World’s No.1 carmaker, Toyota has started testing of its extremely popular and rugged SUV Fortuner for the Indian market. The new Gen Fortuner was revealed ages ago, already on sale in South Africa, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Australia and Indonesia it is expected to hit Indian market by early 2017. The test mule of the SUV has been spied on test dons’ heavy camouflage in Bangalore, Karnataka where is also Toyota’s manufacturing facility located.
The carmaker seems to planning loads of launches for India in the coming months as the carmaker is readying facelift versions of Etios sedan and Liva hatchback. Earlier, reports were that Toyota plans to launch new Corolla Altis by 2017. Toyota is among the worst hit by Supreme Court’s ban over the registrations of 2000cc or above diesel vehicles, hence they revaluate their strategies and decided not to make fresh investment till the whole scenario gets cleared.
But the test mule of Fortuner has brought some rays of hope for its fans in India and the icing on the cake is Toyota plans to localize the SUV for India. As a result the high localization could compel carmaker to launch Fortuner with attractive pricing. The new Fortuner will rival against the likes against Chevrolet trailblazer, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero sport and Hyundai Santa Fe.
By launching next Gen Fortuner, Toyota will be looking to lost path once again against new Ford Endeavour. Toyota has given new Fortuner subtle updates in order to make it more aggressive and rugged. The SUV wears dual projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, new twin slat front chrome grille running across the front fascia. Bumpers have also been modified integrated with new fog lamps and LED reflectors.
Since it’s a premium SUV, it is loaded with all the bells and whistles such waterfall leather packed dashboard that houses 8 inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple car play, Android Auto, dual beige leather upholstery, new multi function steering wheel with paddle shifters. It also sports cruise control, automatic climate control, leather seats, electric adjustable driver’s seats, new instrument cluster, AC vents for all rows and much more.
For safety it will sport some top notch features such as trailer sway control, brake assist, seven airbags, ABS with EBD, hill start assist control, revere parking camera with rear sensors etc. New Fortuner has also grown in size as it measures 4795mm in length, 1855mm in width and 1835mm in height. The wheelbase and ground clearance stands at 2745mm and 225mm.
In terms of powertrains, new Fortuner will get same diesel powertrains of Innova Crysta, the 2.4l GD engine generates 147bhp power and 400Nm of torque while the bigger 2.8l develops 175bhp and 450Nm of torque. Transmission options also expected to be same i.e. 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. When launched, the new model is likely to start at Rs. 26.5 lakh and it will go up to Rs. 33.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
