Great Reason’s To Own A Landcruiser Prado

One of the many great reasons to own a new Landcuiser Prado, is the new added features that are installed in the car. This new Landcruiser Prado comes with a great range of many different add ons, to compete in the strong market of SUVs.

These great new features give the family and driver extra comfort as TOYOTA CORONA PREMIO, and stability while they are driving this stylish new four wheel drive. Some of the features to look forward to include a sunroof, dvd changer and many more.

1. Landcruiser Prado, as already mentioned comes with a sunroof in its new range of Landcrusier Prado’s. This sunroof is available per the dealers order. So there will be the option of choosing to go with a sunroof or to go without. The dvd changer has also been added to the mix of its new features. Included in this DVD is a choice of changing between 6 DVDs. There is also crawl control, multi terrain select with a monitor and a Kinetic dynamic suspension system. Some of the other stand out features include, active traction control, vehicle stability control and hill start control just to name a few.

2. Furthermore, the Landcrusier Prado is created and design to give you a sense of smoothness while driving. So, driving is made easy with the Landcruiser Prado on dirt roads, and rough services. This Landcrusier Prado, is able to go through those tricky conditions, and get you to where you need to go with no problems.

3. Apart from being able to drive on any particular surface, there is a certain look and appeal to it. There is also the added power behind driving such a big vehicle as this, and it also gives the driver an edge because you are driving something that you know can get you through anything.

4. There is an element of pride while driving your Landcruiser Prado, as it gives on lookers a sense of intimidation, because as a driver of this vehicle you have a sense of power while driving your car, as it makes a statement to those around you. What you drive can tell someone else a lot about you, because it gives people an idea of what kind of job you have and what industry you work in. So, by driving a Landcruiser Prado you do give off that vibe that you do have an important job.

5. Not only does, it tell people about you but it is also is quite easy to drive, and quite relaxing as well. As with all those features mentioned already, the other exciting thing about the Landcruiser Prado, it has also been blessed with, a great interior design and one that is very comfortable. The old Land Cruiser, wasn’t as comfortable in comparison because of the interior design and the material used for the seats, these seats in the new design are the complete opposite as it does have a lavish style seating for those very long bumpy rides. There is also extra room inside this new Land Cruiser, and it can fit at least eight people into the car. The safety level in the car has also had an upgrade, and with this it gives the car a lot more value because of its extra protection to its passengers.

For any car lover, that likes to drive on long cruisers that involve the tough parts of the country, then driving a Land Cruiser is one of those cars that you can not go without, as it makes driving so much easier and more relaxing. Knowing, that you will be able to drive and get through any type of hurdle that you may come across on your travels, makes driving this japanese cars so much more enjoyable for the intended user.

The Suzuki Escudo, Fun and Adventure Around Every Turn

The market for compact SUVs is crowded with small automakers offering customers a variety of choices. But with all the crowded fields, the Suzuki (Escudo) has the potential to make its way to the limelight.

The Suzuki (Escudo), popularly known in the United States as Sidekick and in Bolivia, Europe, Australia and the Philippines as Vitara, is a small off-road vehicle that was was first manufactured from 1988 to 2004. A joint-venture between General Motors and Suzuki produced the North American version and called it the CAMI, which was a follow-up to the popular kinds Samurai and SJ413 such as TOYOTA OPA. A larger version of the (Escudo) is called the Suzuko Grand (Escudo), which is also known as the Grand Vitara XL-7 in other markets.

The (Escudo) was sold under different kinds of badges like the Geo Tracker, which eventually became the Chevrolet Tracker after 1988, the GMC Tracker, the Pontiac Sunrunner, and the Asuna Sunrunner in Canada. For the Spanish market, the (Escudo) was sold under the name Santana 300 and 350. Similarly, in the Japanese home market, the (Escudo) was sold together with the Mazda badge.

Generally, the (Escudo) is known to have the capacity of all-around performance with extensive standard features list, large cargo capacity, a lengthy power train warranty,  good for environment, and excellent brake performance.

The Suzuki (Escudo) is a good value considering that it is priced way below the Toyota RAV4s and the Honda CR-Vs, by being equipped with the usual standard features as well as a long 100,000-mile power train warranty together with a four-wheel drive, dual range for a little bit of off-road capabilities. Recent versions of the (Escudo) include navigation with Bluetooth and auxiliary audio jack available on trim levels. It is considered a mid-pack player in its division, but this however, is upstaged by the fact that it still presents some value.

The Design Structure

Four-cylinder models in the Base, XSport, Premium and Limited models are offered with four trim levels that are connected to drive-train. Standard features for all the models include automatic headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, automatic climate control, cruise control, full power accessories, remote key less entry, a four-speaker stereo with single cd/MP3 player, and steering-mounted audio controls. Newer models have a Garmin navigation unit that is removable from the dashboard.

The Limited model has fully loaded features that include 17 inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather upholstery, additional speakers for the audio system, and silver and wood print interior trim. There are also options that include a rear back-up camera that has a rear-view mirror display and a Bluetooth system.

