By Khulekani Dumisa

Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado (popularly know as just the “Prado” locally) has been updated. Updates are not just limited to looks as the Japanese company has given the much loved SUV a new engine.

Upgraded power

The new engine introduced to the range is the tried and tested 2.8-litre turbodiesel mill making 150kW at 3,000rpm and 500Nm from as low as 1,600rpm. This is a hike of just over 20 kW and 50Nm compared to the outgoing engine.

Toyota says the additional power will not result in higher consumption thanks to technologies such as a stop-start system which comes standard.

Interior and exterior updates

For the UK, two grades, Active and Invincible are on offer. The former comes with a new infotainment that offers wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Operated via an eight-inch touchscreen, this benefits from faster software and command response, and offers a customisable home screen.

Other features that the Active grade benefits from include 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control air conditioning, smart entry and push-button start, roof rails and heated power door mirrors.

The top-grade Invincible offers smartphone integration along with an optional Black Pack. Customers who opt for black leather upholstery can also specify an all-black exterior, including the front grille, door mirror casings, rear light surrounds, side mouldings and rear garnish, plus clear lenses for the rear light clusters. The black theme can be carried over in the interior with black finishes for the centre console and transmission tunnel. Black alloy wheels can also be specified, as an additional option.

The Invincible also ticks advanced off-road technological features such as Multi-Terrain Select, a rear differential lock, centre Torsen limited-slip differential, Crawl Control and an Adaptive Variable Suspension with electronically modulated rear air suspension.

Other comfort features offered on the Invincible include triple-zone climate control, power steering column and front seat adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, leather upholstery, multi-view monitor, 14-speaker JBL Synthesis premium audio system, LED headlights, 19-inch alloys, rear privacy glass and illuminated side steps.

Improved Toyota Safety Sense

The top-grade Invincible comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense which has been updated. The Pre-Collision System gains the ability to detect pedestrians and, in daylight driving, cyclists. Other Toyota Safety Sense systems aiming to take the stress out of driving on the Prado Invincible include Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Trace Assist.

It is yet to be confirmed as to when these updates will be making their to Mzansi.