Toyota launches the Prado Diesel in India

Dippy · 23rd December 2009, 17:02

Toyota today launched the diesel variant of its popular Landcruiser Prado in India today. The currently sold Prado came only with a 4.0L petrol engine till now. A diesel was definately the need of the hour. The Prado now comes with a 3.0 diesel heart. Apart from the engine there are other additions that Toyota has made to the popular SUV

Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System(KDSS) - assists in driving stability in the city as well as the highway
3 zone Auto Climate Control
Optitron Meter and Multi Information Display
Parking sensors at the front and rear with a rear view camera
Down Hill Assist Control(DAC) & Hill Start Assist Control(HAC)
Vehicle Stability Control(VSC) & Adaptive Traction Control(ATRC)
New leather interiors

Colours:

White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Greyish Blue Metallic and Black.

Price:
Rs. 52.74 lakhs (Ex Showroom Bangalore)

Some pictures and the official press release:

Quote:

Toyota Launches the New Prado Diesel in India
All terrain luxury − unmatched on-road and off-road performance

Now with a 3.0L Diesel engine, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and a host of enhanced luxury features at a competitive price of Rs 52.74 lakhs (Ex-Showroom, Bangalore)

New Delhi, December 23, 2009 - Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) today announced the launch of the Prado Diesel in India. Inheriting the Land Cruiser’s DNA, the redesigned Prado will appeal not only to buyers in the market for a genuine SUV, but also to passenger car owners who are looking to upgrade for the perfect combination of maneuverability and interior luxury.

The basic concept for the new Prado is based on the design philosophy − ‘Intelligent & Modern’. The new design 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. It also has 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 exciting colours − White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Greyish Blue Metallic and Black.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Nakagawa (MD, TKM) said, “Globally, the Prado has sold over 1.56 Million units in more than 170 countries so far. And, since its launch in India in 2004, customer response to the Prado’s legendary quality, durability and reliability have far exceeded expectations. As part of our long-term commitment to bring the best of Toyota’s technology to India, we are very proud to introduce the all new Prado.”

Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director, TKM) said, “The new Prado apart from a new diesel engine, offers three core values − the Land Cruiser DNA, Leadership in off-road and on-road performance and excellent maneuverability and interior luxury. It has been a challenge to improve upon the best-selling Prado, which is highly appreciated for its reliability and versatility. We are certain that our Indian customers in India will experience superior comfort and luxury while handling all kinds of terrain.”

Mr Singh added, “With the launch of the all new Prado, Toyota has enhanced its SUV line-up in India, besides the Fortuner and the LC200. A focused marketing campaign comprising print, internet, outdoor advertising and display at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 will maximise customer awareness of the superior features and benefits of the new Prado, bookings for which will begin from today.”

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basilmabraham · 23rd December 2009, 18:17

Nice move from Toyota. A fully loaded off roader now with a Diesel heart. Truely ‘Intelligent & Modern’.

S350L-E240 · 23rd December 2009, 18:18

Is this an all new car on a new platform? or a heavy update? I kinda like it, and is the 3.0L Engine the same as the fortuner or another unit?

Regards,

simply_sunny001 · 23rd December 2009, 18:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by S350L-E240

Is this an all new car on a new platform? or a heavy update? I kinda like it, and is the 3.0L Engine the same as the fortuner or another unit?
Regards,

its same 3.0L diesel motor which is same as with Fortuner in india.

1-Testosterone · 23rd December 2009, 19:10

It has killer looks, IMO one of the best looking of all time. A legendary SUV!
But the engine is very old school and underpowered (I hear its the same as Fortuner's)! For this price and size of a SUV, Toyota should have provided it with brute of an engine.
LR Freelander 2.2L Diesel mill outperforms this one not to mention about Audi's 3L Diesel which develops 550 NM of torque.

harimakesh · 23rd December 2009, 19:12

Isn't the Fortuner 3.0 D engine is tweaked Innova 2.5 D engine??

