The Land Cruiser Prado gets a new shape and some really impressive re-engineering under its sleek new skin to take it back to the top of the heap. Automan gets an exclusive sneak preview

There have been some very curious pressures on the car market over the past few years. First of all the traditional family car as seen by most people seems to have metamorphed from the large sedan to a small SUV. Secondly, the concept of the SUV itself has changed for most buyers from one with almost-American upsized proportions to one that has grown out of the common floorpan of a sedan, offering convenient handling and good fuel-economy. Then thirdly, as if to accelerate the evolutionary process in its entirety, the financial crisis announced itself on the interlinked economies of the world. So now, while purchase decisions are deferred, the affordability of the smaller SUV takes precedence over most other criteria.

In such a scenario, the launch of a car like the Prado takes on a new meaning. Toyota is the world’s largest car maker and despite all the best-selling products it has and an almost uncanny ability to read market conditions, it couldn’t avoid getting side-swiped by the meltdown. It still retains leadership position and is now ensuring that it has the products that will help propel that leadership in the coming years.

Makoto Arimoto, Chief Engineer for the project says, “Generally speaking, it is considered difficult to achieve both good off-road and on-road performance in the same vehicle. However, with the new Prado, rather than making a half-hearted attempt at offering a 50:50 ratio between on- and off-road capabilities, we put no less than 100% into developing both, and have succeeded in refining and improving both of these seemingly conflicting qualities at the same time."

It could be argued that the history of 4WDs is the history of Toyota itself. The world beating 4WD has led the expansion of the company since the 1950s, taking it to all seven continents including Antarctica- and new, unexplored markets. Being the world’s best selling 4WD, it has attracted over 5 million customers in 176 different countries and regions since its launch, a figure set to rise to 188 countries with the launch of the new generation of Toyota’s iconic 4WD.

With a heritage that dates back over a half century, the Land Cruiser Prado’s unrivalled off-road performance and durability have earned it a rock-solid reputation for reliability.

To ensure the all new Prado not only meets, but exceeds, demanding customer expectations, it has been subjected to an intense level of development testing, both on-road and off-road, to ensure its highly-acclaimed standards of reliability and toughness.

Instantly identifiable as the latest generation of Toyota’s legendary 4WD, its external size increases have been kept to a minimum, safeguarding the Prado’s excellent on- and off-road agility. It benefits from numerous aerodynamic enhancements which have lowered the coefficient of drag from Cd 0.37 to 0.35.

The all new Land Cruiser Prado is equipped with one of the most comprehensive, technically advanced ranges of active and passive, on- and off-road safety features ever launched by Toyota, to make driving more enjoyable as well as safer.

A new, muscular front bumper design incorporating integral fog lamps reinforces the Prado’s broad, powerful stance and go-anywhere credentials, while the sharply trimmed lower section minimises the effect of the front overhang on the vehicle’s off-road driving approach angle. A new front grille structure with vertical bars, for high grade versions combined with striking, chrome and silver pairs, is framed by large, functional headlamp clusters featuring cylindrical high and low beam lamps and outwardly extended turn signals for improved side visibility.

In profile, a cowl moved forwards by 68 mm and a belt line raised by 20 mm combined with a rearward flaring of the prominent integral front and rear wheel arches all create a fluid and dynamic appearance. The agility inherent in the all new Prado’s compact dimensions is reinforced by the sharply trimmed lower sections of the bumpers, visually shortening both front and rear overhang lengths.

To the rear, flanked by prominent, high-visibility LED lamp clusters, the side hung tailgate is deeply indented into the rear bumper, providing a practical, flat and level access step – complete with hard-wearing cover - to the interior loadspace. The tailgate features a top-hinged glass hatch and an integral roof spoiler which houses the rear screen wiper and high-mounted, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) stop light.

Both the door mirror-mounted turn indicators and the rear lamp clusters use high-visibility LEDs in place of conventional lamps. LEDs illuminate more quickly than conventional bulbs – allowing following drivers to react more quickly to vehicle braking - yet consume far less electricity.

The new 5-door model is just 45 mm longer and 10 mm wider than its predecessor, maintaining its exceptional manoeuvrability and offering a minimum turning radius of just 5.8 metres.

