Toyota Fortuner

The all-new Toyota Fortuner is here and the new generation car will look to regain its lead in the full-size premium SUV segment. The new Fortuner has been built on a new platform that offers more rigidity for a better ride and handling package.

The new Fortuner gets a complete design overhaul and now borrows its looks from Lexus. The dsign is busy and the car gets harp and angular contours throughout. The fascia sports a new two-slat grille that extends up to the headlamps with chrome flanks that taper over the headlights. Toyota has equipped the Fortuner with LED daytime-running lamps and Bi-LED projector headlamps. These sweptback projector headlamps are surrounded by chrome embellishments to add to the bling factor.

The bumper is redesigned and gets a new black air dam while the fog lamp housings are surrounded by thick curved aluminium accents. On the side, Toyota has given the new Fortuner a floating pillar-less roof design that makes the SUV look quite interesting and attractive. The rear end also gets a similar slim-cut treatment with sleek tail lamps. The SUV is available with 17-inch and 18-inch wheel options.

And it’s not just the exterior, but Toyota has completely redesigned the cabin of the Fortuner as well. The dashboard layout is new and the instrument cluster comes with a multi-information display. The centre console is vertically-oriented with a touch screen entertainment system, automatic AC controls, and a lot of storage spaces. The new three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with audio controls and the car gets a new key fob. Higher variants are likely to come with rear parking sensors, keyless smart entry and start, downhill assist control, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloys with highway tyres.

This is the first time that Toyota has introduced petrol option for the Fortuner. It gets the 2.7-litre petrol engine from the Innova with both manual and automatic rear-wheel drive options. The petrol engine develops 164bhp of power and 245Nm of torque. The 2.8-litre turbo diesel has also been sourced from the Innova and develops 174bhp of power. But due to improved intake and a remapped ECU, it develops 420Nm torque for the six-speed manual and 450Nm torque for the six-speed automatic. The diesel gets both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options.

The Toyota Fortuner competes with the Ford Endeavour, its toughest challenge, along with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Chevrolet Trailblazer. It has been priced at a premium over the better-specced Ford Endeavour but should still turn out to be a bestseller thanks to its brand image and after sales service quality.