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Feann Torr1 Sept 2015
NEWS

Toyota: Prado to stay on top

More efficient diesel and new gadgets will keep Prado sales strong despite upcoming Fortuner, says Toyota

Toyota says the Prado's dominance of Australia's large SUV segment won't be challenged by the upcoming HiLux-based Fortuner seven-seat SUV, which arrives in October and is expected to be more affordable.

However, the world's biggest car-maker admits some buyers will choose Fortuner instead of Prado, but together they will maintain Toyota's position as the nation's top-selling SUV brand.

"The SUV juggernaut is set to continue its growth," said Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing, noting that "Fortuner will cement us as the top-selling SUV brand in Australia."

There will be some crossover between Fortuner and Prado, said Cramb, but the hugely popular Prado will continue to be the top dog, he says.

"Fortuner offers different capabilities than the Prado. The Prado is a full-time 4WD, it has the extra fuel tank, it's a bigger, more capable vehicle."

Cramb noted that the Fortuner will appeal to people who aspire to one day own a Prado or a LandCruiser but that there would be "an element" of sales substitution.

"We don’t think it'll be significant at all," says Cramb. "It's a different buyer."

Australia's top-selling large SUV has snaffled a new diesel engine that makes the upgraded Prado more powerful than before but also more frugal.

Although prices have risen by between $1000 and $2000 across the range, which now starts at $52,990, the increases are offset by new features and lower running costs.

A six-speed transmission is also part of the update, while the top-selling model in the range — the $59,990 GXL — now comes with satellite-navigation as standard, plus the Toyota Link infotainment system with in-built apps.

The Prado is pitched at buyers who want go-anywhere off-road capability, lots of cargo space, seven seats and strong towing capability. The line-up remains unchanged starting with the diesel-only GX model priced from $52,990 -- up $1000.

Although 98.8 per cent of Prado sales this year are for the diesel models, which will now be more appealing via reduced NVH levels and fuel consumption, Toyota will retain the ageing 4.0-litre petrol V6.

The company says it wants to keep the petrol engine for the small amount of buyers who prefer it, but it remains only available with an automatic transmission.

The new six-speed auto is offered on petrol and diesel models and comes standard on VX and Kakadu models. On the GX and GLX the auto is a $2000 option over the standard six-speed manual.

Prices are as follows (plus on-road costs):

GX -- $52,990 (5-seat)    
GX -- $55,490 (7-seat)    
GXL -- $59,990 ($60,990 petrol)
VX -- $73,990 ($72,990 petrol)
Kakadu -- $84,490 ($83,490 petrol)

The new GD (global diesel) series turbo-diesel engine is smaller than its predecessor at 2.8 litres -- down from 3.0-litre -- and makes its Australian debut in the Prado. Developed from ground up to be robust, reliable and smooth, Toyota says the new engine is more pleasurable to drive and more efficient.

The diesel engine uses 7.9L/100km in the manual and 8.0L/100km in the auto, the former representing an improvement of 10 per cent in terms of fuel consumption.

Power and torque have also risen too, by 3kW and 40Nm respectively, which should result in improved drivability. Toyota says 80 per cent of maximum torque is on tap from just 1800rpm.

The engine also adopts camshaft timing chains instead of belts, which along with a new oil pump and vacuum pump reduces internal friction and noise. The Prado adheres to Toyota's low-cost servicing plan, at just $220 for each scheduled service.

In terms of standard features, every Toyota Prado comes with seven airbags, trailer sway control, 2500kg towing capacity, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, reversing camera, smart keyless entry and engine start, cruise control, air-conditioning, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, while automatic variants also gain hill start assist and downhill assist control.

Being the top-selling model by far, the mid-spec GXL models get plenty of new stuff, the seven-seater adding standard satellite-navigation with Toyota Link apps that can stream music, tell you where the nearest fuel station is and so forth.

Along with an improved nine-speaker stereo, GXL models come with three-zone climate-control, roof rails, side steps and privacy glass, plus heated and power-retractable mirrors.

VX models add the off-road KDSS adaptive suspension system, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seat trim, a 17-speaker JBL stereo, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, power adjustable steering wheel and power-folding third-row seats. They also get front parking sensors, digital radio and a full colour trip computer.

Range-topping Kakadu models come with a blind-spot monitor, five-mode CRAWL control, four-camera multi-terrain monitor, moonroof, radar cruise control, electronic rear diff lock, multi-terrain select traction control, Blu-ray rear-seat TV screens, height-adjustable rear suspension and a rear cross traffic alert for the first time.

A new black exterior colour has been added to the VX and Kakadu models, replacing dynamic blue.

"Since its launch more Australians have bought Prado than any other SUV in Australia," observed Tony Cramb. "More than ever, Prado is the real deal for adventure."

Australia is the fifth largest market for the Prado globally, behind China, the UAE, Oman and Russia. It's found 8925 buyers in Australia for the first seven months of the year, cementing its place as the top-seller in the large SUV segment. The second-best seller is also a Toyota, the Kluger, with 8096 sales.

The updated Prado will have a new rival when the Ford Everest arrives in a couple of months, although Toyota insists it's not a direct rival.

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