The wheelbase and rear overhang lengths remain the same, while a new front bumper design ensures that, despite a 45 mm increase in front overhang lengths, the 32 degree approach angle is unchanged. Departure angle of 25 degree (24 degree if equipped with Electronically Modulated Rear Air Suspension) and ramp breakover angle of 22 degree ensure the all new Prado’s renowned off-road abilities have not been compromised.

The all new Prado is equipped with one of the most comprehensive, technically advanced ranges of active and passive, on- and off-road safety features ever launched by Toyota. Numerous measures have been adopted to control body deformation in a frontal collision, whilst maintaining the structural integrity of the high strength cabin. Side collision performance has been enhanced through the use of high-tensile strength sheet steel for the front pillar and roof rail reinforcement. Body deformation is further reduced by the adoption of a highly effective multiple load-path cross-member structure to distribute impact energy from the centre pillar, and inner rocker-to-frame load path brackets to distribute impact energy from the outer rocker. The bonnet, cowl and front wings of the

Prado have been specifically designed to absorb as much energy as possible in the event of a collision with a pedestrian.

The car is equipped with the full complement of SRS airbags; a driver’s dual-stage front airbag, a new driver’s knee airbag, a passenger front airbag and front side airbags, as well as two full-length side curtain airbags which now provide head protection to occupants of both two and three seating row models in the case of side impacts.

The new Prado is equipped with a sophisticated Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) that can help reduce collision damage and injury. The PCS system features a millimetre-wave radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car, even during cornering. A pre-collision system computer helps determine in advance whether an impending collision is unavoidable.

If there is a high possibility of a collision, PCS will alert the driver via both a buzzer and a warning on the multi-information display and, when he begins to brake, provide Pre-Crash Brake Assist to supplement his own braking effort. If the driver does not brake and a collision is inevitable, Pre-Crash Brake will automatically apply the brakes to reduce impact speed and activate the Pre-Crash seatbelt pretensioners to retract all slack from the front belts.

Complementary to the PCS system, the all new Prado also features an Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system. The system offers two modes: constant speed control, and vehicle-to-vehicle distance control. The constant speed control functions in the manner of a conventional cruise control system. Capable of differentiating between vehicles directly ahead of the Prado and those in an adjacent lane, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control system automatically slow the vehicle, match the speed of the vehicle in front and, once the road is clear ahead, accelerate to the previously selected cruising speed.

Via a steering wheel mounted switch, the driver can select long, medium or short vehicle-to-vehicle distances. The system control settings are indicated on the Prado’s multi-information display.

The low beam projectors are fitted with High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs, which emit a natural daylight colour close to that of sunlight. In conjunction with HID headlamps, the new Prado also benefit from an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), which swivels the low beam projector headlamps, according to steering operation and vehicle speed, helping to illuminate a bend as the driver steers into it. AFS is also equipped with a dynamic levelling function, which automatically maintains a constant beam height regardless of occupant and luggage loads or changes in vehicle posture.

The Prado’s servo assisted braking system features new 388 mm ventilated discs increased to 32 mm in width, with new, four-piston callipers of an increased piston size for maximum stopping power and fade-free performance. The rear brakes combine 312mm ventilated discs with floating callipers.

It offers the full range of braking, traction control and stability systems on the market today: anti-lock braking system, complete with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control system. And during emergency braking, the all new Prado’s stop lamps flash automatically to alert following drivers, reducing the risk of rear‑end collisions.

In addition, the car is equipped with several further brake control systems specifically tailored to enhancing its off-road performance and ease of use in even the most taxing terrain: Multi-terrain ABS function, Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Hill-start Assist Control and Down-hill Assist Control.

While the system prevents the wheels from locking on paved roads in the same manner as a conventional ABS system, it deliberately allows the wheels to lock to a certain extent on loose surfaces, helping them dig into the surface and provide increased stopping power. An Active Traction Control (A-TRC) system uses both brake and engine control to distribute torque appropriately to all four wheels. Prado versions equipped with automatic transmission also benefit from Hill-start Assist Control and Down-hill Assist Control.

Under the body, the Prado’s suspension has been similarly revised from the previous generation. To the front, the long wheel stroke fundamental to on-road comfort and off-road ability has been retained, while the springs and shock absorbers have been optimised, and the shock absorbers themselves increased in size. The lower arm and knuckle have been reinforced, and all bushings retuned. In addition, the roll steer ratio has been modified from 5 to 8 degrees understeer to offer better handling stability.

