Toyota’s Prado is the most recognizable model in its line-up. Toyota offered the smaller and newer of the two Land Cruisers — a genuine off-roader, with body-on-frame construction, switchable four-wheel drive and a pair of huge engines. There’s an excellent diesel on its way, but for now, Toyota has launched only a massive 4.0-litre V6 petrol, which has a fearsome 235bhp and 36.9kgm of pull. It has been one of the most sought after status symbols coveted by politicians, film stars, industrialists and celebrities in India for a long time, so the brand is not exactly unknown.

 

The big, toothy grille, subtle-but-evident body armour and the sheer volume of the car are enough to scare off all other road users. The downside is that the Prado feels cumbersome through traffic and nerve-racking to park, accentuated by the wide turning circle.

 

The huge dashboard, large Multiple Information Display and chunky fittings feel very reassuring, and the seats are wide and comfortable. Also, very little noise filters through, and it’s very well kitted, with a full range of airbags, dual-zone climate control and heated, powered seats. Its 235PS max power coming in at 5200rpm and 362Nm of max torque at 3800rpm flexing muscle through every bulge, the Prado is the largest and most powerful SUV in the country.

 

Acceleration is sharp, nothing short of a tuned performance car, this in spite of the 5-speed auto ‘box with all time four-wheel drive with transfer modes. There is barely any shift lag associated with this automatic making this slush ‘box one of the smoothest trannies we have come across. However driving the Prado is a most intimidating experience at first.

 

The all-time 4WD with the ‘Torsen’ limited slip differential developed by Zexel Torsen Inc on the centre differential gear distributes power between the front and rear wheels depending on the stress exerted on either side according to the road conditions thus alternating between high and low range performance. This ensures the Prado remains stable, executing superb control and traction especially at higher speeds. Even the suspension package which employs electronic controlled air suspension all rounds with conventional double wishbone at the front and a 4-link type suspension with lateral rod at the rear ensures that the vehicle remains unfluttered over bad surfaces while it keeps you luxuriating in the superior ride. The suspension system further packs in Toyota’s TEMS system (Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension), which closely controls the damping force of the shock absorbers to provide a stable body position and enhanced ride comfort.

 

This system is controlled by means of a switch located on the centre console. All this keeps the Prado in check in urban conditions, but the Prado is also capable of negotiating 42-degree inclines, wading through 700mm deep water or keeping a maximum stable gradient of 42 degrees. Little wonder the Prado is the preferred choice of transport for all those desert safaris our rich and famous keep running off to in the Middle East. The ventilated discs are further controlled by ABS with EBD and BA (Brake Assist) for safer braking. The real ace in the Prado’s deck is the engine: it is massively powerful and creamy-smooth at the same time. The power delivery, through a four-speed automatic, is linear and the engine very responsive. Fuel economy is dismal.

Filed under: Toyota Cars in India