Land Cruiser Prado (Facelift) Review: Sophisticated Modern Car
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) launched the Land Cruiser Prado, which is the result of a restyling or facelift. The restyled part is the newly designed headlights and the cabin is more spacious due to the increased space between the front seat and the second row. In addition, the structure of the body and frame is also strengthened.
What is interesting is the addition of sophisticated devices that make the Prado driver feel more comfortable and exciting when in any road condition, from smooth road to off-road.
multi-terrain monitor
The special technological feature of the Land Cruiser Prado is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which makes the damping generated by the car adapt to the road surface conditions. In the latest version, there is also an additional multi-terrain monitor.
The multi-terrain monitor displays images from cameras placed on all four sides of the vehicle. In this way, the driver can see the road surface conditions in six surrounding areas, front, rear, front side and rear right and left.
By using KDSS, Prado’s stability is more stable when driving on pavement or off-road. For the latter, Prado is also equipped with tracking control. As a result, Prado’s ability in various off-road terrain becomes more stable.
Inside
The windshield uses material that can dampen noise. In this way, the sound of the wind from the front can be avoided in the cabin. It should be noted that the entire body is equipped with soundproofing materials so that the cabin is truly silent.
Toyota’s effort brings the large muffler associated with a sophisticated audio system used in the Land Cruiser Prado. Toyota calls it the “Super-live Sound System,” designed by Dotou development themes, which is a 465-watt amplifier and 14 speakers that are optionally placed throughout the cabin.
The system is capable of producing an acoustic space with impressive bass tones, a clear high-pitched voice, and much better when compared to the 5.1 surround sound system. Like other modern car audio systems, the interior of the Land Cruiser Prado is also equipped with a socket for an iPod or MP3 player.
There’s also the “smart entry” and “start” system that used to open and lock the front and rear doors just by holding the door handle. Another feature is the push-button engine start-stop system.
Engine
The two engines offered by the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado are a 2.7-liter (2TR-FE) and 4.0-liter (1GR-FEV6). The 1GR-FE uses Intelligent Dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) technology.
The system can automatically control the valves. On the other hand, Toyota uses a type of roller valve. Therefore, Toyota claims that the engine power increased up to 20 kW (27PS) and can save fuel 0.4 km/litre.
The 1GR-FE engine is installed with five Super ECT sequential shiftmatic transmissions. This transmission allows the driver to appear to be driving with a manual transmission. In addition, this new engine can use normal gasoline (92).
AWD or full-time wheel drive system and Torsen LSD-equipped axle on all types. The system directly determines power distribution to the front and rear wheels adjusted for speed, road surface conditions, acceleration, cornering, etc.
The best version, TZ-G is equipped with AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System), or NAV / AI-AVS). This version uses an air suspension system that is electronically controlled, but only works on the rear suspension.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado also installed the “multi-terrain selection” button on the steering wheel. The aim is to make it easy for the driver to select the mode, i.e. Mud & Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul and Rock, and to control traction to optimize power and braking for consistent performance in the field.
Other features
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado installed the equipment it called Multiterrain ABS. By using this tool, the brake performance will be stable under various road conditions such as dust, gravel and sand.
Another system is the Downhill Assist Control (DAC) which works to maintain the speed of vehicles and ensure stability. In addition, there is also the Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), this system works by controlling the brake fluid when braking or accelerating. The goal is to prevent the vehicle from rolling back, especially when parked on the ramp and slippery surface.