To the rear the Prado’s long wheel stroke is enhanced by optimised springs and shock absorbers, an increase in shock absorber size, retuned bushings and a reinforced axle housing for increased strength and durability. In addition, higher versions have the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) we have already seen on the Land Cruiser.

An Adaptive Variable Suspension System (AVS), available on high grade versions, allows the driver to fine tune the Prado’s ride characteristics with a choice of three damper settings activated via a switch; ‘Normal’ mode, for everyday driving, ‘Comfort’ mode, for enhanced ride comfort while cruising, and ‘Sport’ mode, for improved body control and precise responses to steering input whilst cornering.

AVS automatically adjusts the performance of the suspension at all four wheels independently, monitoring data from numerous sensors to continuously optimise the damping force of each shock absorber. Data from the sensors are interpreted by a control unit, which then activates the appropriate actuator within each shock absorber.

Operating in conjunction with AVS, an electronically modulated rear air suspension system maintains optimum control of the rear suspension, ensuring uncompromised stability and ride quality regardless of the number of vehicle occupants or the amount of cargo. The system also excels at absorbing high frequency vibrations to reduce road-generated NVH.

The Prado’s proven permanent four-wheel drive employs a Torsen Limited Slip Differential (LSD) in the centre differential. Under normal driving conditions, torque is split in a 40:60 ratio, front to rear. However, the Torsen® LSD is capable of automatically varying torque distribution between the front and rear wheels from 50:50 to approximately 30:70. Available as an option on models with five-speed automatic transmission and evolved from the A-TRC system, the all new Prado’s Multi-terrain Select system (MTS) is a Toyota first. It automatically modifies the vehicle’s acceleration, braking and traction control systems to suit the off-road conditions, providing the driver with optimum traction and vehicle control for any given scenario.

Accessed via the steering wheel-mounted multi-information switch and the multi-information display, MTS offers drivers a choice of four terrain modes: Mud and Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul and Rock. The chosen mode is indicated on the multi-information display, and an additional prompt notifies the driver of the required H4 or L4 four-wheel drive transfer range.

When the transfer switch is in L4 range, an optional Crawl Control function may be used, helping the driver slowly descent or ascend slopes at a walking pace, or free the vehicle when stuck, without the need to touch the pedals.

Operated via a switch on the centre console and now offering a choice of five speed settings, Crawl Control automatically controls the engine and brakes to maintain a set vehicle speed. Difficult pedal operations are no longer needed, allowing the driver to concentrate fully on steering alone.

As well as freeing the driver from the delicate pedal control work necessary to scale steep inclines and negotiate rough terrain, Crawl Control has several additional benefits.  Through smooth application of control it maintains a slow and steady pace which prevents the wheels from spinning or locking up. This reduces body movement on severe terrain, preventing the body from bottoming out and causing damage. It also allows the all new Prado to wade through water at a slow, steady pace, helping prevent a risk of engine flooding or damage from submerged objects. The system also operates in reverse, helping the driver tackle rough terrain even when backing up.

Used in conjunction with MTS, the Multi-terrain Monitor displays images from four external cameras on the new Prado’s 4.2”  multi-information screen. Operational when MTS is activated, the system gives off-road drivers a comprehensive view of the areas immediately adjacent to the Prado which would otherwise be obscured from sight, whether driving forwards or in reverse.

In addition to front and rear cameras, the system features left and right door mirror-mounted cameras capable of projecting either a front or a rear side view. The Multi-terrain Monitor features a versatile display mode capable of showing either independent or combined front and side views. The viewing mode is changed using the steering wheel mounted multi-information switch and the multi-information display will indicate which cameras have been selected. When the shift lever is moved to the R position, the display will automatically switch to the rear view.

The front camera uses a wide angle lens to display the widest possible forward view. Areas traditionally out of sight, such as immediately in front of the bonnet, to within 50cm of the bumper, are now viewable.

