Latest news with #LandCruiserPrado
Otago Daily Times
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
Big tick for the big new Prado
ROAD TEST What's new? A couple of months back, fellow Drivesouth contributor Richard Bosselman introduced Toyota's all-new Land Cruiser Prado on these pages, in a fascinating comparison of the VX-variant with the old-school Land Cruiser 70-series. Today, the spotlight focuses solely on the Prado, specifically the flagship VX Limited. To re-cap, Otago leads the way nationally in its loyalty to Land Cruisers, old and new. It follows naturally, then, that the launch of the first all-new Prado in 15 years is big news, and warrants a full road test appraisal on local roads and trails. Departing from the previous fourth generation machine in its underlying chassis design and styling, featuring an across-the-range shift to diesel hybrid power, and embracing new digital technologies, this fifth generation Prado is a big step forwards in all respects. Core power comes from an updated version of the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine of the previous Prado, now producing 150kW and 500Nm, and operating with a 48-volt mild hybrid assist system. Already deployed on some HiLux variants, but new to the Prado, the hybrid assist doesn't raise peak outputs but instead lends a helping hand to minimise the diesel engine's fuel-burn in a range of everyday situations. Also new is the move to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering power via a permanent four-wheel drive with high and low ratios. Thanks to the extra rigidity of the new Prado's chassis, towing capacity has been lifted from the previous model's 3000kg to 3500kg, matching the lugging ability of the current Hilux ute. At launch late last year the range comprised four variants, all seven-seaters, opening at $83,990 for the GXL, rising to $93,990 for VX, $103,990 for the Adventure, and topping out at $105,990 for the VX Limited. Five-seater versions of the GXL and Adventure have since been added at $83,490 and $102,990 respectively. What does it look like? After three decades of successive Prado models embracing an increasingly curvaceous look, this latest variant cuts back to the straight-lined styling that was a feature of the first generation 1990 J70 Prado, and indeed of classic Toyota Land Cruisers as far back as the original 40-series of the '60s and '70s. This chunky new look clearly taps into Land Cruiser heritage, though not in the overtly retro-styled manner of the 2006-2033 FJ Cruiser. Rather, it's a fully contemporary take on a classic theme, adopting a crisp and chunky styling that is also finding favour with many larger SUVs from other brands these days. Looking at the new machine, you might be surprised to learn that it's not as tall as the model it replaces. Mind you, a small 20mm reduction in height sits alongside substantial increases in length (+165mm), wheelbase (+60mm) and width (+95mm). The bold, boxy look is far from simplistic with clever detailing at the nose, tail and along the flanks. Pairing all variants to black alloy wheels is another touch that gives this latest Prado a very contemporary appearance. What comes as standard? Holding the maximum 5-star Ancap rating, all Prado variants have a comprehensive safety suite that includes eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with safe exit warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, auto dipping headlights, traffic sign recognition, a surround view camera system and front and rear parking sensors. Equipment levels are generous across the range. Even the entry level GLX features a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, satellite navigation, 10-speaker audio, faux leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjusting driver's seat, power tailgate, lockable centre-differential, wireless charging, and seven USB-C plug points. The VX adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, adaptive suspension, multi-terrain select off-road settings, a front, side and underfloor view camera system, body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, adaptive high beam, high-spec upholstery, power adjustment for the front passenger's seat, a centre console cool box and 14-speaker JBL sound system. The Adventure and VX Limited grades then head off in distinct directions, with the Adventure having a more rugged specification, and the VX, a luxury-orientation. Both these premium variants enjoy further front-seat adjustability, heated and ventilated outboard rear seats and a digital rear view mirror. The Adventure reverts to the black plastic bumpers and wheel arches of the GLX and features a locking rear differential and a front stabiliser-disconnect system for maximum axle