Toyota has announced the launch of the Prado Diesel in India. Inheriting the Land Cruiser’s DNA, the basic concept for the new Toyota Prado is based on the design philosophy which aims to create an exterior with the active feel expected of a four wheel drive and an interior that is refined and roomy. Specific improvements include a 3.0L Diesel engine, and the adoption of a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that allows driving stability at city and highway speeds. The new Prado diesel cane be booked right away at a price of Rs. 52.74 lakhs (ex-Showroom, Bangalore).

The 2010 Prado also features enhanced comfort features like 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Optitron Meter, Multi-information Display, Parking Assist System with front/rear sensors & rear camera and rich leather interiors. A host of Driver Assist Technology such as DAC (Down-hill Assist Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and A-TRC (Adaptive Traction Control) aid in outstanding off-road performance. The new Prado is available in five colours – White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Greyish Blue Metallic and Black.

Toyota India is launching the 2010 Prado sooner then we expected. The refreshed Land Cruiser Prado will be officially launched tomorrow and possibilities can’t be ruled out of it carrying Fortuner’s diesel mill underneath. The 3.0-liter D-4D oil burner produces 171bhp of power at 3400Rpm and a crazy torque of 410Nm at 1600-2800Rpm. Though there is no confirmation on the pricing we expect nothing less then Rs. 45 lakhs for the new Prado.

The Toyota Prado has flopped big time in India, despite being a Toyota. Reason is the lack of diesel power which the company intends to address with the launch of the new Prado next year. The Prado will continue to be brought in as a CBU which will lead to a price in excess of Rs. 45 lakhs.  Maybe Toyota can just plonk the fabulous diesel mill from the recently launched and hot selling Fortuner.

Toyota has just unveiled the 2010 Land Cruiser Prado at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show and its coming to Indian shores sooner then we expected.  Toyota India currently sells the Prado as a CBU leading to dismal sales. However the real chink in the Prado’s armour is its petrol powerplant and Toyota might just plonk in the diesel engine from the Fortuner. As always a slight price hike is expected.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is one of the most impractical SUVs on sale in the country. Partly because of its price and partly because of the engine it has on board. The Land Cruiser costs a whooping 42 lacs (ex-showroon), which is totally insane for a car which does not have much to offer. That aside the engine is not impressive either. A gas guzzling V6 VVTi. I mean who wants a SUV which has a petrol powerplant, i am sure not quite many and that’s the reason you don’t see many of these on the road.

There is no doubt the Prado looks good, but its not all that big and butch you would expect a Land Cruiser to be. Toyota should throw in a diesel powerplant and then i am sure this car will make more sense. The petrol engine in the Prado unlike other VVTi engines from Toyota, has a very low red line at 5500 rpm.

Some points about the the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX : -

• The SUV comes shod with 265/65/17 Dunlops.
• The third row of the Prado is not for humans.
• The Land Cruiser has serious off-road capabilities.
• The 3956cc petrol engine produces 235PS of power at 5200 rpm and 363NM of torque at 3800 rpm.
• The Landcruiser brand saw its debut in the year 1951.
• The 2.5 tonne SUV can reach a top speed of 175 kmph.
• Ground Clearance is 220mm, thats alot!
• Fuel tank can swallow 87 liters of petrol, thats Rs. 4300/- for a full tank.
• The Prado’s ride is one of the best in the country.

To sum up i would say Toyota need to add more variants, surely the Prado is a fantastic car, but at that price there are many other SUVs to look at like the Mitsubishi Montero and a bit of a strech will get you the mindblowing Audi Q7.