The Multi-terrain Monitor also displays a comprehensive range of additional front view information, including the view range of the front camera and the locations of obstacles detected by the clearance sonar. In addition, steering linked guide lines which predict the path of the front tyres are also displayed to help the driver avoid obstacles. The inner and outer edges of the estimated front tyre paths are displayed in red (within 0.5 m) and yellow (within 1.0 m) to indicate the distance from the front of the vehicle.

The side cameras allow the driver to view an image of the area around the left and right, front or rear tyres simultaneously, whether the vehicle is moving forwards or in reverse.

Additional side camera information displayed on the Multi-terrain Monitor includes the view range of the cameras, the locations of obstacles detected by the clearance sonar and the position of the front and rear tyre contact patches. In addition, vehicle width parallel lines are displayed some 350mm from the sides of the Prado, and front and rear lines are displayed some 100 mm from the front and rear ends of the vehicle, helping the driver to judge distances and accurately place the SUV in even the tightest surroundings.

Only selected when the transmission is in reverse, the rear camera display also benefits from a camera view range indicator, as well as displaying the locations of obstacles detected by the clearance sonar system.
If the Prado accelerates to 10 km/h or more, the Multi-terrain Monitor will remain on for approximately eight seconds and then turn off. If the vehicle decelerates to under 10 km/h again during this interval, the monitor will remain on.

Complimentary to the Multi-terrain Monitor’s predicted tyre path guidelines, the all new Prado is also equipped with a steering angle display. Selected through the multi-information switch, steering angle-linked guidelines are projected in real time onto the multi-information display. Moving through seven steps, they constantly inform the driver of changes in tyre angle between 0 and 45 degrees. The Tyre Angle Display is also convenient when parking, offering drivers an at-a-glance reminder of steering angle and tyre direction.

In our drive of the car, the virtues of the Multi-Terrain Monitor coupled with the height adjustment and the LSD on the transmission were evident. We forded some rather deep trenches and the cameras came in handy to locate obstacles that were technically over the sight horizon in the trench, the lines showing wheel paths helped centre the tyres on to the crest of obstacles and by using the height control, we avoided scraping the exhaust. Some of the terrain we crossed would have caused rather nasty scrapes on vehicles not equipped with these features.

What comes through in a quite overwhelming manner is the refinement of the 4WD system. At no stage of some rather hairy moments, did we engage either of the differential locks provided. The LSD kicks through so smoothly, you hardly notice the engagement and the huge travel on the wheel points makes the car ride over dips and rises with no danger. As for the usual detritus of a shrub-strewn patch, you scarcely notice it.

In Oman, the Prado comes with four engines, the two petrol engines being the trusted 2.7-litre L4 and the 4.0-litre V6 units, while the diesel units are a 3.0-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated and a 3.0-litre turbo unit. The 4.0-litre, which we got to drive in a sneak preview is a 24 valve, DOHC, EFi, Dual VVT-i Engine, generating 271 HP and 381 Nm of torque. The smaller L4 unit is a 2.7L,  EFi, VVTi, DOHC, 16V engine generating 160 HP and a torque of 246Nm. In terms of gearboxes, the smaller engine gets coupled with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto box, while the larger unit gets a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic with multimode selection. The five-speed sequential automatic transmission features manual override, Flex Lock-up Control, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-SHIFT Control and an Eco Driving indicator.

The new dashboard is of a robust, functional, geometric design which features a strong horizontal form penetrated by a prominent vertical centre console. The centre console edges are trimmed in a metallic finish and the audio and air-conditioning controls, together with the available 4.2” TFT colour multi-information screen (or 7” full-colour multi-information screen for the top-of-the-line unit sold with DVD-Navigation), are stacked in a tower configuration.

Further changes in the interior can be seen at the rear of the cabin with both the 9-seater versions and the 7-seater versions getting a fold-flat arrangement for the extra seats in the rear bay. For the Leather equipped 7-seater arrangement, the seats fold in and come out at the touch of an electric button placed in the D-pillars.

These creature comforts partner well with touches like an available 14-speaker JBL surround sound system with a 6-DVD changer, key-free access, push button engine start/stop and three-zone air-conditioning.

In terms of its positioning, the Prado now gets the level of refinement that some luxury SUVs boast. certainly in terms of NVH levels its ability to get over obstacles and the quiet and confident nature of its power delivery. Toyota has given all indications that it recognises the winning nature of this class favourite and the product is well placed to boost sales.