If the Engine on the All new prado is same Innova tweaked Fortuner Engine then the Price tag 53 laksh for the All new Prado is justified??

Rob Toyota Rob!

Anyways 3000 bookings will happen with Rich Indians paying Premium Price.

TheARUN · 23rd December 2009, 20:22

The PRADO makes the FORTUNER seem like a 'value-for-money' offering!

dodge_v1per · 23rd December 2009, 20:34

Toyota could have price it bit lower to directly compete with Montero. Personally, I liked the looks of earlier model.

.anshuman · 23rd December 2009, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by simply_sunny001

its same 3.0L diesel motor which is same as with Fortuner in india.

It has the same 170hp power output but it comes with more torque (41.8kgm) than Fortuner.

simply_sunny001 · 23rd December 2009, 20:52

Fortuner looks total VFM after all this, somehow the price difference of 30+ lacs doesnt justify the extra we are getting in Prado.

vinaydas · 23rd December 2009, 21:00

well fortuner is a body on frame suv and this is a fully bred and designed suv.
i wont be surprised if the handling characteristics and high speed stability are Much better than the fortuner , not to mention the smooth ride.
Yes i agree it has the same plant as the fortuner but this diesel is comparatively refined and as pointed out by others develops more torque.
Regarding Value for money
No body said a land cruser would be cheap would it? the Big daddy goes out for a crore in india and expect its sibling to go for more than half its price.
This also has ESP and traction control compared to the fortuner and definitely a much better off roader compared to the fortuner.
fortuner looks like an suv made for the masses when compared to this.

entropy · 23rd December 2009, 21:01

Even heart would find it difficult to justify with Innova derived 3.0L engine. At least a V6 diesel should have been there if not a V8. A complete disappointment.

karpusv · 23rd December 2009, 21:44

IMO The Fortuner engine is not exactly an Innova Tuned Engine. It was designed on similar lies parallelly along with the 2.5 Ltr

Now the Prado has a tuned 3.0 Ltr Engine similar to Fortuner, but churning 410 Nm torque. Might not be as monstrous as you would expect, but consider this...
Prado was originally designed for customers who use the vehicle both off-roading/on-road comfort and lifestyle.

If you actually look through the Land Cruiser sales in 2008, almost 50% was Prado, LC200 (Land Cruiser offered here) was 33% and LC70 was 18%.

But for the Engine, 3-4 features and Crawl Control, you might probably be surprised that the Prado packs in features almost comparable to the Land Cruiser.
In Australia/ Europe, the Prado has some features not available on the LC also.

The Prado on offer here has TEMS with KDSS (I dont know of any other manufacturer providing wheel articualtion along with air suspension. And i am not refering to the height control here. That is again different and still available)

3rd row seats are power fold-down style. Again, I dont think any manufacturer here has this.

Check out the Prado video on the Toyota Australia website.

vinaydas · 23rd December 2009, 21:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by entropy

Even heart would find it difficult to justify with Innova derived 3.0L engine. At least a V6 diesel should have been there if not a V8. A complete disappointment.

well what are your views regarding the 3.0 TDI used across the VW /Audi /Porsche range?
the 3.0 TDI is shared with the a4/a6/Q5/Q7/cayenne/Toureg which all have a price range from 35-70 lacs any justification for that?

sandeepmdas · 23rd December 2009, 21:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by karpusv

(I dont know of any other manufacturer providing wheel articualtion along with air suspension. And i am not refering to the height control here. That is again different and still available)

AFAIK, Range Rover sport has something similar; not just height-control, almost a live-axle setup...

Quote:

Originally Posted by harimakesh

If the Engine on the All new prado is same Innova tweaked Fortuner Engine then the Price tag 53 laksh for the All new Prado is justified??

Rob Toyota Rob!

Hari, nearly 60% of that 53L price tag is tax. It's a CBU.