The interiors are nice with flowing lines and gauges that are set in aluminum trim that is simulated. The center stack has lighted red displays that are easy to read and are very well placed. The cabin is sleek and attractive which is quite big for a compact SUV.

Safety Systems

Safety features include traction control, stability control, full length side curtain airbags, anti-lock disc brakes, and front- seat side impact airbags. Crash tests made with the government earned the (Escudo) four out of five stars for the frontal-impact protection while the side-impact tests rendered it a five-star rating for the front and the rear occupants. Furthermore, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety granted it with a rating of “Good” for the frontal offset test and for the side test, a rating of “acceptable”.

Though there are many other cars that outclass this model, the Suzuki Escudo is still an interesting alternative to other SUVs of the same kind. The fact that it is priced relatively lower than the rest, still it makes for a decent choice in driving about the town.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado the Luxury Vehicle Has A New Little Brother

The Toyota line of off-road vehicles is recognized for its high resale value and reliability. The SUV has been revitalized and redesigned in its 2010 models. Toyota is calling these fourth generation Japanese vehicles the 150 series TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO. The more appropriate name should be v3.0 MkII.
The latest Prados are composed of six variants. The GX, GXL, VX and the flagship model Kakadu have five doors while the SX and the ZR are three-door options. All these variants have seven airbags, anti lock brakes, stability control air-conditioning and alloy wheels. Also standard across the range are locking Torsen differential, all-terrain traction control ,cruise control, key less entry and start, iPod Ready audio system with USB, and a ventilated center console cool box. In addition to the 87 liter main petrol tank, all models except the SX are fitted with a 63 liter sub tank that can be toggled electronically.
The GX is the entry-level model of the group. An upgrade to the GXL grade gets you two additional rear seats, bigger alloy wheels, three zone air conditioning, steering wheel mounted audio controls, rear park-assist sensors and camera, alarm system, front fog lamps, roof rails, side step boards and more.
The VX model is available only with automatic gear system. It includes the 18-inch allow wheels, automatic wipers, adoptive headlamps, leather upholstery, a better audio system, front section heated seats, power steering and flush-in-the-floor folding third row seats. Most important technical improvements of the fourth generation Prado only starts at this model. The KDSS or Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is standard gear on this model.
Top of the line Kakadu is the only model with the complete range of off-road driver aids that are available. It adds the MTS or Multi Terrain Select drive train control system, ride height control and the newest CRAWL version, designed for low speed difficult situation off-road driving conditions. The MTM or Multi-Terrain Monitor four camera driver assist system is also included in this model. The Kakuda also has a moon roof, touch-screen satellite navigation system, Pioneer DVD audio system with 14 speakers, and more.
The three-door SX has an equipment complement similar to the GX but without the third row seats, the three zone air conditioning system and the extra fuel tank.
The ZR model includes most of the features of the flagship Kakuda including the CRAWL, MTS and the MTM four camera systems in its driver assist arsenal. The ASP is not included on the ZR but is available as an option.
Current generation Prado’s body-on-frame has been improved to make it stronger and more rigid but the suspension design has remained unchanged. To offset the added 150 to 220kg weight increase in the new models, four piston calipers with thicker rotors are now being used on the front wheels of Prado’s four-wheel anti-lock brake system. The steering system has been improved by variable valve to give the driver a better feel of the wheel on high speed driving conditions.
Toyota opted to upgrade the engine department with new injectors and bigger inter cooler mounted at the front. Two engine and two gear boxes options used on previous versions remain the same on these models. GX turbo diesel and GXL variants uses the six speed manual gearbox while the VX, Kakadu, SX and the ZR models only have automatic 5-speed gearboxes.
Toyota land Cruisers is world famous for its legendary reliability, good mechanical design and its ability to conquer rough terrain with ease and conviction. With the current improvements in body design, comfort, safety and the most current innovations for improved off-road driving capability, the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is an SUV tour de force.

