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Toyota Prado 3 door coming

Toyota Prado 3 door coming (copyright image)

Toyota's new Land Cruiser Prado
will be released next month

Home > News > Toyota

6th October, 2009

Toyota's next-generation Land Cruiser Prado is out to prove that "less is more" with the introduction of sporty three-door versions for the first time in Australia.

Aimed at a younger buyer seeking recreational off-road fun, three-door Prado will be sold alongside five-door models from the November introduction of the new Prado 150 range.

The three-door model has the same distinctively Land Cruiser-like Prado 'face' of the five-door, featuring a three-dimensional vertical grille.

Its roof and rear-quarter sheet metal are unique, though the back door - which bears the spare tyre - is shared with the five-door version.

A higher break-over angle, courtesy of the shorter wheelbase, provides three-door Prado with the ability to travel over steeper peaks than five-door.

Lower weight for the three-door versions is expected to translate into even better real-world acceleration - as well as a small improvement in fuel economy and emissions*.

Another key benefit of the three-door is its strong towing capacity of three tonnes (braked)^ - 500 kg more than the already-impressive five-door.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said three-door Prado was a valuable addition to the local range.

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"Prado three-door will be the ideal vehicle for couples who want a vehicle for its sporty styling, as well as Prado's legendary towing and off-road abilities," Mr Buttner said.

"Even more than new five-door Prado, the three-door will definitely attract buyers who previously have not considered a sports utility vehicle," he said.

"Specification levels will be high across three- and five-door ranges, with several flow-down technologies from Lexus and from Land Cruiser 200 Series."

"New electronic features will take Prado's off-road ability to new levels for Toyota, catering even for those new to off-road motoring."

"Handling, stability and ride comfort have been raised to new heights."

All next-generation Prados in Australia will have seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes.

Alloy wheels and Toyota's Smart Entry & Start, which provides keyless entry and ignition, are also standard.

Prado first arrived in Australia in 1996 and quickly secured a firm foothold in the mid-size SUV market.

To the end of September this year, Australians have bought over 148,000 Prados. The 150,000 milestone is expected to be reached during December 2009. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado was Australia's best-selling SUV overall in 2008.

The medium SUV segment has grown markedly in recent years with sales more than doubling from just 33,468 in 2002 to a record of 75,485 last year.


NOTES: Fuel consumption and emissions statements are based on Toyota Motor Europe data. Actual fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.
^ Towing capacity subject to regulatory requirements, towbar design, vehicle design and towing equipment limitations.


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