23rd December 2009, 18:17	#2
basilmabraham BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Sydney/Cochin Posts: 772 Thanked: 76 Times View My Garage	Nice move from Toyota. A fully loaded off roader now with a Diesel heart. Truely ‘Intelligent & Modern’.
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 18:18	#3
S350L-E240 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: India Posts: 1,416 Thanked: 393 Times	Is this an all new car on a new platform? or a heavy update? I kinda like it, and is the 3.0L Engine the same as the fortuner or another unit? Regards,
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 19:10	#5
1-Testosterone BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Amritsar Posts: 388 Thanked: 43 Times View My Garage	It has killer looks, IMO one of the best looking of all time. A legendary SUV! But the engine is very old school and underpowered (I hear its the same as Fortuner's)! For this price and size of a SUV, Toyota should have provided it with brute of an engine. LR Freelander 2.2L Diesel mill outperforms this one not to mention about Audi's 3L Diesel which develops 550 NM of torque.
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 19:12	#6
harimakesh BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chennai/Kuwait Posts: 502 Thanked: 354 Times	Isn't the Fortuner 3.0 D engine is tweaked Innova 2.5 D engine?? If the Engine on the All new prado is same Innova tweaked Fortuner Engine then the Price tag 53 laksh for the All new Prado is justified?? Rob Toyota Rob! Anyways 3000 bookings will happen with Rich Indians paying Premium Price.
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 20:22	#7
TheARUN Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,373 Thanked: 958 Times View My Garage	The PRADO makes the FORTUNER seem like a 'value-for-money' offering!
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 20:34	#8
dodge_v1per BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bhopal, India Posts: 88 Thanked: Once	Toyota could have price it bit lower to directly compete with Montero. Personally, I liked the looks of earlier model.
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 20:52	#10
simply_sunny001 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: London & Rohtak Posts: 1,340 Thanked: 18 Times View My Garage	Fortuner looks total VFM after all this, somehow the price difference of 30+ lacs doesnt justify the extra we are getting in Prado.
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 21:00	#11
vinaydas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 1,399 Thanked: 148 Times	well fortuner is a body on frame suv and this is a fully bred and designed suv. i wont be surprised if the handling characteristics and high speed stability are Much better than the fortuner , not to mention the smooth ride. Yes i agree it has the same plant as the fortuner but this diesel is comparatively refined and as pointed out by others develops more torque. Regarding Value for money No body said a land cruser would be cheap would it? the Big daddy goes out for a crore in india and expect its sibling to go for more than half its price. This also has ESP and traction control compared to the fortuner and definitely a much better off roader compared to the fortuner. fortuner looks like an suv made for the masses when compared to this. Last edited by vinaydas : 23rd December 2009 at 21:03.
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 21:01	#12
entropy BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Lost Posts: 405 Thanked: 51 Times	Even heart would find it difficult to justify with Innova derived 3.0L engine. At least a V6 diesel should have been there if not a V8. A complete disappointment.
	() Thanks

23rd December 2009, 21:44	#13
karpusv BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: BLR / NGO Posts: 291 Thanked: 186 Times	IMO The Fortuner engine is not exactly an Innova Tuned Engine. It was designed on similar lies parallelly along with the 2.5 Ltr Now the Prado has a tuned 3.0 Ltr Engine similar to Fortuner, but churning 410 Nm torque. Might not be as monstrous as you would expect, but consider this... Prado was originally designed for customers who use the vehicle both off-roading/on-road comfort and lifestyle. If you actually look through the Land Cruiser sales in 2008, almost 50% was Prado, LC200 (Land Cruiser offered here) was 33% and LC70 was 18%. But for the Engine, 3-4 features and Crawl Control, you might probably be surprised that the Prado packs in features almost comparable to the Land Cruiser. In Australia/ Europe, the Prado has some features not available on the LC also. The Prado on offer here has TEMS with KDSS (I dont know of any other manufacturer providing wheel articualtion along with air suspension. And i am not refering to the height control here. That is again different and still available) 3rd row seats are power fold-down style. Again, I dont think any manufacturer here has this. Check out the Prado video on the Toyota Australia website.
	() Thanks