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This week I had the opportunity to drive one and I thoroughly enjoyed the mellow smell of good leather and wood in this vehicle.
While I bruised it to test all its alleged capabilities, I am happy to report that most of what you have heard is true, it handles very well and more.
The current Prado still provides buyers with a generous amount of standard equipment, more than suitable for the business executive or the farmer alike.
The ride is pliant and reasonably quiet registering just under 77dB at 100km/h while the dashboard layout is simple and effective, its large, easy-to-read buttons and dials a cinch to find when you’re on the go.
I hate complicated controls on a vehicle so this worked out perfect for me.
My friend and business partner Emmah Borerwe could not stop talking about the vehicle the whole time we were on the drive.
Am even thinking of talking to Carl Varga at Toyota Zimbabwe to give her a job as a “STRICTLY PRADO SALES PERSON”, I believe that with the interest she has in the car she will sell quite a few of them with ease.
Above average visibility makes even the most painful of parking experiences a breeze, and with added inclusions of a standard colour reversing camera and rear parking sensors, Prado is one large SUV that, despite its considerable bulk, is as easy to manage as a regular station wagon.
The comfortable leather-trimmed upholstery offers manual adjustment in all the usual directions and is, on the driver’s seat, also joined by electronic lumbar support.
With capacity to seat seven people, three point belts all-round, plus the added protection of full-house airbags, ABS, EBA, EBD, ESC and Traction Control, the Prado is also safe enough for ferrying kids to school.
This is despite the centre (second row) seat is too firm and too narrow to be comfortable on long trips.
Getting in-and-out of the third row isn’t too much of a gymnastic feat, and for anyone under six-foot the third-row is actually quite comfortable.
Ventilation is excellent with roof mounted outlets provided for both second— and third — row occupants.
What is a pain however is the two-stage seat deployment of the third-row seat, that not only takes a little muscle, but is also a fair stretch when standing at the boot and outside the rear door — both of which are necessary when folding and unfolding the rear seats.
The other slight annoyance is that when the third-row seats are deployed there is nowhere to stow the retractable cargo blind.
But then again when you look at the calibre of people who would buy this vehicle you can understand why that won’t be an issue since they are mostly business executives or mums with three or less children which leaves them with enough room.
The third-row seats also make for a higher than ideal cargo load height with Prado’s 87-litre fuel tank using the underfloor space some rival SUVs manage to place their stowed seats in too.
The large side-hinged door also means you’ll need a fair whack of space behind you when loading the groceries.
The door is now fitted with a lockable strut, which prevents accidental closing on inclines or in high wind.
With 742-litres of storage space the Prado’s cargo area is very generous and even offers a 220-volt outlet for small domestic appliances — great when you’re away camping. The cargo blind is also great for security, or simply keeping the sun off your groceries.
With a great entertainment package with your CD, USB great powered speakers I listened to Katy Perry, David Guetta and many others making the vehicle my sanctuary.
The engine is very flexible and quite strong offering 202kW of power at 5 600 rpm, and though a little lacking in the torque department — with just 381NM at 4 400 rpm it still manages impressive performance thanks to its smooth shifting six-speed gearbox.
Around town the Prado is easy to manage and quite easy to drive.
The steering is light and offers an impressive 11,6-metre turning circle which is great when battling your way through the car park.
Toyota Zimbabwe has stock of these vehicles available in both petrol and diesel and the various engine variations.
With a great track record in reliability and servicing costs it’s one vehicle that is certain to hold its own over the course of time.
Its available in TX-L which is the current base model, the VX Leather Package and the VX — L Automatic in different ascending prices of course.
With a flexible petrol and diesel engines; good on-road manners; well-kitted interior; off-road performance what more could you ask for?
I enjoyed my week with the Prado and can understand the car’s far reaching appeal.
It’s a versatile all-rounder with a generous standard feature list certain to satisfy even the most frugal of buyers at a cool price starting from a little over US$100 000.
Buckle up…
l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows, rallies and has written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected], Facebook: Torque with Fact Jeke.
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