Cruising in Toyota’s Prado
I didn’t get it, but now I would recommend the Land Cruiser Prado to anyone. LIVING WITH THE VERY COMFORTABLE MOUNTAIN GOAT
Right at the end of last year, Toyota introduced a raft of enhancements to their Land Cruiser Prado, and I was privileged enough to be offered one to use as my road test vehicle for the family holiday down to Knysna in December.
The Prado range has traditionally consisted of two grades, the mid-level TX and high-grade VX. For the first time, a new third, even higher grade, called VX-L has been added to the model line-up, and this is what we used.
The exterior design of successive Land Cruiser generations has not massively changed over the years, and besides the changes that you can see in the pictures shown, TX models utilise halogen bulbs, whilst VX and VX-L models feature high brightness LED units. All models feature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and foglamps, in addition to automatic light control system, as standard.
New elements at the rear include a redesigned lamp cluster with an LED stop light; a smaller rear garnish plate and a restyled bumper. The Prado’s profile is further enhanced by stylish new alloy wheels; 17-inch alloys on TX and high-gloss painted 18-inch rims on VX and VX-L derivatives.
And most important for the serious off-road guys, the sharply trimmed lower section of the body reinforces the Prado’s broad stance and minimises the impact of the front overhang on the vehicle’s off-road approach angle. Ground clearance is 215mm, with 31-degree approach, 25-degree departure and 22-degree ramp break-over angles.
The inside has not been ignored either with a host of changes and improvements from relocated, easier to use controls for driving and comfort functions, integrated heating and ventilation for the front seats, combination leatherand wood-trimmed steering wheel from the larger Land Cruiser 200.
Of course, there was acres of space for all the luggage my girls manage to take with them on holiday each year, and thanks to the tow-bar that was fitted by Toyota SA, I could even take my mountain bike and gear with me, much to my wife’s disgust I might add, as she says holidays are for doing nothing.
The standard convenience specification list is substantial and includes the likes of automatic dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, illuminated entry, cruise control, park distance control, keyless entry, three power outlets, Bluetooth connectivity, USB, 3rd row seating and reverse camera.
Two interior colour schemes are available: Black and new elegant Neutral Beige. Trust me, go for the Black, we had the Neutral Beige, and for an SUV that likes to play in the dirt, the interior did not stay clean for very long.
As the top of the range model, you get Satellite Navigation and an enhanced surround-view Multi Terrain Monitor camera system which also includes Panoramic and overhead view modes, that worked very well when trying to manoeuvre in and out of tight spaces. There is also a 14-speaker Premium touchscreen, tablet like design, infotainment system, that made everything rather easy to use.
Which brings me to a real funny series of family disagreements in the Prado on the way to our overnight stop at the River Destiny Lodge, near Colesburg, which is right on the Orange River. I entered our location into the Sat Nav and hit the road. It was plain sailing to start with. Basi-