Land Cruiser Prado (Facelift) Review – Sophisticated Modern Car
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) launched the Land Cruiser Prado, which is the result of a redesign or a facelift. The redesigned part is the redesigned headlights and the cabin is more spacious due to the greater space between the front seat and the second row. In addition, the structure of the body and the frame is also reinforced.
What’s interesting is the addition of sophisticated devices that make the Prado driver more comfortable and exciting when traversing any road condition, from smooth road to off-road.
Multi-terrain monitor
Land Cruiser Prado’s special technology feature is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) which makes the damping generated by the car adapt to road surface conditions. In the latest version, there is also an additional multi-terrain monitor.
The multi-terrain monitor displays images from cameras positioned 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 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 on 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. Surprisingly, the entire body is equipped with sound-absorbing materials to make the cabin truly quiet.
Toyota’s effort provides the large muffler associated with a sophisticated audio system that is 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 loud 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 is also the “smart entry” and “start” system that used to open and lock the front and rear door just by holding the door handle. Another feature is the push-button engine start and stop system.
Motor
The two engines offered by the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado are a 2.7-liter (2TR-FE) and a 4.0-liter (1GR-FEV6). The 1GR-FE uses intelligent dual variable valve timing (VVT-i) technology.
The system can automatically control the valves. Also, Toyota uses a type of roller valve. Thus, Toyota claims that the engine power increased to 20 kW (27PS) and can save fuel by 0.4 km / liter.
The 1GR-FE engine is fitted 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 permanent drive system and axle equipped with Torsen LSD on all types. The system directly determines the power distribution to the front and rear wheels adjusted by 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 controlled electronically, but only works on the rear suspension.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado also installed the “multi-terrain select” button on the steering wheel. The goal is to make it easy for the driver to select the mode, i.e. Mud & Sand, Loose Rock, Mogul and Rock and control traction to optimize power and brakes for consistent off-road performance.
Other features
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado installed the equipment that it called Multi-Terrain ABS. By using this tool, brake performance will be stable in various road conditions such as dust, gravel, and sand.
Another system is Downhill Assist Control (DAC) that works to maintain vehicle speed and ensure stability. In addition, there is also 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 on a slippery surface.