Toyota is pumping up its SUVs and commercials in the run-up to the December 31 deadline for the Federal Government's business tax break.
However, before the launch of the new Prado 150 range late next month, the run-out of the current model has left the company substantially out of stock.
Toyota has announced that the next-generation Prado 150 will include a three-door version for the first time in Australia, in an effort to capture a younger market.
Three-door Prado will have a higher break-over angle thanks to its shorter wheelbase, lower weight, improved fuel economy and better emissions than the five-door models. Toyota claims towing capacity will be three tonnes braked which is 500kg more than the five-door.
Senior executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner, said specification levels would be high in all new Prados with several ‘flow-down technologies’ from Lexus and LandCruiser 200 Series. "New electronic features will take Prado's off-road ability to new levels for Toyota, catering even for those new to off-road motoring," he said. All next-generation Prados in Australia will have seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels and keyless entry and start.
Meanwhile, Toyota has added value to two key HiLux models, chopping $3100 from the prices of the 4x2 SR turbo-diesel Double Cab and Single Cab-Chassis. The Single Cab-Chassis is now priced 10.4 per cent lower at $26,590 plus taxes and delivery charges while the Double Cab price has been reduced by 8.7 per cent to $32,590. Other models have received upgrades plus price increases ranging from $250 for 4x2 Workmate models to $1850 for 4x4 SR5 models.
Upgrades include six airbags in SR5 Double Cab 4x4 models, cruise control in SR5 models, privacy glass on the rear door windows and back window of all Double Cab SR5 models and audio systems improved across the range. Entry-level Workmate and volume-selling mid-grade SR now have a single CD player with USB port and Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility. SR grade also adopts a four-spoke urethane steering wheel with audio controls while the new SR5 audio unit has a six-CD multi-changer, colour LCD screen and USB port with Bluetooth compatibility.
Toyota has also released steel and alloy bull bars for the upgraded LandCruiser 70 Series. The bars don't affect the airbag sensors nor the air intakes and are designed with ‘crush cans’ that deform on impact. Airbag-compatible side rails are also available for the steel bull bar. Both bars are built to accommodate the Toyota Superwinch, CB antennae, and Rallye FF1000 or Rallye FF4000 driving lights in chrome or black, and come with a 100,000km/12 month warranty.
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