New Prado release to be timed with release of LC200

Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 15, 2007 at 22:52

ThreadID: 48751 Views:4254 Replies:3 FollowUps:1

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Muddy doe (SA)

From the pages of John Mellors "GoAutoNews" (a very good weekly read)

WITH the exception of Prado, Toyota Australia
will have renewed its entire SUV range within
a two-year timeframe when the 200-Series
LandCruiser is launched around October.
However, GoAuto has learnt that an updated
version of the Prado is scheduled for release
around the same time as the all-new 200,
featuring new headlights and a raft of other
cosmetic changes.
Toyota sources have also revealed that a
mini-SUV to slot beneath the larger new RAV4
is still “at least two to three years away” from
release in Australia, and will not be based
on any concept already displayed at a motor
show. Toyota Australia is keen not to rush
out one of the many small SUV models that
could be available to it as a spiritual successor
for subsidiary brand Daihatsu’s Terios, as it
investigates the most suitable model to sell in
a rapidly evolving marketplace. “It’s important
not to bring out a dud,” said a Toyota insider.

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Reply By: Member - Mike_L (SA) - Thursday, Aug 16, 2007 at 01:56

Thursday, Aug 16, 2007 at 01:56

"raft of other cosmetic changes."

Sounds like Toyota will be milking the Prado 120 platform for awhile yet... wonder if there's going to be any sheet metal changes or just "Bling" bits like head lights and plastic flares and side steps...

AnswerID: 257466

Reply By: RobAck - Thursday, Aug 16, 2007 at 15:58

Thursday, Aug 16, 2007 at 15:58

Interesting but pure conjecture. The facts are these

A new Prado model will be released later this year. It will be a base model with very low spec levels, steel wheels and available in V6 and D4D with both manual and auto transmissions. It will have narrow guard flares and is intended to partially replace the base model 100 series which will no longer exist when the 200 model arrives in November. Yes that is the launch date for the general public. Apart from that RAV4 will have the Aurion V6 under the bonnet along with the same hill hold and down hill assist technology sets that are in the new Kluger launched this week. The new Kluger DAC is actually very good but that does not make it a 4WD by any stretch of the imagination

Regards

RobA

AnswerID: 257522

Follow Up By: foxtel - Thursday, Aug 16, 2007 at 20:29

Thursday, Aug 16, 2007 at 20:29

Probably a rehashed 1990 Four Runner with a V6 common rail diesel and costing $2500 than the one it replaced and not have air bags, ABS, constant 4wd and AC is $3000 on top of the retail price.

Toyota can call it the "son of the 76 series".

FollowupID: 518844

Reply By: rags - Thursday, Aug 16, 2007 at 23:45

Thursday, Aug 16, 2007 at 23:45

I recently received a copy of the Toyota spec' walkup from a Toyota source of the revamped Prado; see the following brief outline
The upgrade is for all models starting with a new standard model [similar to the original gx skinny wheels etc] available with 2 option packs that will include abs,cr,all traction control stuff and side air bags.GX is next model available with same opt packs and dual climate zone air.GXL gets dual air and opt traction control stuff [vsc/trc ] and side air bags.VX and GRANDE receive other fancy stuff like smoke headlights and shiny wheels.
So the basis of the upgrade will be the availability of side air bags and the electronic traction/stabilitycontrols and dual climate air being available on all models.
Give me the D4D base model without the extra plastic bits and some air lockers and i will be happy
Russell

AnswerID: 257599