2018 Prado

[tempestv8]

The MY18 Kakadu doesn't have anymore power than the lower spec/badge models, right? It's just gearbox programming (and adaptive suspension) that is different, but not actual engine output.

[Snouto]

They are 2 different things.....all automatic models (including Kakadu) allow you to select 'S' mode on the transmission lever. To do this you select 'D' to drive then you can move the lever to the right to select 'S' mode. This allows you to 'hold' any gear by moving the lever '+' or '-'. For example if you want to overtake with better acceleration you might want to 'hold' the transmission in 4th or 5th gear......whereas the Drive Select Mode buttons are exclusive to the new Kakadu and i believe the 'S' and 'S+' mode here alters the engine and transmission mapping.

Ah of course, the gear stick position. I usually call that slipshift, and I had thought about using that to get the revs up. I would imagine the s/s+ button option does more than simply the revs, as you've already said it also adjusts the suspension firmness as well as those other items above. Think I've seen reviews to that effect.

[bigowenb]

I believe it's only the kaka that has drive select switches, unless I've missed something.

They are 2 different things.....all automatic models (including Kakadu) allow you to select 'S' mode on the transmission lever. To do this you select 'D' to drive then you can move the lever to the right to select 'S' mode. This allows you to 'hold' any gear by moving the lever '+' or '-'. For example if you want to overtake with better acceleration you might want to 'hold' the transmission in 4th or 5th gear......whereas the Drive Select Mode buttons are exclusive to the new Kakadu and i believe the 'S' and 'S+' mode here alters the engine and transmission mapping.

[bigowenb]

So did that mean your old VX couldnt raise or lower the suspension height as you can do in the new kaka?
The S+ mode felt good. I'm not sure it's worth $11k more (if i can do a deal) but obviously it's not all the kaka has over the vx

No, the old VX couldn't raise or lower the suspension, it had steel coil springs front and rear.......the rear air bag suspension (which enables the raise or lowering of the suspension) is, and always has been exclusive to the Kakadu, there are no steel coil springs on the rear of the Kakadu, only the front. The KDSS using hyrdraulics controls the effect of the stabliser bar which is a larger diameter than non-KDSS suspension.

[Snouto]

Did you try using the GXL/VX in S mode.... sounds like it does a similar thing by holding gears longer and revving higher.

I believe it's only the kaka that has drive select switches, unless I've missed something.

[Snouto]

Imo the KDSS works much better with the coil springs that my previous VX had as compared the my new Kakadu's air suspension. I've noticed the Kakadu is much 'softer' in the rear with more body roll in normal mode.....the S+ firms it up like my old VX.

So did that mean your old VX couldnt raise or lower the suspension height as you can do in the new kaka?
The S+ mode felt good. I'm not sure it's worth $11k more (if i can do a deal) but obviously it's not all the kaka has over the vx

[bigowenb]

Test drove a kakadu today, could feel the benefit of sports+ mode - quicker from the line and holds gears until higher revs. Would image it’s quite useful when overtaking on motorways. Kdss was a little more difficult to notice given I was just going around local roads but it did feel more precise coming out of a roundabout when in sports mode.
Just have to now try and strike a deal, which isn’t going to be easy at the beginning of the month.

Imo the KDSS works much better with the coil springs that my previous VX had as compared the my new Kakadu's air suspension. I've noticed the Kakadu is much 'softer' in the rear with more body roll in normal mode.....the S+ firms it up like my old VX.

[prado R83D]

Yes stock suspension is soft and with a suspension upgrade it will be firmer and have less body roll.

[prado R83D]

Test drove a kakadu today, could feel the benefit of sports+ mode - quicker from the line and holds gears until higher revs. Would image it’s quite useful when overtaking on motorways. Kdss was a little more difficult to notice given I was just going around local roads but it did feel more precise coming out of a roundabout when in sports mode.
Just have to now try and strike a deal, which isn’t going to be easy at the beginning of the month.

Did you try using the GXL/VX in S mode.... sounds like it does a similar thing by holding gears longer and revving higher.

[Snouto]

Test drove a kakadu today, could feel the benefit of sports+ mode - quicker from the line and holds gears until higher revs. Would image it’s quite useful when overtaking on motorways. Kdss was a little more difficult to notice given I was just going around local roads but it did feel more precise coming out of a roundabout when in sports mode.
Just have to now try and strike a deal, which isn’t going to be easy at the beginning of the month.

[Kygar]

Couple of questions here. I have a manual 2011 NT Pajero and went for my first test drive today in a GXL auto. First impressions of the Prado is it was very responsive in engine and transmission which was good to find. However I found the steering very light and the suspension also very light and “fidgety”. Do most owners get a heavy duty, 2” lift once they have dual battery, bullbar, etc fitted? Does this improve the steering feel as well as make the car more stable on the road? I know when I upgraded the suspension on my Pajero it was totally different to drive and felt like it should have from the factory. Appreciate any opinions on this.

[Snouto]

Oh man, now that the kakadu is on my radar I’m suddenly finding myself checking out the LC200. Would have to be the petrol since it comes with kdss but man, than V8 looks sweet. Pity it lacks a bunch of safety options though, especially compared to the kakadu

[hergy]

I see. I presumed off-white would be just as noticeable but I suppose it comes down to the quality of the touchup pen.

Do you have any experience/opinion on how a dark coloured vehicle might fade with overexposure to the sun? Again I'm presuming dark colours will suffer bleaching much worse than white cars - or at least the effects will be more noticeable

Toyota paint is pretty damn good, you wont have a problem with any color.

Hergy

[prado R83D]

ARB will probably just use the same bullbar which they have been using on the prado since 2010. They didn't develop a new bullbar for the 2014 facelift model and I doubt they will develop one for the 2018 facelift as well.

They probably won't have to use tape to cover the headlights on the 2018 facelift like they did in the previous model.

[hummys]

Anyone know any info on aftermarket bullbars that are available for the new model?

Talking to my local ARB, it'll be 4-6months before theirs gets developed and on the market.

Not real keen on the toyota types - looks flimsy and the alloys are a nightmare to clean