Toyota Kenya has launched the new 2018 Land Cruiser Prado in the Kenyan market that will retail at Sh. 13 million.
The front fascia is distinguished by broad vertical slit-shaped cooling openings for the grille. Flanked by redesigned headlights with the main beams positioned inboard to avoid damage during off-road driving, the Land Cruiser Prado is also gifted with mildly different front and rear bumpers.
The segment leader in more than 10
European markets, the Prado features better materials and superior fit & finish for the dashboard, instrument cluster, and switchgear. The flush surface of the air conditioning control panel is only one of the highlights, as is the 8.0-inch Toyota Touch 2 infotainment. Ventilated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles are also go.
Speaking during its unveiling at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, Toyota Kenya managing director Arvinder Reel said entry of the latest model was informed by its popularity that saw it command a 47 per cent share in 2017 of the Special Utility Vehicles market, an increase of 5 per cent.
Describing the Toyota Prado 2018 a.k.a ‘The Beast’, Toyota chairman Amb. Dennis Awori attributed the growth to an enabling operating business environment in Kenya.
He said that the firm had an active partnership with several financial institutions to provide customers with cash to acquire the new model.
“The objective is to ensure that customers enjoy the brand new vehicle within their monthly operational budget,” added Mr Reel.
Toyota, which is one of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, has been in operation in Kenya since 1964.
Body-on-frame by nature, the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is offered with a generous array of four- and six-cylinder engines.
The big seller comes in the guise of the 2.8-liter D4D turbo diesel with 177 PS (130 kW) on tap, and the list is furthered by the 2.7-liter VVT-i (161 PS or 120 kW) and 4.0-liter VVT-i (249 PS or 183 kW). The oil-burning motor is the one to go for if torque is what you want, developing 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) between 1,600 – 2,400 rpm.
60 millimeters longer than the 2017 model year, the updated Prado comes with enhanced driver-assist features thanks to the augmentation of Toyota Safety Sense. The suite relies on a camera and millimeter-wave radar for Pre-Collision System with a Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control.