New Toyota Fortuner

New Toyota Fortuner

Toyota Fortuner is an impressive power machine with muscular body and its sporty looks can take anyone’s fancy. Toyota Fortuner facelift was displayed at Indonesian Motor Show in 2011. www.eraofyouth.comThe mighty SUV is launched in various markets across the globe like Malaysia, Thailand, Oman, etc before coming to India. Toyota launched its very successful urban SUV-Toyota Fortuner in Indian market with only one diesel variant back in 2009. This mid-sized SUV, also known as Toyota SW4 in global market, is actually based on Toyota Hilux’s platform (It is a pick-up truck not present in India). The vehicle was originally designed by Toyota Technical Centre in Australia. It is assembled in India from CKD kits by Toyota Kirloskar Motors Pvt. Ltd.

Toyota Fortuner is an elegantly functional car, with its king size interiors and stylish exteriors. Even with one variant equipped with Toyota’s most popular 3.0L diesel engine mated to five speed manual transmission gearbox and with 4WD (Four Wheel Drive) option, the SUV was capable of finding place in large garages of many Indian homes. Such is the craze for Fortuner SUV that many a times the company has not been able to meet the overwhelming demand for this vehicle and had to stop the bookings. With the launch of Toyota Fortuner, Toyota planned to make its position strong in the premium SUV segment dominated by Honda CRV, Chevrolet Captiva and Ford Endeavour. The company has placed Toyota Fortuner in the highly competitive price range of Rs 18 to 20 lakhs in its segment. However, in the Auto 2012, Fortuner lovers were pleased to welcome the facelift version of this much adorable SUV at the Pragati Maidan in Delhi.

Toyota Fortuner was initially launched only with a 3.0L diesel engine with 4WD (4 – Wheel Drive) that produces 168 bhp power and 343 Nm of torque, the engine mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. However in 2012, Toyota also launched 2WD (2- Wheel drive) models of Fortuner. Two more variants are added to the fleet-a 4 speed automatic and a 5-speed manual version. Same D4-D 3.0 lire diesel engine powers these two variants. Experts reveal that gearshifts are smooth and new Toyota Fortuner is perfect for City driving.

Looks are the most important part of any vehicle that falls in SUV segment and this Japanese auto manufacturer does not disappoint in this regard. While those who own a Fortuner, drive it in pride and those who wishes to buy it stare at it as their dream SUV. Toyota Fortuner front appears aggressive and sheds dynamic look with strong bonnet lines and large head lamps that are placed next to the grille. The 2012 Toyota Fortuner grille is quite wider than the predecessor and the head lamps are angular now. Toyota Motors have dressed the front face of 2012 Fortuner SUV with new bumpers and a wider intake on bonnet for intercooler plus new alloy wheels have been added to change the side profile of the SUV.

Its menacing front grille, black sporty side step with sporty roof rails and its 17″ alloy wheels give it a killer look. The elegant interiors of Toyota Fortuner take inspiration from Land Cruiser styling. 2012 Toyota Fortuner comes with newly designed centre console which is now equipped with a six-inch touch-screen which has also been added by Toyota in the new Innova. This so called infotainment system controls the audio system, the DVD player and reverse camera. A new Bluetooth telephony function has been added in the car and the new lighter steering wheel now comes with controls for the same. The driver seat gets six-way power adjustments and the instrument control is viewed better by Optitron dials which are revised for better visibility. The dual air conditioning system of Toyota Fortuner with automatic climate control system offers weather as per the needs of drivers and passengers during journey.

New Toyota Fortuner Interior

The interiors of the Toyota Fortuner are very attractive with dual tone beige dashboard that is packed with the advanced instrument cluster and beige upholstery. Toyota Fortuner offers stylish, spacious and comfortable passenger room with generous headroom, leg space and excellent front visibility. The interiors of Toyota Fortuner are designed to meet all the needs of passengers by providing a variety of convenient, multi-purpose storage places.

