The next Generation Toyota Fortuner has been spotted undisguised in Thailand ahead of its official launch on July 17 in Thailand. The new Fortuner has been redesigned from the scratch and now sits on aggressive design, premium interiors, new powerful engines and a new ladder frame chassis. 2016 Fortuner will be assembled at Toyota’s new engine production facility near its Karnataka plant and will rival against Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Hyundai Santa Fe and upcoming new Ford Endeavour.
The Lexus brand inspired new design cues give Fortuner sportier and leaner look which includes a bold front fascia. The 2016 Fortuner has opted for more urban appeal by flaunting V-shaped slat chrome grille with horizontal lines, chrome strip embedded headlight cluster with projector units, wide air dams and round fog lamps with silver wraparound.
Moving to the sides, it has bold shoulder lines which rises sharply before the C-pillars, new 12 spoke 18 inch alloy wheels, OVRMs with LED blinkers, Blackened out B-C and D pillars with a chrome strip running across the base of windows. The rear end too, is revised with slim wraparound LED tail lamps, a thick chrome bar in the centre of tail gate with ‘Fortuner’ embedded on it, a rear spoiler and meaty rear bumper to complete the look of all new Fortuner.
On the Inside, it gets a redesigned black dashboard looks quite similar to what we have seen in current Gen Corolla Altis, new four spoke steering wheel with silver garnish, modern touchscreen infotainment system with multimedia support and navigation, seven seat configuration with leather seats, rear AC vents to name a few.
All new Fortuner is said to be equipped with more space inside the cabin especially in the third row. The new SUV is expected to come with seven airbags including knee airbags, ABS, EBD, torque on demand, brake assist, hill start assist, integrated frame for higher firmness, Cruise control etc.
As far as engines are concerned, it will be offered new GD range of engines including a 2.4L diesel unit competent to produce 160hp power and 400Nm of torque, as well as a bigger 2.8L unit making 177hp power and 420Nm of massive torque. The SUV will be available with two wheel drive and four wheel drive options while transmission includes a 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox. In international markets, new Fortuner will also get 2.7L and 4.0L petrol engines making 160hp and 278hp of power respectively.
The new Toyota Fortuner is expected to make its Indian debut at the 2016 Delhi Auto expo and we expect it to be priced in the range of Rs. 22-27 lakh (ex-showroom).
