The next step up
The Age
Saturday October 24, 2009
I HAVE to kick off by coming clean. My first taste test of the fourth-generation Toyota LandCruiser Prado was hardly the outback expose or rigorous city run we usually try to impose on a crucial new four-wheel-drive model.In fact, it was more of a low-speed few kilometres around a poky test track at Toyota's theme-park-meets-futuristic-dealership in Tokyo.Nevertheless, it was a chance to sample one of the most important new 4WDs in years and a car that will inevitably be used to explore some of Australia's more remote regions.It's also a car likely to prove popular on the school run, although this latest model could be a tad less popular given it now only matches others in the class with seven seats, rather than the eight seats that helped differentiate the last Prado.As with the outgoing Prado, you step up into the new one. A well-placed grab handle and the optional side steps expedite the process.Somehow, though, this new model doesn't feel as daunting to sit in. The seats aren't overloaded with side support but they're comfortable in a way that makes 1000 kilometres feel less of a chore.Inside, the Prado is an evolution of the previous model but with modern touches to give it a more up-market flavour. A pair of silver-ringed dials dominate the instrument cluster and the plasticky-silver theme is continued throughout the more cohesive dash.A colour screen perched high on the dash is well positioned at eye height but the air vents on top of it are a bit much. The controls for the sound system are deep down on the dash. The push-button start system on the car I tried is a classy addition and blends well with the basic but functional controls. The automatic gear lever is tall but easy to operate, with a sports-style function when shifted to the right.The 4.0-litre V6 lets out a familiar growl, especially when you accelerate hard. I only tested it to 60km/h but it was enough to learn it hasn't lost any of its enthusiasm thanks to its 203kW and 380Nm.The five-speed auto also shifts cleanly and decisively enough, although I didn't get to try it at the higher speeds Australian drivers will inevitably spend much time at.The chunky steering wheel feels tactile and purposeful with a direct response dulled only by the substantial weight of the large 4WD wagon body. However, the steering itself is light and feels lighter when accelerating hard.The new Prado is expected to be slightly larger than the current model, although if anything it feels more manageable at low speeds.However, don't expect the same freakish 180-litre tank in the current Prado; improvements to fuel economy with the mildly tweaked version of the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and 4.0-litre V6 petrol mean Toyota is likely to fit a slightly smaller €” but still class-leading €” fuel tank.TOBY HAGONFor more on the LandCruiser Prado, go to drive.com.au/toyota
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