In the 2012 Toyota Fortuner model, one would find, a fresh centre console that adorns a very sporty touch screen DVD audio system with Bluetooth mobile telephony. Controls of the same are given on the 4 spoke steering. A reverse camera is given to new Fortuner through which rear view can be seen on the touch screen. The dash now looks posh due to darker gray shade of Mock wood inserts while the centre console surrounds are brushed with aluminium. The driver seat gets six-way power adjustments and the instrument control is viewed better by Optitron dials which are revised for better visibility.

Interior Comfort

Toyota Fortuner is an ultra spacious SUV that works as stress buster as it offers ultimate comfort with it. Its leather covered steering wheel which is tilt-able and adjustable and packed with the audio controls and Bluetooth offers comfortable driving experience. Other comfortable and luxurious features that Toyota Fortuner offers includesAutomatic Climate Control AC with unique rear AC vents, Optitron Meter, Cabin lamp with Switch off Timer, MID (Multi Information Display), New Audio Head Unit with Bluetooth and Call Functions, Gate Type Shift Levers, Front and Rear Armrest, NVH (Noise, Vibrations and Harshness) Reduction Materials etc.

New Toyota Fortuner Engine and Performance

Toyota Fortuner is availablein Indian market only with the diesel engine option which is powered by the high capacity longitudinally placed 3.0L, 2982cc, diesel engine that produces maximum power of 168 bhp at 3600 rpm and 343 Nm torque at 1400-3400 rpm. The turbocharged engine delivers high engine performance with excellent acceleration and fuel efficiency so that Toyota Fortuner never vibrates even after the speed of 130kmph. The turbo charger with intercooler keeps the performance level of this SUV at ace by cooling the compressed air that comes from the turbocharger before it enters the engine. Since, cooled air carries more oxygen, it results in better combustion. Earlier only 4 wheel drive version was present but in 2012 company will launch the two wheel drive versions, one of them has 4 speed automatic transmission.  Power transfer will be done by the rear wheels as the automatic version is not available as a four-wheel drive model.

Wheels

As for the wheels, Toyota Fortuner is packed with stylish new12 spoke 17” alloy wheels. Toyota Fortuner is packed with puncture resistant tube less tyres that makes it able for comfortable off-road driving. The tyre size of Toyota Fortuner is 265/65 R17. Its larger diameter wheels with puncture resistant tubeless tyres make it the best off-roader for Indian market.

Braking & Handling

The front wheels of Toyota Fortuner are packed with large ventilated disc brakes while its rear wheel gets leading-trailing drum brakes. Its larger diameter disc brakes de-accelerate the car from 100kmph to 0 in just 3.14 seconds. ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) resists car to skid out of control in case of emergency braking.

The new 2WD Toyota Fortuner is equipped with double wishbone coil springs front suspension and non-independent rear suspension while the 4WD model has 4-link with lateral rod rear suspension that reduces the jerks and enhances the handling capacity which makes its driving more comfortable. The newly developed double wishbone front suspension with a high mount type upper arm offers exceptional ride comfort. The automatic version is easy to cruise and its handling is like childsplay. Fortuner’s magnificent All-TERRAIN capability renders smooth and comfortable drive.

Specifications of Toyota Fortuner 4×2 Manual

• Engine Displacement: 2982 cc.
• No. of Cylinders: 4.
• Maximum Power: 171 PS @ 3600 rpm.
• Maximum Torque: 343 Nm @ 1400-3400 rpm.
• Valves Per Cylinder: 4.
• Valve Configuration: DOHC.
• Fuel Supply System: Common-Rail type.
• Turbo Charger: Yes.
• Super Charger: No.
• Gear box: 5 Speed.
• Drive Type: 2WD.
• Overdrive: Yes.
• Front Suspension: Double Wishbone.
• Rear Suspension: 4-Link with Lateral Rod.
• Steering Column: Tilt Steering Column.
• Steering Type: Power.
• Turning Radius (wheel base): 5.6 m.
• Top Speed: 176 Kmph.
• Acceleration (0-100 kmph): 9.6 Seconds.
• Mileage-City: 7.8 kmpl.
• Mileage-Highway: 11.5 kmpl.
• Fuel Type: Diesel.
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres.
• Seating Capacity: 7.

Price of 2012 Toyota Fortuner in India: 19,99,000 INR (Expected Ex-Showroom Price)