articulation. Like the GLX, it sits on 18-inch wheels. The VX Limited, meantime, takes a Torsen rear differential and a panoramic glass roof. Like the regular VX, it sits on 10-inch alloys and gets Sport S, Sport S+, Custom and Comfort drive modes to tap into the full potential of adaptive suspension, along with the Eco, Normal and Sport modes provided on the GLX and Adventure. What is it like inside? Sitting in the front or second seating row, life in the seven-seater Prado is a sweet dream and if you are bundled into the back it's fine, but stowing gear behind can be something of a bind. It's a bit of climb aboard, made easier by side steps and prominent grab-handles for all four doors. With a glass line some 30mm lower than on the previous Prado, visibility is improved from all seating positions. Up front, vastly better front and side visibility is a particular highlight. Separated by a broad centre console, and the lid of the chilled centre-bin doubling as an armrest, the front seats are wide, plush, and supportive. Power adjustment for both the driver's seat and steering column make finding a good driving position easy. The dual display screens sit within a single binnacle, but with the instrument screen recessed into the dash. The instrument display is standard in layout, but sub-screens pop up within it when, for example, selecting different drive modes. The centre touchscreen is clear, with decent graphics, but smartphone connectivity offers a more useful interface for everyday motoring. That said, while wired connectivity was fine, on test there were some drop-out issues connecting my android device wirelessly. A separate control panel below the centre screen handles climate control. Underneath that there's a wireless charge pad, three USB-C plug points, a conventional gearshift lever (with a manual mode but no paddle shifts), and the selection knob for the various on-road and off-road drive modes. Further buttons and switches access the hill descent system, high and low transmission ratio, centre-differential lock, traction control, and idle-up and towing modes. Other features up front include ample storage and a conventional set of steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and phone function and cruise control. The VX-Limited's panorama sunroof allows light to flood into the second and third seating rows, and in combination with the test car's light upholstery, black inserts and brush-metal highlighting, provides an ambience that is both airy and classy. Also roomy, the second seating row is provided with a separate climate control panel, further UBC-C plug and 12v points, and a fold-down centre armrest. These second-row seats fold and tumble for third-row access, but getting in is a little awkward for adults, and limited head and knee room points to children as the most suitable third-row occupants. Additional USB-C ports, cupholders, and roof-mounted air vents are provided in the back, and with these seats positioned higher than those ahead, visibility is decent. Proceed with all three rows deployed, and luggage capacity behind is 182-litres; that's better than on the previous generation 7-seat Prado, but still meagre. Folding the rear seats down boosts boot space to 906 litres, but it's an odd space as the positioning of the 48v hybrid battery under the boot floor makes no allowance for the third-row seats to fold flat. This leaves the choice of an awkwardly stepped boot floor, or a high flat floor, created by fitting a rather flimsy storage bin behind the folded seats. What's it like to drive? While noticeable on initial start-up, the turbo-diesel engine quickly slips into a subdued hum at idle, and with hybrid assist lending a hand, rarely becomes gruff under acceleration. Add fine suppression of road and wind roar, and the test car was — by the standards of anything short of a full EV — impressively quiet on the move. Aural refinement is complemented by excellent ride quality, with the adaptive suspension deftly sponging away major surface imperfections. Light but precise steering made for handier around-town progress than expected, and while this latest Prado is certainly a large vehicle, the combination of a high driving position, good visibility, and clearly defined corners made it surprisingly easy to manoeuvre with confidence in confined spaces. The excellent surround-view camera and parking sensors help in this regard too. Open-road performance is strong without being rapid, and selecting one of the more aggressive sport drive modes sharpens the handling as opposed to unleashing accelerative vim. To be fair, I favoured sticking with the "normal" drive mode on the highway haul; sportier modes do increase handling prowess, but a vehicle this big and tall is never going to dart