Sensationally-smooth SUV

SPORTS cars have an undeniable appeal, they’re sleek, seductive and they look very cool. However, they can also often be far from practical.

Meanwhile, SUVs have the capability, space and size to command a loyal following both on and off-road. The Toyota Prado is a prime example of what makes an SUV the vehicle of choice for many on the roads of Bahrain.

As a mid-sized SUV it offers all the capability of an off-road behemoth without the cumbersome size, which can often be difficult to manoeuvre.
 
The Prado boasts several variants including the GX, GXL and VX, all of which are popular in their own right.

In terms of styling, this model is proof that big needn’t mean bulky. It has a bold front, thanks to the grille, which really stands out because the fitting has no base with the five bars embedded on the top of the bumper.

The interior is also worth bragging about. Once you climb aboard, and climb you do, you quickly realise this seven-seater is deceptively cavernous. You could genuinely be forgiven for thinking it was a full-sized SUV thanks to the ample storage space courtesy of the folding rear seats.

The steering wheel sits nicely in the hand and thanks to the fantastic power steering, moving this heavy SUV is light work. There are also steering wheel-mounted controls for the infotainment system.

The instrument panel is clearly laid-out and everything is close to hand for easy access. Thanks to my daily excursions for GulfWeekly, I had a busy day driving around the island planned, which can sometimes be stressful, but not in this model.

From the tight and winding streets of Adliya to the highways near Hamala and around Saar, each obstacle was met with ease. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised with the way this model handles, especially around corners … no small feat for a vehicle this size.

In terms of highway driving, I had a great vantage point of the road and the drive was amazingly smooth, even when pushing the speed limit.

I finally put the Prado’s off-road capability to the test while trying to find a picturesque location for a photo to go with this article and it did not disappoint. This truly is an off-road machine, taking rocky roads and potholes in its stride.

It also boasts hill-start control and downhill assist, but since most of Bahrain is flatter than a pancake, I didn’t have to use these features.

One of my favourite features in this model is the cool-box, yes, that’s right, it has it’s own cool-box. A handy addition when you’re driving around on a particularly sunny day with the sunroof open and in need of an ice cold drink to quench your thirst.

I think the secret to the success of this model is that it does so many things calmly and capably.

Prado is available in two engines, 2.7-litre, 4-cylinder and 4.0-litre V6, which are available for BD12,500 and BD15,600 respectively as part of a special offer that ends tomorrow.

For details, visit the Toyota showroom in Sitra or call 17730730.