Title: Toyota Unveils Sporty Three-door Prado
Description: 6 October 2009
Description: 6 October 2009
Stephen - October 7, 2009 11:38 AM (GMT)
TOYOTA UNVEILS SPORTY THREE-DOOR PRADO
Toyota's next-generation LandCruiser Prado is out to prove that "less is more" with the introduction of sporty three-door versions for the first time in Australia.
Aimed at a younger buyer seeking recreational off-road fun, three-door Prado will be sold alongside five-door models from the November introduction of the new Prado 150 range.
The three-door model has the same distinctively LandCruiser-like Prado face of the five-door, featuring a three-dimensional vertical grille.
Its roof and rear-quarter sheet metal are unique, though the back door - which bears the spare tyre - is shared with the five-door version.
A higher break-over angle, courtesy of the shorter wheelbase, provides three-door Prado with the ability to travel over steeper peaks than five-door.
Lower weight for the three-door versions is expected to translate into even better real-world acceleration - as well as a small improvement in fuel economy and emissions*.
Another key benefit of the three-door is its strong towing capacity of three tonnes (braked)^ - 500kg more than the already-impressive five-door.
Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said three-door Prado was a valuable addition to the local range.
"Prado three-door will be the ideal vehicle for couples who want a vehicle for its sporty styling, as well as Prado's legendary towing and off-road abilities," Mr Buttner said.
"Even more than new five-door Prado, the three-door will definitely attract buyers who previously have not considered a sports utility vehicle," he said.
"Specification levels will be high across three- and five-door ranges, with several flow-down technologies from Lexus and from LandCruiser 200 Series.
"New electronic features will take Prado's off-road ability to new levels for Toyota, catering even for those new to off-road motoring.
"Handling, stability and ride comfort have been raised to new heights."
All next-generation Prados in Australia will have seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
Alloy wheels and Toyota's Smart Entry & Start, which provides keyless entry and ignition, are also standard.
Prado first arrived in Australia in 1996 and quickly secured a firm foothold in the mid-size SUV market.
To the end of September this year, Australians have bought almost 149,000 Prados.
The 150,000 milestone is expected to be reached in the first month of next-generation sales.
It was Australia's best-selling SUV overall in 2008.
The medium SUV segment has grown markedly in recent years with sales more than doubling from just 33,468 in 2002 to a record of 75,485 last year.
This year, the segment has basically moved with the overall industry average.
* Fuel consumption and emissions statements are based on Toyota Motor Europe data. Actual fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.
^Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, towbar design, vehicle design and towing equipment limitations.
Toyota's next-generation LandCruiser Prado is out to prove that "less is more" with the introduction of sporty three-door versions for the first time in Australia.
Aimed at a younger buyer seeking recreational off-road fun, three-door Prado will be sold alongside five-door models from the November introduction of the new Prado 150 range.
The three-door model has the same distinctively LandCruiser-like Prado face of the five-door, featuring a three-dimensional vertical grille.
Its roof and rear-quarter sheet metal are unique, though the back door - which bears the spare tyre - is shared with the five-door version.
A higher break-over angle, courtesy of the shorter wheelbase, provides three-door Prado with the ability to travel over steeper peaks than five-door.
Lower weight for the three-door versions is expected to translate into even better real-world acceleration - as well as a small improvement in fuel economy and emissions*.
Another key benefit of the three-door is its strong towing capacity of three tonnes (braked)^ - 500kg more than the already-impressive five-door.
Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said three-door Prado was a valuable addition to the local range.
"Prado three-door will be the ideal vehicle for couples who want a vehicle for its sporty styling, as well as Prado's legendary towing and off-road abilities," Mr Buttner said.
"Even more than new five-door Prado, the three-door will definitely attract buyers who previously have not considered a sports utility vehicle," he said.
"Specification levels will be high across three- and five-door ranges, with several flow-down technologies from Lexus and from LandCruiser 200 Series.
"New electronic features will take Prado's off-road ability to new levels for Toyota, catering even for those new to off-road motoring.
"Handling, stability and ride comfort have been raised to new heights."
All next-generation Prados in Australia will have seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
Alloy wheels and Toyota's Smart Entry & Start, which provides keyless entry and ignition, are also standard.
Prado first arrived in Australia in 1996 and quickly secured a firm foothold in the mid-size SUV market.
To the end of September this year, Australians have bought almost 149,000 Prados.
The 150,000 milestone is expected to be reached in the first month of next-generation sales.
It was Australia's best-selling SUV overall in 2008.
The medium SUV segment has grown markedly in recent years with sales more than doubling from just 33,468 in 2002 to a record of 75,485 last year.
This year, the segment has basically moved with the overall industry average.
* Fuel consumption and emissions statements are based on Toyota Motor Europe data. Actual fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.
^Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, towbar design, vehicle design and towing equipment limitations.
chukatsung - October 7, 2009 12:41 PM (GMT)
It just doesn't look the same lol
Looks like those Tommy toy car :D
The front is just, flat
Maybe I am too use to the 5 door old Prado
Looks like those Tommy toy car :D
The front is just, flat
Maybe I am too use to the 5 door old Prado
JTMILLER - October 7, 2009 12:48 PM (GMT)
isn't that taking it to much into the rav4's market? or are these still real 4wds with low range etc? :P
Stephen - October 7, 2009 01:10 PM (GMT)
"Prado three-door will be the ideal vehicle for couples who want a vehicle for its sporty styling, as well as Prado's legendary towing and off-road abilities,"
Sounds like the same abilities as the 5 door.
Sounds like the same abilities as the 5 door.
DR-JEKL - October 7, 2009 09:39 PM (GMT)
Think 2 door Pajero...
I personally don't think it will be a huge seller, but hey Toyota are one of the smartest automotive manufacturers out there!
I personally don't think it will be a huge seller, but hey Toyota are one of the smartest automotive manufacturers out there!
koz - October 8, 2009 12:09 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (DR-JEKL @ Oct 8 2009, 09:39 AM) |
| Think 2 door Pajero... I personally don't think it will be a huge seller, but hey Toyota are one of the smartest automotive manufacturers out there! |
Remember that 70-series short wheelbase version of the LC? Like the first gen prado?
Short-wheel-base is great for off roading. And I think that's their target with this...
Rav4s aren't all that good off road.
This prado will definitely catch on.