expectation this year and beyond.
By: MIKE OCHONMA
