One of Toyota’s most capable and successful SUVs, the Land Cruiser Prado, will get a new diesel mill.
The 2.8-litre GD-6 diesel engine, which is the main powertrain in the current generation Toyota Hilux and which was recently updated, will now replace the 3-litre engine. The new engine adds 20 kW of power and 50 Nm for a total of 150 kW and 500 Nm.
Toyota says the increased power is available over a wider spread of the engine range. It has also replaced the six-speed autobox with a new unit.
In its new guise, the latest generation 2.8 GD-6 engine has received a raft of upgrades. This includes a new ball-bearing turbocharger with a larger turbine and impeller with improved engine rigidity and cooling. Better fuel economy is achieved through optimised pistons and piston rings, changes to the cylinder block and head, higher fuel-injection flow rate and the adoption of high-performance materials for the exhaust manifold.
Toyota says despite the substantially stronger power outputs, fuel consumption improves to 7.9 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions are down to 209 g/km. Fuel capacity is 150 litres with an 87-litre main tank and 63-litre sub tank. Maximum braked towing capacity has increased to 3 000 kg on 2.8 models that will make towing even more comfortable with the new version.
While updating the engine and gearbox, Toyota also fitted a new infotainment system across the range. The new system now incorporates a larger 9-inch touchscreen display, enhanced voice recognition and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the use of mobile-phone-services like Google Maps on the new system.
Good news for petrol heads is that the 4-litre V6 petrol version remains part of the range and also benefits from the new infotainment upgrade. The petrol engine delivers 202 kW and 381 Nm.
The new version of the Prado will go head to head with the likes of the Mitsubishi Pajero and Land Rover Discovery.
Model Line-Up & Pricing:
2.8L Diesel TX (R939 900), 4.0L Petrol VX (R1 029 000), 2.8L Diesel VX (R1 060 600), 4.0L Petrol VX-L (R1 072 600) and the 2.8L Diesel VX-L (R1 105 800).
Mazda has unveiled its EZ-60, an electric crossover SUV, the result of a joint venture between Mazda and Changan Automobile. It is the second electric vehicle (NEV) manufactured by Changan Mazda.
For a dealership to make an 180-degree U-turn within two years and then went on to win the overall Volkswagen Dealer of the Year award, is no small feat.
Chery’s latest international brand, LEPAS, has reached a major milestone as its first model – the L8 – officially rolls off the production line.
Advertisement
Advertisement
A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
The Omoda C5 is better than ever, thanks to a bold new update called the C5 X Series, says the Chinese vehicle manufacturer. This update brings improvements across the board, from a more refined driving experience to greater practicality.
DFSK South Africa has announced the roll-out of the DFSK EC35 Electric Panel Van, an electric vehicle designed to meet the demands of South African businesses while contributing to a greener future, says the manufacturer.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Vito Select, the second Mercedes-Benz van to join the passenger car network in South Africa.
