Update: Toyota Fortuner is launched now!
The Land Cruiser is celebrated for being one of the very established genuine off-road vehicles the world has ever seen. And it still is. But this mean, mad machine will be yours only if you have pockets deep enough to shell out over 40 lakh of green paper, and that makes it out of reach of many. Oh, lest I forget, then there is the fuel efficiency, which at 6kmpl does not read very encouraging, does it? So what’s there that Toyota can offer which caters to not-so-rich boys, but lets them have them equally great fun? The answer is lies in the shape of Fortuner.
Looks form an important part of something as big as a SUV and this Japanese does not disappoint. The front looks butch (very uncharacteristic of Japanese) with that strong bonnet line and large head lamps taking the pride place next to the grille. The bonnet scoop looks menacing. The front appears dynamic yet simple. There is certain purpose of the roof rails and those massive wheel arches when you talk about the design aspect. The same purposeful look is retained at the rear with the large tail lamps adding a bit of liveliness.
The creature comforts will be bang on and the interior will be pleasing. Very Land Cruiser-ish, the interior will add a smile on your face every time you place yourself on those comfy seats. All the tech abbreviations like ABS, ESP etc will find their way into this 15 lakh plus SUV.
The engine options will include a 2.7L petrol and a 3.0L diesel engines. The VVT-i engine will have 160PS on offer while the 3.0L D-4D will have a thrust of 163PS. Being a Toyota, expect bullet proof reliability and brilliant off-road ability. It has long been coming, but sources say that this time round the rumours of the car getting launched in late 2008 are indeed true. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen. We for one, really hope it does! Toyota... listening?
