Toyota releases new Prado Altitude special

Toyota has released yet another Altitude special-edition, following the LandCruiser Altitude last month, the Kluger Altitude last June and the previous-generation Prado Altitude last May.

Like the procession of Altitude specials that preceded it, the new Prado limited-edition brings a host of extra equipment for a relatively small price premium – in this case a claimed $10,000-plus of additional features over the Prado GXL diesel automatic on which it's based, for $68,520 plus on-road costs ($4800 more).

However, this Altitude is not only based on the upgraded Prado released last November, it's also the first time in the top-selling Prado's 18-year history in Australia to come with a spare wheel mounted under the vehicle rather than on the rear tailgate.

What's more, the Prado Altitude is also fitted with an independently opening rear window, allowing easy access to the cargo area without opening the door – just like a Ford Territory.

The opening rear hatch is not available on other Prados and replaces the smaller rear sub-tank, reducing fuel capacity to the 87-litre main tank, which Toyota points out still provides a driving range of at least 1000km (based on the Prado diesel auto's ADR 81/02 combined cycle figure of 8.5L/100km).

However, Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said the company and its dealers are keen to receive feedback from customers about the Altitude's new rear-end design, which is cleaner and more convenient.

"In giving Prado a 'clean pair of heels' by moving the spare wheel and tyre, we've made the tailgate lighter and therefore easier to open -- especially when the vehicle is parked facing down a hill," Cramb said.

"Owners can also open the tailgate wider in cramped situations such as when parked close to other vehicles or using a towing hitch, plus there's the added convenience of the separate glass hatch.

"Prado Altitude retains an 87-litre fuel tank which offers a driving range of more than 1000km, giving customers a clear choice as the relocated spare replaces a second, smaller fuel tank."

Prado Altitude features sourced from upstream VX and Kakadu variants include leather-accented seats trimmed with contrasting grey seat inserts and stitching on the bolsters and head restraints, a tilt-and-slide moonroof, Blu-Ray rear entertainment system with three wireless headphones and remote control, electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, power front seats and rain-sensing wipers.

There's also the 14-speaker JBL audio system from the more expensive Prado models, along with DAB+ digital radio, a seven-inch display screen and satellite-navigation with Suna live traffic alerts.

The latter includes the full suite of Toyota Link apps: Destination Download, Local Search and Fuel Finder with "navigate to" function, plus the Toyota Help feature and the user-paid Destination Assist.

Cosmetic additions include chrome side mouldings, door-handles and air-conditioning surrounds, carbonfibre-look details on the dash panel and gearshift surround, an Altitude badge and four premium paints: the exclusive Eclipse Black, plus Crystal Pearl from the VX and Kakadu, Silver Pearl and Graphite.

There are no changes to the Prado's 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and five-speed automatic transmission, and standard GXL features also include  seven airbags, stability/traction control, anti-skid brakes, hill-start assist, downhill assist, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, three-zone climate-control, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control and keyless entry/starting.

The Prado has been Australia's top-selling large SUV for five of the last six years, with 220,000 sold since 1996 and sales increasing 8.2 per cent this year.