Bizmotors

Compiled by L.S.A.Wedaarachchi

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, a new dimension of luxury

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado's on road performance rivals its tough off-road capabilities. The exceptional driving performance and ride comfort bring a new dimension of luxury to driving pleasure on the road.

The Land Cruiser Prado celebrated its 50th year recently. A proven vehicle, associated with reliability power and ever increasing improving value in Sri Lanka, the Land Cruiser Prado is available with a choice of gasoline or diesel engines. Strong, smooth power is generated by the top-of-the-line IGR-FE, a 4.0 litre V6 gasoline engine with VVT (Variable Valve Timing intelligent) which optimises the intake valve timing to deliver increased torque and output, better fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The excellent stability control, ride comfort and noise and vibration damping of the Prado are based on a newly developed platform, together with the placement of the rack and pinion steering gear at the front of the front axle.

The rear shock absorbers towards the outside of the frame and the optimisation of the suspension geometry delivers outstanding driving performance.

The Prado's rigidity is in the top level for its class. It is the product of the use of CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) and high tensile steel sheeting and the optimum placement of reinforcement to optimise rigidity while minimising weight. Toyota Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., the sole agent for Toyota vehicles in Sri Lanka enjoys the number one position with regard to the importation of brand new vehicles from Japan.

This accounts for almost forty per cent of the total Japanese imports of various distributors. The magnificent facility at Toyota Lanka's complex at Wattala includes normal repairs periodic maintenance, body and paint repairs and diesel fuel injection systems.

Having the vision to become the most successful and respected car company in the Sri Lanka market Toyota Lanka provides sales, spares and service facilities at the Toyota Plaza at Wattala.

Three 'S' facility for Daihatsu customers

The Three 'S' facility - Sales, Service and Spares under one roof will be offered to all Daihatsu customers at the Daihatsu Dealer Centre at Royal Gardens, Rajagiriya. This centre will be opened next month.

Daihatsu's aim is to offer the maximum benefits and privileges to its customers as developed countries vehicle buyers enjoyed, said Sujeewa Premaratna, AGM Uni Walkers Ltd. a subsidiary of Softlogic Holdings (Pvt) Ltd.

Established in 1907, Daihatsu is one of the oldest car makers in Japan. The company's name is familiar for people in many countries.

At present Daihatsu's products are popular and used in over 140 countries.

Daihatsu addresses the fuel crisis

The world today faces many global issues including natural resource conservation and global warming. In this scenario a growing number of people are turning their attention to cars which are economical and delivers space within a compact body - a trend Daihatsu foresees will continue.

Daihatsu - Charade

The Charade ranks among the world's top petrol cars in fuel economy, thanks to its efficient 1000 cc - 3 cylinder 12 valve DOHC engine. It has also reduced Carbon Monoxide and Hydro Carbon and emissions when warming up from a cold start. The newly adopted long part intake manifold helps deliver ample torque in the most critical rpm range giving the quick nimble response needed in urban driving.

Daihatsu Terios

A newly developed 1.5 litre engine has more than enough power to deliver a spirited satisfying ride, even with Terios expanded body, with maximum output of 77/6000 (kw/rpm) and maximum torque of 140/4400 (N-M/rpm) the new engine delivers ample torque at low and smooth easy acceleration at high rpms. Terios delivers superb drivability on rough roads.

The centre differential prevents occurrence of the tight corner braking phenomenon. In thick mud or on a deeply rutted road just touch a button to switch on the differential lock. This connects the front and rear wheels directly giving the vehicle better traction.

A direct traction LSD (limited-Slip Differential) for the rear wheels is available as an option for 4WD model. If one rear wheel loses traction this system delivers more power to the other rear wheel.

Auto Care- Fuel economy

The regular engine tune-ups will make the vehicles last longer and improve mileage. The owners' Manual recommends maintenance schedules that will reduce the vehicle's emissions and enhance its performance. When the vehicle is maintained properly fuel economy problems can be avoided due to worn out spark plugs and dragging brakes low transmission fluid or the transmission not going into high gear.

It is important to hand over the vehicle for service to a skilled technician who understands modern emission control systems which in today's vehicles are complicated.

When high emissions occur in newer systems, the type of simple adjustments done in past tune-ups will no longer correct the problem. The pollution will increase dramatically if you tamper with your car's emission control system or use leaded gasoline in a vehicle designed for unleaded gasoline.

Check and replace Air Filters regularly. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve the vehicle's gas mileage by as much as 10 per cent and keeps impurities from damaging the engine.

Even the motor oil, you choose can make a difference, your gas mileage can improve by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of oil.

For example using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage - by 1-2 per cent.

Look for the new energy conserving EC grade of motor oils that contain friction reducing additives.

Fill fuel tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation. Avoid spilling fuel and don't top off the tank.

Many vehicle owners inquire about the use of 'premium' or super grade gasolines. These fuels contain additives to increase octane. Octane is a measure of how much fuel can be compressed in an engine before it spontaneously combusts. It is not a measure of fuel power or quality.

Only a small percentage of vehicles require high octane gasoline for optimum performance. (These are generally turbo charged or high performance vehicles).

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