around bends like a sports car, and the sharper handling sports setting impacts adversely on ride quality. Toyota earns a particular bouquet for equipping the Prado with a bevy of active safety systems calibrated in ways that minimise the extent to which they are annoyingly intrusive. Other brands, especially those from South Korea and China, should take note. Moving off tarmac, the test vehicle acquitted itself well both on gravel and over unmetalled trails, including through stretches that were muddy and heavily rutted. The multi-terrain select (MTS) system makes this kind of adventuring easy, with dirt, sand, mud or deep snow modes available at the push of a button and twist of a knob. Each mode activates a different combination of engine output and brake response appropriate to the conditions. Toyota's claim that MTS means "even novice drivers can take on challenging off-road scenarios with confidence" seems unwise to me, as there is always room for the inexperienced to get into trouble. That said, MTS minimises fuss and bother when traversing mud and ruts. Though not strictly necessary in the conditions, low-ratio four-wheel drive was engaged on test, along with the centre diff lock and — on one stretch — the hill descent system. Smart technology, a decent 215mm of ground clearance, reasonable approach and departure angles, and a rated slow-speed wading depth of 700mm was also appreciated offroad. Relatively road-focused tyres were a limiting consideration, though the Prado has a full-sized spare available, albeit it somewhat awkward to lower from beneath the boot floor. The hybrid set-up is there to optimise economy, with an 8.7l/100km standard cycle consumption figure. That figure was matched on test during a return city-to-airport run, but overall consumption over some 400km on test was 10.2l/100km. Verdict Utterly different from its predecessor, and all the better for being so, this latest Prado is exactly what Toyota needs to stay competitive in a market segment it has dominated for years. AT A GLANCE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO VX Overall rating: ★★★★ Design and styling: ★★★★ Interior: ★★★★ Performance: ★★★★ Ride and handling: ★★★★ Safety: ★★★★★ Environmental: ★★★ SPECIFICATIONS Price: $93,990. Engine: 2755cc four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (with 48 volt assist). Maximum combined power 150kW, maximum combined torque 500Nm. Transmission: eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive. Safety rating: Five star ANCAP. Wheels and tyres: alloy wheels, 265/60 R20 tyres. Fuel and economy: diesel, 8.7l/100km, tank capacity 110 litres. Emissions: 230 grams per kilometre. Dimensions: length, 4990mm; width, 1980mm; height, 1992mm. By David Thomson
7NEWS
6 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Toyota FJ Cruiser successor revealed in patent filing
The exterior of the long-rumoured Toyota FJ Cruiser successor has been exposed in a patent filing in the Philippines. First discovered by Top Gear Philippines, the SUV bears a striking resemblance to shadowy vehicle teased at the launch of the 250-Series LandCruiser Prado, as well as the 2022 Compact Cruiser EV concept (below). All three vehicles have a stepped side window line, a C-pillar so thick it could block out the sun, and black wheel arch extensions that blend into the bumpers. Overall the design blends elements of the FJ Cruiser and the 70-Series LandCruiser. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The FJ Cruiser successor could be branded as the LandCruiser FJ given Toyota Australia successfully trademarked the name back last year. Rumours indicate the new FJ is based on Toyota's IMV-0 body-on-frame architecture which underpins the back-to-basics HiLux Champ ute. Indeed the front ends of the FJ and the Champ have a lot of similarities. Launched in Thailand towards the tail-end of 2023, the HiLux Champ is priced from 459,000 baht ($21,750). Unlike most utes seen on Aussie roads today, the Champ is available solely with a two-seat single cab layout. In short wheelbase form, the Champ with a factory tray is 4970mm long, 1785mm wide, 1735mm tall, and rides on a 2750mm wheelbase. Long wheelbase variants measure 5300mm long and have a 3085mm wheelbase. Three engines are available in the Champ. The petrol options are a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre, with a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel available for those who prefer compression ignition. A five-speed manual or six-speed auto are available. An earlier report out of Japan indicated the new FJ will be around 4500mm long and have a 2750mm wheelbase. Judging from patent image, the FJ will be quite a bit wider than the HiLux Champ. The same publication believes the FJ will come with