Toyota has pinned its hopes on reclaiming the number one position in the
mid-size four wheel drive segment with an all-new Prado range of
off-road wagons. The second generation Prado is still a five door, eight
seat configuration that uses a separate chassis. This formula has been a
successful one for Toyota, having been used on the first Prado that was
launched in 1996. While the basic layout of the original Prado remains,
the new models are physically larger vehicles that feature more
interior space. Other changes include a significantly more powerful V6
petrol engine option, new styling, a stiffer body, an increase in
overall refinement, more standard equipment and a host of new driver
aids.
There are three engine options in the Prado line-up, four
cylinder petrol and turbo-diesel engines, and a new all-alloy V6 petrol
engine. While the official output figures of the four cylinder engines
remain unaltered, Toyota claims that both engines have been upgraded to
improve driveability and emissions. The new V6 petrol engine is an
impressive performer and one of the highlights of the all-new Prado. The
new engine is a 4.0 litre Quad Cam V6 that is equipped with Toyota’s
VVT-i (variable valve timing). The engine produces 179 kW of power, 35%
more than the superseded V6 Prado, and is cleaner (meeting the
requirements of a low emission vehicle or LEV in the United States). The
new V6 engine can be mated to either a five speed manual gearbox or an
electronically controlled four speed automatic transmission. Both
configurations make use of a two speed transfer case and constant four
wheel drive with a torque sensing centre differential. Download free
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