2010 Toyota Prado - Photo by Mario James

ALMOST A month after being unveiled in South Africa, the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado was showcased on the east lawns of Devon House, St Andrew, last Thursday.

"The Prado is the preferred SUV in Jamaica," said John Connell, managing director at Toyota Jamaica, in his speech to the gathering.

The managing director had high praises for the fourth generation SUV performance in both on and off-road conditions.

Connell

"The Prado has firmly established itself as the core model of the Land Cruiser family, by providing superior ease of use as an SUV, smooth on-road performance and enhanced interior comfort, while offering real off-road performance," he continued.

suspension system

Guests examine the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado at the east lawns of Devon House, St Andrew last Thursday. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Connell, who assumed the reins at the Spanish Town Road-based company four years ago, said that the SUV is an overhaul of its predecessors.

"The major changes to the new Prado are a new state-of-the-art suspension system and the diesel engine is the new more powerful and fuel-efficient - 1KD-FTV engine," he said.

The Toyota Jamaica executive was quite optimistic the sales would do well.

top-of-the-range

"Quite a few have been sold already ... It'll do well," he told Automotives.

"Jamaicans love Prado," he said.

And, the price range?

"$7.3m on the basic to $10.7m on the very top-of-the-range with the bells and whistles," he said.

"I think it's gonna get stronger and stronger ... it's just left to how we effectively manage the after-sale service," Connell added.

According to the press package, the new Prado accelerates from 0-to-100 km per hour in 11.7 seconds; engine displacement is 2,982 cc; the maximum output (gross) kw/rpm is 133/3,400 while the maximum torque (gross) Nm/rpm is 444/1,600-2,800.

brian.bonitto@gleanerjm.com