Prado V6 powerhouse debuts

Toyota has expanded its Prado range with the addition of the eagerly anticipated 4,0-litre V6 model, claimed to be the most powerful six-cylinder engined vehicle in its class.

Toyota has expanded its Prado range with the addition of the eagerly anticipated 4,0-litre V6 model, claimed to be the most powerful six-cylinder engined vehicle in its class.

First announced at the Auto Africa Show in October last year, it completes Toyota’s three-model Land Cruiser Prado range, consisting of the Turbo diesel manual, mechanically similar VX turbo diesel automatic, and now the VX petrol automatic.

The new engine develops 179 kW at 5 200 r/min and a mighty 376 N.m of torque at 5 200. These figures are up from the previous 3,4-litre model’s 132 kW at 4 800 r/min and 298 Nm at 3 600.

In common with the VX turbo diesel, it features a permanent four-wheel drive system that is mated to Toyota’s smooth-shifting four-speed automatic, with a lock-up torque converter, and second gear start function.

Techno-wizardry features include: a Torsen limited slip centre differential; Active Traction Control (A-TRC); Vehicle Stability Control (VSC); Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). After driving the Prado on some of the most daunting 4×4 trails in the Gauteng area, we can certainly vouch for the effectiveness of these systems.

The rest of the comprehensive package includes: 17-inch wheels, latest generation ABS brakes, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and the Emergency Brake Assist System (BAS), a 180-litre fuel tank, intelligent dual-stage front airbags supplemented by side airbags for the front seats and curtain shield airbags for the front and middle row seats, two ISO-FIX child seat anchors, plush leather furnishings.

There is also an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and four-way adjustable front passenger seat, a one-touch auto up and down function for all four electric windows, a three-zone climate control system with separate controls for rear seat passengers, Optitron instrumentation, a multi-function trip computer and an integrated premium audio system with a convenient six-CD shuttle mounted in the glove compartment.

It includes a 90 000km/five-year service plan.

Prices (including VAT)

Turbo diesel R419 800

VX Turbo diesel R469 800

VX V6 petrol R446 230.