Toyota confirms downsized diesel for Prado

It's official, Toyota will replace the aging 3.0-litre turbo-diesel that powers the current HiLux and Prado with a new 2.8-litre donk that delivers a substantial hike in power and torque.

We first reported the change for Prado back in May, and federal government ADR approval documents surfaced verifying our story about a week after that.

Now, Toyota Australia has revealed that the 'Global Diesel' (GD, or more formally 1GD-FTV) 2.8-litre engine is being brought to market in the Prado from August, boasting 450Nm (auto, 420Nm for the manual) and 130kW. Toyota has also announced that the Euro 5-compliant engine will be coupled to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, the combination yielding significantly improved combined-cycle fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km (manual) or 8.0L/100km (auto). According to the car company, the fuel economy gain is 10 per cent for the manual, 5.9 per cent for the auto.

With the extra ratio of the automatic transmission and the tuning of the direct-injected, common-rail engine, the Prado's driveability is enhanced – with improved acceleration available from "just above idle" and through to the mid-range.

NVH suppression is a leap forward from the 3.0-litre engine, with the adoption of a chain to drive the DOHC valve gear (in lieu of a belt) and a counterbalance shaft.

"The new Prado engine is better in every way – more power and torque, better fuel economy and reliability, and advanced smoothness and quiet operation," said Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing, Tony Cramb.

"Higher engine outputs make it easier to drive, especially with new levels of low-down torque that promote strong traction, acceleration and pulling power when needed," Cramb was quoted saying in a Toyota press release.

"In addition, the impressively quiet and smooth engine results in a more comfortable atmosphere in the cabin."

No further details have been announced for the upgraded Prado, which will be launched in August -- two months before its closest new rival, the Ford Everest.