Toyota adds new HiLux engine to Prado

TOYOTA Australia will update the diesel powerplant in its popular Prado come August with the company’s new global-spec 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit.

The new engine was previewed at the pre-launch event for the tenth-generation HiLux ute range last month.

Despite being 200cc smaller in capacity, the new engine is more powerful and offers more torque, yet uses less fuel than the outgoing motor.

While the engine change is likely to be accompanied by other related technical updates, no styling changes are planned for the August update.

Pricing for the line-up may change, however, according to Toyota Australia product public relations manager Steve Coughlan.

“Price changes are always on the cards, but at this stage it’s too early to say,” he told GoAuto.

Mr Coughlan also confirmed that the engine would not been seen in any other vehicles, including the 200 Series LandCruiser and RAV4.

To be offered across all four grades of Prado – GX, GXL, VX and Kakadu – the new engine will be teamed up with a new six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old five-speed unit, while a six-speed manual gearbox is also available.

Power lifts from 127kW to 130kW, while torque jumps almost 10 per cent to 450Nm for the automatic variant (the manual is restricted to 420Nm).

Fuel consumption falls from 8.5 to 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual variant, and 8.0L/100km for the auto.

This makes the Prado diesel more fuel efficient than the forthcoming Ranger-based Ford Everest, that will offer an official fuel figure of 8.5L/100km from its 143kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel unit when it arrives in October.

The new engine features several key improvements over the outgoing engine, including replacing the timing belt with a longer-lasting, quieter timing chain, a lightweight resin valve cover, roller-rocker valve gear and a water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation system.

Toyota engineers have also reshaped the pistons, reinforced the turbo mounting point and added extra insulation to the oil pan to lower the engine’s noise output.

After HiLux and Prado, the only other application for the new engine is likely to be the forthcoming HiLux-based Fortuner SUV wagon, set to launch in 2016.

The outgoing 1KD-FTV 3.0-litre four-potter has been in service since 2000 for Toyota, and has been matched to either a five-speed auto or a six-speed manual gearbox.

Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the new 2.8-litre engine will improve the Prado across the board.

“The new Prado engine is better in every way - more power and torque, better fuel economy and reliability, and advanced smoothness and quiet operation,” he said.

“Higher engine outputs make it easier to drive, especially with new levels of low-down torque that promote strong traction, acceleration and pulling power when needed.”