the Champ's 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. That would be quite a step down from the FJ Cruiser's 200kW/380Nm 4.0-litre V6 mill. By contrast, the current 4.9m LandCruiser Prado and 5.0m LandCruiser, as well as their Lexus GX and LX siblings, are based on the TNGA-F platform. This architecture is also used by the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra utes, as well as the 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs. It's likely the FJ will significantly undercut the Prado's starting price of $72,500 before on-road costs. It will be interesting to see how the FJ is priced compared to the Fortuner SUV. The seven-seat Fortuner is based on the HiLux, and starts from $53,775 before on-road costs.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Toyota FJ Cruiser successor revealed in patent filing
The exterior of the long-rumoured Toyota FJ Cruiser successor has been exposed in a patent filing in the Philippines. First discovered by Top Gear Philippines, the SUV bears a striking resemblance to shadowy vehicle teased at the launch of the 250-Series LandCruiser Prado, as well as the 2022 Compact Cruiser EV concept (below). All three vehicles have a stepped side window line, a C-pillar so thick it could block out the sun, and black wheel arch extensions that blend into the bumpers. Overall the design blends elements of the FJ Cruiser and the 70-Series LandCruiser. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Toyota Compact Cruiser concept Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert The FJ Cruiser successor could be branded as the LandCruiser FJ given Toyota Australia successfully trademarked the name back last year. Rumours indicate the new FJ is based on Toyota's IMV-0 body-on-frame architecture which underpins the back-to-basics HiLux Champ ute. Indeed the front ends of the FJ and the Champ have a lot of similarities. Launched in Thailand towards the tail-end of 2023, the HiLux Champ is priced from 459,000 baht ($21,750). Unlike most utes seen on Aussie roads today, the Champ is available solely with a two-seat single cab layout. In short wheelbase form, the Champ with a factory tray is 4970mm long, 1785mm wide, 1735mm tall, and rides on a 2750mm wheelbase. Long wheelbase variants measure 5300mm long and have a 3085mm wheelbase. Three engines are available in the Champ. The petrol options are a 102kW/183Nm 2.0-litre, and a 122kW/245Nm 2.7-litre, with a 110kW/400Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel available for those who prefer compression ignition. A five-speed manual or six-speed auto are available. Supplied Credit: CarExpert An earlier report out of Japan indicated the new FJ will be around 4500mm long and have a 2750mm wheelbase. Judging from patent image, the FJ will be quite a bit wider than the HiLux Champ. The same publication believes the FJ will come with the Champ's 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. That would be quite a step down from the FJ Cruiser's 200kW/380Nm 4.0-litre V6 mill. By contrast, the current 4.9m LandCruiser Prado and 5.0m LandCruiser, as well as their Lexus GX and LX siblings, are based on the TNGA-F platform. This architecture is also used by the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra utes, as well as the 4Runner and Sequoia SUVs. It's likely the FJ will significantly undercut the Prado's starting price of $72,500 before on-road costs. It will be interesting to see how the FJ is priced compared to the Fortuner SUV. The seven-seat Fortuner is based on the HiLux, and starts from $53,775 before on-road costs. MORE: Everything Toyota LandCruiser
Arab News
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Reem Al-Aboud and Hanna Riehle lead Rally Jameel in its third stage
JEDDAH: Saudi's Reem Al-Aboud and Germany's Hanna Riehle of Jameel Motorsport have won the third stage of 2025 Rally Jameel to lead the overall standings following another exceptional performance in their Land Cruiser Prado. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The day's route combined traditional Bedouin trails with newer adventure tourism paths, challenging teams to manage speed, endurance and navigation under pressure. The third stage of Rally Jameel's fourth event took place from AlUla to Hail, a region renowned for its deep roots in Saudi motorsport history. The leading couple were closely followed by Saudi Mashael Al-Howaish and South African Taye Perry from Lexus Racing Team, competing in a Lexus RX 500H. In third place, Jordanians Farah Zakaria and Farah Ateyyat of Markazia Toyota held strong in their Toyota Fortuner. After passing Petra, Tabuk, AlUla and Hail, action resumes on Saturday, with the 45 women-led teams from 37 countries heading to Qassim for the final stage.
