Toyota in Europe has launched the updated Land Cruiser Prado, which not only gains a power hike and improved 0-100 km/h time but also an optional Black Pack.

In August 2020, Toyota South Africa Motors confirmed to CARmag.co.za it planned to add the Hilux's 2,8-litre turbodiesel engine to the local Land Cruiser Prado range later in 2020, likely as a replacement for the 120 kW/400 N.m 3,0-litre unit that currently powers three of the five variants.

The Japanese firm’s familiar 2,8 litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine – which already did duty in the Prado in Europe before this update, albeit offering some 20 kW and 50 N.m fewer – now makes 150 kW from 3 000 to 3 400 r/min and 500 N.m between 1 600 and 2 800 r/min.

Linked to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard, the uprated four-pot (which has also been rolled out to the facelifted Hilux and refreshed Fortuner in some markets) gives the Prado a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 9,9 seconds. For the record, that’s some 1,8 seconds quicker than the 3,0-litre oil-burner used in the SA-spec model and a full 3,0 seconds faster than the 130 kW version of the 2,8-litre unit just replaced in Europe.

Top speed, meanwhile, remains 175 km/h. Thanks to the adoption of a stop-start system, however, the more powerful engine is more efficient than its forebear, with Toyota claiming a combined fuel consumption figure of 7,0 L/100 km (the 3,0-litre mill used in SA is rated at 8,5 L/100 km).

Other updates to the Land Cruiser Prado include the adoption of a new infotainment system (with faster software and screen response, a customisable home view and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity), expanded safety features and the availability (in Europe, at least) of a special “Black Pack”.

The latter adds a dark chrome front grille and rear garnish, plus black foglamp bezels, side-door mirrors and door belt mouldings. Round back, you’ll find clear taillamp clusters, while the interior gains a black centre console and central tunnel treatment.

Original article from Car