|
|
||
|
150 Series (2010) Toyota LandCruiser LC5 Prado 1st Drive |
||
|
Home Price Lists 200 Series
150 Series
Vs RX350 & RX450h
3 Dr Prado vs Pajero Vs Lincoln MKT
120 Series
|
The first drive impressions are a key point in selling a car. For me the first drive met all my expectations except for one thing! However you may disagree.
The release of the 150 series comes at a good time since one
of us is getting a new car. He hasn't decided yet so going through the
selection process. |
|
|
This drive is for the petrol version, for the drive impressions for the diesel version: 150 Series Diesel Toyota Prado So here is the full version of my 1st drive for the 2010 150 series Land cruiser LC5 Prado report. This report relates only to the V6 petrol 5 door wagon version. I'll do a write up of the diesel version shortly. Start up and noise: The start-up noise is basically identical to the 120 series. You get the usual roar and overrun. Sound like its got an impressive engine. (Petrol) In some versions you get keyless start and entry. So only a press of a button to start the car. The seats feel exactly the same as the older model and if the version has electric seats and steering wheel control will go about its adjustments automatically. If you've got manual seats and steering column - oh well. Engaging Drive mode in the automatic gear lever has the familiar feel and noise to the action. The reality is on the 120 and 150 series is that the lever is only there for tradition. It's electronic so there's no mechanical action. Taking off is where you'll notice the first change. Unlike the 120 series the 150 has a very remote feel to the steering wheel. It is also overly light. The gear changes are very smooth, smoother than the 120 series. Even in low speed start stop traffic the automatic shifting is well damped or not noticeable by the driver or anyone else. The view out the front window is exactly the same as the superseded model. However the rear seems a but more crowded due to the bigger rear headrests. Since the car is still new the engine feels tight but you can tell that it will free up given more mileage. It feels just a powerful as the 120 series despite the extra claimed horses. Probably because weighs a little bit more - but it balances out so you probably will not notice it. |
|
|
|
150 Series Toyota Prado
|
||
|
|
||
|
Being a petrol engine you can hear the engine but it is a distant sound and less than the already relatively quiet older series. (Diesel engine impressions shortly) Likewise the suspension is firm yet compliant - the car is still new after all. The version I drove had the KINETIC suspension option so the ride was firm or car like yet absorbent. I liked the suspension on the new version but I also liked the softer superseded 120 series. One of the most noticeable thing about the new Prado was light power steering and has little or no feedback. It is definitely Lexus like. Sure the superseded 120 series Prado did not have that much feel but it still had some. It is up to you whether you like the new setup or not. Personally I'd like more feedback. The upside is that there are no engine vibrations coming through the 150 series' new steering wheel. The second noticeable feature of the new Prado is the quietness. The interior is amazingly silent on all types of roads. The brand new tyres probably played a part in the quietness but I think it will remain that way regardless. There was also no wind noise to speak of. The only noise was from the engine. Engine is not very loud and quite distant. I think it may be deliberate because if Toyota can achieve this level of quietness everywhere else I'm sure they could have got rid of the minimal engine noise. This is probably exacerbated by the silence of the rest of the car. The next stand out feature is the braking system. Toyota have done an excellent job. Brakes work really well. I'd say they've halved the travel and improved stopping power significantly. You must be gentle since they can be quite abrupt. Sure they lack braking feedback compared to the superseded model but wow they work. Very good. In terms of body stiffness and vibration there is very little to speak of. In fact probably none at all. You can even feel that the structure is stiffer than the old. When I got back in my 120 series I noticed how Toyota has made the new one even more refined! My superseded model felt loose and had more vibration. Remember this is all relative the 120 series Prado is already very refined. Especially compared to its older competitors like the Pajero and any others that's for sure. Handling of the new 150 series is very similar to the old one so it is still not a sports or well sorted out family car. However the lack of feedback from the steering wheel and brakes makes it difficult to take advantage of any improvements in handling. You will get familiar with them over time and probably appreciate the changes and improvements. Light steering is great around town but when roads get interesting in the country side you are doing suburban speeds anyway to get around corners. Overall it is not too bad though. There is one benefit of the new steering system and that is the turning circle is much tighter than the old one! Conclusion: If you thought the superseded Prado was refined the new model is noticeable even more refined! How they do it? - who knows. So far the new 2010 150 series Land Cruiser Prado is very nice indeed. It is everything the superseded 120 series was made even better. However as you can guess there is only one thing that I think needs to be improved and I'm sure you can guess what that is! As for prices be prepared for the initial premium for being the first to buy one cause they aren't cheap at the moment.
|
||
|
|
||