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado's latest armour a discreet suit
The work of local firm Armormax can be had in standard B4 and higher protection B6 variants. From the outside, the Armormax Prado doesn't look different from the standard TX grade it is based on. Picture: Mark Jones It seems to be a year of armoured vehicles for us. Just a few weeks ago we were exposed to a Toyota Corolla Cross and a Ford Ranger that has been given a light armoured workover to help in preventing hi-jackings. A week ago, we reported on a Toyota Fortuner that had been shot to pieces in what looked like an attempted hit, but the occupants got way completely unharmed thanks to vehicle armouring. Now, we get to bring you the low down on what it was like living with Armormax's Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for a few days. Prado en-guard Having already applied the armoured touches to the Land Cruiser 300, of which more than 30 have already been delivered to customers, it makes perfect sense that they would put their effort into the Land Cruiser Prado you see here. And when I say see here, the one thing you are not going to notice from the outside or the inside is that this Land Cruiser Prado has been fully armoured to B4 level, which means you have protection against handguns. ALSO READ: Toughened-up new Prado gives protection against AK47 bullets If you think you are going to get into a proper shoot-out then you are going to need B6 level protection from rifles. What you will feel obviously is the extra weight in the doors when you open and close them, and when you put the windows down, you will see the 21 mm thick bullet resistant glass. But that's it. It's not like you will see armour sticking out from the panels and surface areas in the vehicle. As with the front, the rear and side profiles haven't undergone any visible changes from the normal Prado TX. Picture: Mark Jones You also don't really feel the extra weight of all the armour when you are driving around either, mostly because the Land Cruiser Prado is already a heavy vehicle to start with, and you are not expecting it to behave like a hot hatch. This particular Armormax Land Cruiser Prado has done just over 20 000 km already, and nothing rattles and squeaks, which is testament to the vehicle as much as it is Armormax's quality of workmanship. Level B4 Protection If your security risk is from day-to-day crime encountered on our roads, like being followed home from the shops and being hijacked and robbed, then level B4 protection is a good choice. Interior hasn't changed, although the type of glass used does from the normal Prado. Picture: Mark Jones Most violent crimes like hijacking are committed with handguns, as they are easy for the perpetrators to conceal. Level B4 conversions only add around 180 kg of extra weight for the average SUV. This has very little effect on the driving characteristics of the vehicle. Equally many of the vehicle's standard features are unaffected, meaning you are almost not even aware of the armouring. Level B6 Protection There are levels of risk that necessitate a higher level of protection. Level B6 conversions are ideally suited for threats from the calibres fired from assault rifles commonly found around the world. Rolling down the windows provides the biggest hint of the Armormax not being a conventional Prado. Picture: Mark Jones A B6 build is a complex conversion and takes a minimum of 10 weeks to complete. Given the added weight and increase in asset value of a B6 conversion, it is best suited to large SUV's and pick-ups. From a pure security aspect, the recommendation is to choose one of these over a sedan, and this is due to the higher seating position of the occupants, which results in a tactical advantage. Pricing There is a massive amount of misinformation about armoured cars out there, not just in how they are built but also who buys them. The notion that it's only gangsters and politicians that use armoured cars is not all that true anymore, there is an ever-increasing demand from private individuals and families just looking to protect themselves from violent crime. Pricing comes in at R763 000 excluding VAT for complete level B4 armouring (handguns), which includes all the windows, windscreen, door panels, roof, tailgate, rear seats, run flat bands for the tyres and a push to talk comms system for communicating with people outside the vehicle. Pricing for full level B6 armouring (rifles) comes in at R1 554 000 excluding VAT, with the cost of an upgraded suspension kit also for your own account. Armormax can source you a vehicle or you can have your existing vehicle armoured. The build time is anything from four to seven weeks depending on the model. I must be honest, driving around in the Armormax Toyota Land Cruiser Prado as nobody important still made me feel almost invincible. I know nothing or nobody is invincible, but it was so nice to pull up to a traffic light and not have to be constantly scanning your surroundings in the hope you are not hi-jacked and shot dead for a car. To find out more, contact Michael Broom at michael@ or call him on 084 325 2744 or 011 462 6079. You can also visit their website at NOW READ: Corolla Cross gets tough enough to withstand handgun attack
