TOYOTA'S second-generation Prado has reached middle age and with strict new emissions regulations for diesel vehicles from 2007 the result is a higher-tech turbo-diesel for one Australia's most popular middleweight SUVs. Yes, the inevitable price rise makes Prado even pricier than it already was and the V6 variants are unchanged in the engine department, but add a five-speed auto across the petrol and diesel range and a number of equipment upgrades to Prado's impressive off-road ability, and the upgraded Prado should have what it takes to stay at the head of the serious 4WD pack.

Toyota Prado MkII
Released: March 2003
Ended: November 2006
Family Tree: LandCruiser PradoToyota's second-generation Prado SUV landed in Australia in March 2003, powered by either a 179kW/343Nm 4.0-litre petrol V6 (to replace the original Prado's 132kW/303Nm 3.4-litre V6) or a carryover 96kW/343Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Base versions offered a five-speed manual transmission with both engines, while a five-speed auto and six-speed manual replaced the 4A and 5M gearboxes in petrol variants from September 2004. More refined and more car-like on the road, the all-new Prado lost none of the original's rock-hopping ability.
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