The 2016 Toyota Fortuner model is the reincarnation of the old Toyota Surf, the very model that give birth to the Fortuner. It is powered by a new diesel engine and new 6-speed transmission available in choice of manual or automatic.
It also has a new frame and suspension to allow for a better off road capability without compromising the drive comfort of driving on the normal road. Other new features include 4WD electric switch, Active Traction Control, Hill-start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control.
The technology advances include smart entry, power back door in the V6 model, and a 7-inch touchscreen audio for selected models.
The new Fortuner is propelled by a range of newly developed engines, including the 2.4 and 2.8 GD series, the 2.7 VVT-i and 4.0 V6 power plants. The 2.4 GD produces 110kW of power and delivers 400Nm of torque. The 2.8 GD offers owners a stout 130kW of power and effortless 420Nm of torque. Two petrol engines are on offer, including a revised version of the familiar 2.7 litre VVT-i and the livelier 4.0 V6. The 2.7 litre VVT-i delivers 122kW of power and 245Nm of torque while the range-topping 4.0 litre V6, delivering a gutsy 175kW of power and 376Nm of torque.
“The new Fortuner has a long, wider stance versus the outgoing model, and its capabilities to adapt into every environment like a chameleon have been reinforced,” says Calvyn Hamman, sales and marketing Senior Vice president of Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM). “It can transform seamlessly from a sophisticated urban warrior to a fierce bush conqueror.”
The Fortuner has been designed to stand out in urban settings as well as withstand tough outdoor conditions: it boasts sharp, sculpted exterior lines, slender headlamps and has underbody protection. The large upper grille is slanted and framed by thick chrome plating that extends around the headlamps. The strong design features a prominent three-dimensional trapezoidal front bumper, while deeply recessed fog lamps on all grades emphasise the vehicle’s width.
A bold, characteristic line runs along the side, across the doors between the flared front and rear fenders which feature sculpted surfaces that maintains refinement in the midst of toughness. The Fortuner’s rounded upper body is highlighted by a chrome-plated moulding (selected models) that wraps around from the sides to the back glass. The overall effect, with the Fortuner’s black pillars and pronounced rear spoiler, is of a floating roof that gives the vehicle a dynamically striking stance even when it’s stationary.
The sleek rear combination lamps and licence-plate garnish blend with the complex surfaces of the rear body. All models have LED stop lamps for a high-tech image, LED tail lamps, bi-halogen headlamps on the 2.4 Global Diesel (GD) and 2.7 VVT-i, and high-beam LED headlamps on the 2.8 GD and 4.0 V6.
All Fortuner models have audio systems with four to six speakers, an auxiliary/USB port, AM/FM radio and a CD player. Audio systems on the 2.8 GD and 4.0 V6 models boast a DAB+ digital radio and a 7” screen with DVD compatibility and a reversing camera display. The range-topping 4.0 V6 is equipped with satellite navigation.
Other convenience features include standard Bluetoothconnectivity, steering-wheel audio and telephone controls, as well as power door locks, windows and mirrors. Air conditioning is also standard and features separate air-flow controls for second-row passengers.
One of the main attractions of the new Fortuner is the ample storage space on offer and the generous number of cup and bottle holders, compartments, trays, pockets and consoles. The air-conditioned compartment above the glovebox can be used to cool or warm items and has capacity for two 500ml bottles. Convenient shopping bag hooks, located on the front seatbacks, are also standard on all models
All models feature three 12-volt accessory sockets – under the centre cluster, in the rear of the centre console for second-row passengers and in the rear luggage area.
Price starts at N$436 400 for the 2.4 GD-6 Raised Body Manual and tops at N$633 400 for the 4.0 V6 4×4 Automatic. All retail prices include a three-year/100 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan.