Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 1st November, 2009: Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for Toyota in the UAE, today launched the all New Land Cruiser Prado, the fourth generation of the popular medium size SUV. Featuring new styling, improved performance and a host of driver-assist technologies, the all New Land Cruiser Prado offers an enhanced driving experience both on and off-road unrivalled in the medium 4x4 market.
Simon Frith, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Motors, stated: “The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has a pedigree stretching back more than 50 years and is fundamental to Toyota’s reputation of quality, durability and reliability. While Prado’s success can be attributed to its impressive off-road capabilities, inherent in its Land Cruiser DNA, it is fair to say that in the UAE the Prado has become an icon in its own right; as popular on the highway as it is in the desert because of its exemplary on and off-road capabilities.”
The Land Cruiser Prado is the best selling vehicle out of Toyota’s vast stable of SUVs that currently dominate the medium 4x4 segment in the UAE. This segment accounts for almost 20 percent of the total volume market in the UAE and remains a key sector for Al-Futtaim Motors in their position as market leaders.
Mr Frith continued: “UAE drivers will find the all New Land Cruiser Prado maintains the core functionality of the earlier generations while improving its on and off-road performance with the introduction of a series of world class technologies. For instance, enhancements to the body rigidity and frame structure have improved ride comfort while the adoption of a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) increases stability during city driving and improved suspension on rough terrain. Other key new features in the fourth generation Prado include Crawl Control and the introduction of the world’s first Multi-terrain Monitor which displays footage of the road conditions round the vehicle; all these features will assist both the novice and advanced off-road driver.”
The all New Land Cruiser Prado range offers a choice of 2.7 litre and 4 litre petrol engines alongside 3 litre diesel and turbo diesel engines. The 4 litre petrol engine is a substantially refined variant of the proven and reliable engine used in the current model. This new engine features dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), resulting in an increased 271 horsepower and a widened torque band. This increased power is delivered through a new 5-speed Super ECT auto transmission that provides an exhilarating drive experience usually only associated with a manual transmission.
The new external and internal styling gives a more powerful yet refined feel while the interior combines the functionality of a genuine 4x4 with the comfort of a luxury passenger SUV. Increased cabin space and the introduction of high quality materials provide a welcoming and first-class cabin.
Comfortably seating up to seven passengers, the all New Land Cruiser Prado has three versatile individual rows of seats, which can be quickly and easily re-configured to meet a wide range of passenger and cargo-carrying needs. A new power fold-flat function is available on the third row seats which allow the seats to easily fold into the floor creating a spacious storage area. Access to the boot has been simplified by the introduction of a glass hatch for those difficult situations where limited space stops the rear door opening.
While the all New Land Cruiser Prado proudly displays its dynamic new exterior and stylish interior, its refinement goes further to incorporate a series of new off-road technologies debuting both Toyota and world first achievements.
For the first time, the Land Cruiser Prado features the Crawl Control function originally launched in the Land Cruiser model. This will provide novice off-road drivers with the confidence to tackle the most challenging terrain and experienced off-road enthusiasts will find the system useful in tackling the most extreme situations.
Making its Toyota debut is the new Multi-terrain Select function which adjusts the traction control for the optimum power and brake performance to cope with the particular terrain. The driver selects the appropriate driving mode to match the driving environment, such as ‘mud and sand’, ‘loose rock’, ‘rock’ or ‘mogul’ from the steering wheel mounted switch. This new function is accompanied by new Multi-terrain Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) which works even in the most challenging environments.
Toyota has taken the off-road technology one step further in launching the world’s first Multi-terrain Monitor for the all New Land Cruiser Prado. On-board cameras located on four sides of the vehicle – front, rear and both sides – provide the driver with a clear view of ground conditions surrounding the vehicle. Whilst this function is particularly useful in off-road situations, it is also easily applicable to on-road driving, cancelling out blind spots and assisting with parking visibility.
This Multi-terrain Monitor also displays the predicted tyre path to further aid challenging driving environments. Similarly the dot matrix information display located in the instrument panel helpfully shows the angle of the tyres when the position of the steering wheel cannot be determined. This could occur in off-road situations climbing a steep slope but equally when starting the vehicle after it has been parked with the wheels turned.
Top of the range models feature an Adaptive Variable Suspension System (AVS) allowing drivers to select from ‘comfort’, ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ mode according to the driving conditions. This is combined with an electronically controlled rear air suspension system which adjusts vehicle height to provide a comfortable ride tailored to the vehicle’s position and handling, as well as cruising stability in off-road conditions.
Other refinements new to the fourth generation Prado include the easy Smart Entry and Start System which requires a light touch to unlock the door and a simple push button to start the engine. The introduction of a triple zone air conditioning unit provides independent temperature settings for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. In addition there is a new vent in the centre console that faces the second row seats.
