The 2007 Land Cruiser Prado is a mature, sophisticated vehicle
The 2007 Land Cruiser Prado is a mature, sophisticated vehicle that is spacious and doesn't skimp on safety or comfort, says Paolo Rossetti
The all-new 2007 Land Cruiser Prado - the spirit of adventure. That's what the Toyota marketing people have dreamt up to make the Prado sound attractive to consumers.
They needn't have bothered, a photo would have sufficed. The Prado, with its distinctive presence, is sure to turn heads whether bouncing around in the desert or taming the savage city streets.
The new Prado carries its legendary rugged persona a step forward with innovations you'd expect of this day and age, and the very best of true 4x4 characteristics. The front design maintains the tough look that the Prado is renowned for while its new grille and front bumpers add to its solid presence.
The interior design I felt combines the muscularity of a 4WD with the fine appointments of a sedan, offering a feeling of luxury unmatched in its class.
The inside is very nouveau, yet, at the same time, the central console gives a rugged reminder of the tough off-road legacy the Prado has carried since 1984, when the 70 Light was sold in some markets as the Landcruiser II, and also called the 70 Prado.
With the new Prado, the feeling
of space isn't restricted to the outdoors. Its spacious and roomy cabin with expansive head, shoulder and leg room allows you to bask in comfort - this is a full-size SUV,
make no mistake about it, weighing in just over 2,000 kg.
Its big brother, the LC100, adds a more comfortable third row, and a lot more weight, but otherwise don't expect the Prado to offer anything less in terms of comfort.
The refined features of the luxurious interior - sports style driver's seat, dual air-conditioner and 6-speaker audio system - bring the party to the outdoors and can soothe or power you through your morning commute, depending on how you want to feel.
In fact, step lightly and the Prado effortlessly cruises like a limo, but step a bit heavier on the gas and you come alive!
The new Prado's inline-6 four-litre engine has the aggressive kind of power that you really want in a 4x4, so you get amazing acceleration away from a standing stop and whenever you want it on the highway.
Climbing the steepest sand dune is not a problem as well with the available 260hp @ 5200 rpm and torque of 40.3kg - m/ 3800rpm. I'm not too sure of the 2.7 engine, since I didn't drive it, but I guess I'm happy there's a more economical option available for those who prefer it.
I do know that both the
Prado's advanced 2.7 litre engine and the all new 4.0 litre engine will deliver excellent reliability, and that both the manual and the automatic transmission models make the most of the specific engine's power characteristics - Toyota has not built an automotive empire by producing iffy engines.
The suspension system is fabulous, with front double wishbone independent and rear live axle on coil springs working out the road kinks, and the all-round gas hydraulic shock absorbers limiting wheel bounce and smoothening the ride.
Two other very fine features I experienced were the excellent brakes, ventilated disks all around, which really gave me the feeling I could stop when I wanted to; and the brilliant illumination of the multi-reflector headlights - one of the best I've seen.
As to be expected, the new Prado comes with the most advanced safety features. The front seats have dual SRS airbags that change inflator output according to the vehicle speed and level of impact.
And the high-rigidity frame is top of its class, making for stable handling and comfort even on rough roads, not to mention an above-average safety cage for the occupants if the worst were to happen.
ABS is standard, and the list of options is comprehensive, down to cool box, cruise control and anti-theft immobiliser.
I would check with the UAE dealerships which trim models also offer Toyota's award-winning Driver Assist Technology because the high tech edge offered is exceptional: active braking with intelligence incorporates an anti-skid braking system with electronic braking force distribution and brake-assist - all that means you're in good hands under severe braking conditions on any kind of surface.
That also adds all sorts of traction and stability controls and you have a package of driving technology second to none on the road today!
The 2007 Land Cruiser Prado is in all regards a mature, sophisticated piece of machinery that will serve you and your family faithfully for years to come.
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