Toyota has officially unveiled the 2013 Land Cruiser Prado facelift for the global market. Official images of the car had earlier leaked on the inter web along with a video which was believed to be the possible launch promo. All doubts have been put to rest with the company officially revealed the car along with the alleged video.
The changes made to the facelift are not drastic in terms of styling but enough to retain the novelty factor. To begin with Toyota has given the Prado a prominent and aggressive grille along with sharper headlamps and a new bumper. The rear design is very similar to the current model bar the number plate enclosure and colour scheme on the tail light cluster. The interior modifications are even subtler and include faux wood panelling and a slightly redesigned instrument console.
While the European spec Prado will be available in both petrol and diesel options, in India it’s the diesel mill that the Prado will make do with. The engine though similar in displacement to the existing 3.0-litre oil burner will now produce 192PS power and 420Nm torque. Power transmission will be performed by to a five-speed automatic gearbox and will be fed to all four wheels.
Considering that the model has barely gone through changes since its launch in 2009, the facelift is a welcoming one. Its hefty price tag has always been the burden that curbs its sales in India. Though unlikely, if Toyota opts for the CKD route for the giant SUV, it will have far more takers.