The all New Land Cruiser Prado boosts a range of audio systems with the top of the range models equipped with the premium JBL surround sound system featuring 17 speakers. All vehicles features as standard specifications, Bluetooth compatibility, steering wheel control mounted switches, USB/i-pod connection and the inclusion of a cool box within the centre console.
Hugh Dickerson, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Al-Futtaim Motors, stated: “We have adopted the line ‘take refinement everywhere’ for our marketing campaign because it perfectly encapsulates this impressive blend of off-road capability with enhanced everyday utility and comfort for on-road driving.”
The all New Land Cruiser Prado continues the long-standing Toyota promise of providing an exceptionally safe driving environment for the driver and passengers. Its high-strength, Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) body is designed to provide outstanding impact absorption performance, and is as strong as it is stylish. Important new safety features provide High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with Adaptive Front Light System and the introduction of the state-of-the-art Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS). Available on certain models the PCS supports the driver by detecting the possibility of a collision and alerting them to the danger through the radar cruise control.
Standard safety features comprise seven Supplement Restraint System (SRS) airbags including front dual airbag, side and knee airbags for the driver and curtain shield airbags to protect the second and third row passengers; active headrests have also been introduced for the driver and front passenger. In addition the refined Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ensures remarkable braking power across the range.
The New Land Cruiser Prado series has models to suit every requirement with competitive launch prices ranging from AED 118,000 to AED 217,000.
Mr Dickerson concluded: “Land Cruiser Prado has continuously evolved to satisfy diverse customer needs and we believe customers will find this fourth generation Prado more than exceeds their expectations. Through its enhanced drivability and technologies, the all New Land Cruiser Prado provides more refinement to urban drivers, whilst its enhanced 4x4 capabilities can truly take the most hardened off-roaders everywhere.”
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About Al-Futtaim Motors:
Al-Futtaim Motors is a member of Al-Futtaim, the leading UAE business conglomerate. It operates the Toyota, Lexus and Hino franchises through a network of modern Sales Showrooms, Service and Parts facilities strategically located throughout the UAE to provide the optimum sales and after-sales service to its customers.
The company also operates twelve Tyre Express outlets in the UAE, where a comprehensive range of tyres and batteries are available, together with expert advice on tyre care and safety. The company’s customer focus is exemplified in its guiding maxim of “We care and it shows”.
Refined exterior styling
The refined exterior of the all New Land Cruiser Prado presents a more powerful styling with improved aerodynamics. The vehicle is slighter larger in size but has reduced its height to accommodate a new, wide planted stance. Changes in the bumper, grille and fender design add to a more fluid rounded appearance as well as enhancing the vehicle’s off-road capability by improving ground clearance and off-road agility in severe terrain.
The Land Cruiser heritage is further demonstrated in the fourth generation Land Cruiser Prado through its revised front grille styling. A three dimensional vertical grille has evolved from the current model, creating an increased sense of depth and texture as well as a wide, distinctively Land Cruiser styled face through its heightened position and outwardly extended indicator lights.
The rear view conveys the Land Cruiser strength through its hatch door which accentuates its sturdy form, while the new LED combination lights and wipers stylishly fold into the rear spoiler.
Outstanding driving performance
Special attention to handling, stability and ride comfort have raised the Land Cruiser Prado to new levels of user compatibility. The fulltime four-wheel drive system is now standard on all models which ensures smooth starting, acceleration and cornering as well as outstanding vehicle stability. The full frame structure ensures solidity and durability and benefits from an enhanced body rigidity to provide outstanding manoeuvring and cruising stability both on and off-road. Ride comfort is further enhanced by the introduction of the new KDSS, a key feature in the new Land Cruiser Prado. It provides a high level of roll rigidity which results in excellent vehicle stability for on road driving, particularly roads with tight corners; and a large suspension stroke for outstanding off-road performance on rough surfaces.
Enhanced interior comfort and utility
Comfort inside the vehicle has been enhanced to offer a quality interior reminiscent of a luxury sedan. Increased cabin space and a choice of wood, leather and chrome interior finishes represent a superior level of quality. The driver’s instrument panel features a strong rugged horizontal design with switches sensibly placed according to functionality. Top of the range models feature back lit optitron metres and a multi-information display unit which enhance this superior feel.
The central console provides a cool box facility in addition to a storage compartment with auxiliary USB connection options. All passengers benefit from the triple zone air conditioning unit which also filters dust and other impurities from the air. The Prado JBL premium surround sound system is available with a series of multiple speaker configurations throughout the cabin in the top range models. An optional rear seat entertainment system, which comprises two slot loading DVD players and seven inch wide screen displays, can be integrated into the headrests.
Other optional refined features include a retractable sunroof, illuminated side steps and the smart entry and start system which requires a light touch to unlock the door and a simple push button to start the engine.
For further information please contact:
Victoria Jacks
PR Manager
GMASCO Marketing Communications
An Al-Futtaim group company
Tel: +971 4 2282101
Fax: +971 4 2279801
Email: Victoria.Jacks@gmasco.com
© Press Release 2009
