Prado revs up competition in 4x4 segment

The car in front is always a Toyota. At least that is what the local slogan says of the brand.

I have always wondered when some not-so-creative car marketing company will adopt the slogan ‘The car on your side is a …?

It might however turn out that it too will be a Toyota. Which brings me to the question: What gave Toyota the monopoly in Kenya?

Is it possible that everybody driving a vehicle today, will at one point have driven one form of Toyota.

Incidentally,, my first Toyota was the gorgeous 1978 Toyota KE30.

It had a spirited 1266cc four-cylinder engine and it went like the wind. I called it the two-star general and it sounded amazing on the inside, thanks to the eardrum tearing amplifier and pioneer speakers.

Today Toyota continues to dominate in most segments and I recently had the rare opportunity to sample some of its products—the Toyota Prado. It is bigger, wider, faster and more comfortable.

Why are vehicles continuously growing in size while their engines are more powerful yet shrinking?

It is simply because we demand more and more and still expect it to be delivered at a lower more efficient cost.

Toyota’s new Prado has transformed from a boring and risky car to drive to a fast, swift people mover. It is still not kind to the eye but it does make a strong case if you are looking for a large capable 4x4.

Driving the new Prado down a winding highway is not as scary as it used to be.

The suspension has been reworked to offer good on-road manners and remains a real 4x4 in every way.

I was in a basic model that does not come with all the bells and whistles but it gave me an idea of how far the model has come.

If you are in the market for a large 4x4 this would be on to give serious consideration. Here is why:

For starters I would order mine with Multi-Terrain Select. You get to choose between driving modes depending on the surface you are on, like mud or sand, loose murram or gravel, non-slippery surfaces and rocks.