The Honda CR-V: World’s best crossover

The HONDA CR-V is the latest member of the extremely popular Honda family. It is powered by Honda’s newest innovation, a 4 cylinder K series engine of 2.4 liters. Different versions of the same engine are used in Honda’s other cars like the Accord and the Element.
In the North American market, the Honda CR-V offers a power of 166 HP (124 KW) at a rate of 5800 RPM, and, 161 lb-ft (218 NM) at a rate of 4200 RPM. In the European and Asian markets, this car is powered with a diesel based 2.2 Li CTDI engine. A petrol fuelled option, which has a R20A engine of 2 liters, is japanese used vehicles, is also available in Europe. This engine is inspired by the ‘i-VTEC SOHC’ engine of Honda’s R-series that is used in the Honda Civic. The earlier models of the CR-V did not have this engine; they had the K20A type of engine. But, after the automatic transmission with 5 speeds was introduced, the manual transmission options are no longer available in the US. Auto transmission provides better MPG rates and smoother shifts. The ratings of the fuel economy provided by the EPA are 20 mpg (12 Liters per 100 km; 24 mpg-imp) in the cities and, 26 mpg (9.0 Liters per 100 km; 31 mpg-imp) in the freeways. The fuel economy report based on consumer feedback is 19 mpg (12 Liters per 100 km; 23 mpg-imp) in the cities and, 29 mpg (8.1 Liters per 100 km; 35 mpg-imp) in the freeways.
The 2006 CR-V model is quite an improvement over the previous models. It offers a lift gate at the back of the car and, the spare tire has been shifted from the back door. Honda also offers an included Navigating option on the EX-L model. Alpine has made this navigation unit especially for the Honda. Other features include the XM radio option that that is applicable in Canada and USA, voice activated control and CD player in the dashboard playing WMA and MP3 media, etc. It is equipped with six CD changers in the interior console and PC card slot is present inside the Nav unit of it for playing the MP3 or WMA files from flash memory. A secondary CD player is also present at the back side of the screen that is used for navigation and the secondary CD player is used for playing MP3 and WMA CDs. It is also equipped with a rear back up camera. iPod adapter is another great option that is only featured for the US models. Till now, it is considered as one of the add-on accessories in the car. All of the CR-V models are still equipped with a jack that is meant for audio input. It may be located at the top unit of the car or on the middle tray of the car or, it may be placed inside the central console.
In the year 2007, Honda CRV became the bestselling car and it has taken this place among all the competitors like Tahoe, RAV 4, Escape, etc. It has also defeated the Ford Explorer that had taken this title for the last fifteen years. It has been the best SUV model car for the last few years in the US. Honda shifted the Civic manufacturing from East Liberty in Ohio to Alliston in Ontario just for meeting the high demands. They freed up some places for CRV production in this way. Now, the factory of East Liberty is making more than 400 CR-V models per day only for the Canada and USA markets. The CR-V models were primarily imported from some countries for US markets like Saitama, Sayama, Japan, Jalisco, Mexico, etc. In the year of 2008 CR-V became one of the top ten best selling SUVs in US. 205,000+ CR-Vs has been sold out in Canada starting from 1997.

Why is The Toyota Opa, a Success Now but a Failure at First?

The Toyota Opa is a hybrid of wagon, sedan and MPV. It performs like a car but still has the versatile features of an MPV. This is especially appealing to a significant number of Japanese who are interested in buying a new Japanese cars.
In terms of appearance, this car is different from Vista in that it has a shorter hood. Moreover, the front fenders appear longer because its sides are designed with quarter windows, which are triangular in shape and mini-van like in features, with black painted thin pillars. Its windows are also more upright and have less curvature than the norm.
Although its wheelbase is the same as that of the Vista, 106 in to be precise, it is shorter than the sedan Corolla. Its height, which is between a regular Sedan and a tall box MPV, makes it convenient for the users to maneuver in the sophisticated parking facilities found in Japan’s congested cities. It is also comparable with Lexus LS 400 in terms of its overall length. Space is maximized considering that the split of the rear seat is 60/40 and may be folded individually. Getting in and out of the vehicle is not a problem considering that the hip-point height of the front seat is between that of a tall sedan and an MPV. Moreover, side way movements in front seat are not hampered because the automatic selector lever for the instrument panel is column mounted. And its interior is fitted with a lot of storage spaces and pockets which one might expect of a regular MPV.
Style was not compromised as the designers opted for a distinct 2-toned upholstery model, making the front seat color different from that of the rear seat. This, however, does not apply to the sport model which features an all gray color.
The Opa offers 2 power train arrangements. One is considered as the mainstream engine of Toyota. It in fact powers most of Toyota’s small sized as well as midsized vehicles. The other is what is regarded as upper-grade power train arrangement. This is a first for Toyota as to the new automatic transmission which is continuously variable utilizing pulleys with variable diameter and push-type steel belt. It also makes use of a second generation gasoline engine with fuel injection.
It follows the Japanese RAV4 compact SUV in the utilization of the D4 engine, second generation. The original D4 engine relied on the strong swirling motion for the creation of charge stratification. This is different from the second generation D4 which has adapted several charge stratification methods.
This second generation D4 engine is not intended to be installed for vehicles to be marketed in Europe and in the U.S. IT may probably be attributed to the fact this system has not yet met the tough requirements of the U.S. for cold-start emissions.
However, the Opa, with Super CVT and D4 power, meets the emission standards of Japan. As such, it reduces by 25% of the present requirements three major pollutants. It is specifically designed to be fuel efficient, with the coordination between the engine computer and air conditioning amplifier, which is automatic.
Through the years, improvements on the Opa were developed. Originally, in May 2000, only a 1.8 L engine was offered. A few months later, that is, in August of the same year, a 2.0 L engine, with a CVT transmission was released. The next year featured as an option, GPS navigation. It also features standard safety provisions, such as electronic brake distribution system.

Although of recent vintage, year 2000 to be exact, the Opa has come a long way into addressing the specific need of its buyers. It is compact enough for city navigation, fuel efficient, sufficiently spacious for the comfort of its riders, powerful, even for long journeys, and lastly, stylishly unique to satisfy the aesthetic tastes of the consumers.