Toyota Redesigns Land Cruiser Prado, Launches FJ Cruiser ‘Final Edition’ Oct. 16

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… Hilux returns to Japanese local market after 13 years

Toyota has redesigned its flagship model, the Land Cruiser Prado, even as it is set to launch the FJ Cruiser ‘Final Edition’ with special specification in Japan on October 16. The launch of the redesigned Land Cruiser Prado, Tuesday, came on a day the auto giant returned the Hilux to the Japanese local market after a 13-year break.

While the partially redesigned Land Cruiser Prado is now sporting a new, refined exterior that lends an air of strength and innovation to the vehicle, it also comes with the Toyota Safety Sense P collision avoidance support package as standard in all grades.

The latest model of the FJ Cruiser marks the vehicle’s special specification “Final Edition” model and features a special shade of beige throughout the interior and exterior of the vehicle that creates a distinctive sense of modernity.

The Hilux, which made a comeback to the Japanese local market, has been sold in approximately 180 countries and regions worldwide since its initial launch in 1968, enjoying popularity around the world, with cumulative global sales reaching 17.3 million units. In bringing back the Hilux to the Japanese market, chief engineer Masahiko Maeda, who serves as the product’s development manager, noted that “while sales in Japan ended in 2004, there are still around 9,000 owners who mainly use the Hilux for work. Many people have called for its reintroduction, and we wanted to properly respond to their needs and those of similar customers.”

“Furthermore, I would like to propose to customers not only the functional value of objects but also their conceptual value, in terms of special experiences gained by having them in your possession. We realise that for various practical reasons, the Hilux can be a difficult vehicle to choose―for example, being a Class 1 vehicle, it requires annual inspection, and it is subject to slightly higher expressway tolls.”

Maeda said he “believes the Hilux is a vehicle that embodies the joy of owning something special, due in part to its dignified appearance, together with a toughness forged in the real world, and hopes the vehicle appeals to the on-the-go spirit of the baby boomers, a customer segment that wants to embrace an active lifestyle.”

Land Cruiser Prado

• The new exterior design further enhances strength and innovation.
  • The centre of the hood is shaped in a way that takes forward visibility into account, while the front of the vehicle exudes power aided by the conjoined large front grille and headlamps. Other new features include LEDs for the headlamps in all cars and 19-inch aluminum wheels (machine-cut highlights and dark gray metallic coating).
  • The rear design suppresses the protrusion of the combination lamp and realises a more stable stance through modification of the trim design.
• The interior has a more advanced design, particularly the instrument panel.
  • Lowering the upper part of the air vent ring (air conditioning outlet) improves visibility. In addition, the thin, tablet-style design of the navigation display adds a modern tone to the interior. Metal highlights have been added to the center cluster and dashboard to increase the premium feel.
  • The steering wheel was designed with attention to ease of grip, and its new appearance blends seamlessly with the instrument panel.
• The vehicle supports safe driving through the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense P collision avoidance support package and Drive-Start Control as standard features, together with the new addition of the Blind Spot Monitor.
• The exterior panels come in a total of nine colors including the new Blackish Ageha Glass Flake (option color) and Avant Garde Bronze Metallic. The interior specifications adopt two colors including Neutral Beige.
• For the first time, the Land Cruiser series uses Torsen®5 limited-slip differential for the rear differential with the option to select between five driving modes (Normal, Eco, Comfort, Sport S, and Sport S+) depending on driving conditions and are included as standard on the TZ-G to enhance driving pleasure.
• The diesel vehicle grade system has been revised with the addition of a 7-seater to the TX and a 5-seater to the TX L Package.

Hilux

• The exterior reflects a “tough yet emotional” design expressing power and vigor. The interior features silver highlights throughout along with blue cabin illumination, creating a sense of sophistication. Five colors were selected for the exterior panels, including Nebula Blue Metallic and Crimson Spark Red Metallic, while the interior is black.
• The vehicle is equipped with a 2GD-FTV 2.4-liter diesel engine. Offering power performance demonstrating high torque even in the low revolution range, it also demonstrates excellent environmental performance through high thermal efficiency and achieves a fuel efficiency rating of 11.8 km/L1.
• The vehicle is outfitted with safety features, including a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection collision avoidance support package to recognize pedestrians, as well as cars. Additionally, Lane Departure Alert is an installed feature that helps prevent accidental lane departures.
• The vehicle is equipped with a part-time 4WD system that allows the driver to select driving modes at the touch of a dial. The two-wheel drive mode boasts superior quietness and fuel efficiency and is ideal for driving in urban areas and on expressways. This can be switched to four-wheel drive for rough terrain and slippery roads, thus comfort and performance can always be maintained. Also, driving power can be adjusted to suit various road conditions through Hill-start Assist Control, Active Traction Control, or Downhill Assist Control2. As an authentic 4WD vehicle, it achieves high on- and off-road driving performance.
• The vehicle adopts a suspension system that boosts vibration damping, as well as a high-strength frame that ensures excellent running stability and driving comfort both on- and off-road.
• By setting the steel bumper at a low position behind the bed, passengers can safely board and disembark when loading and unloading items. Also, large hand grips help passengers enter and exit the cabin with ease.

FJ Cruiser

• The special specification “Final Edition” model adopts a select beige color for the exterior, seat upholstery, and the center cluster trim. To add further appeal, black coating has been applied extensively in the interior and exterior, and special 20-inch aluminum wheels and side steps are included.