Introduction
Toyota has announced that it will officially launch the new Fortuner for the Indian market in November. This is the second generation for the sub-continent and this time around there is a new design, platform and even new engines options including a petrol version. The Fortuner has been a great success for the automaker and it looks like it wants to continue this run with the new car.
1. Engine lineup
The new Toyota Fortuner is expected to be offered in the Indian market with a 2.8-litre diesel as well as a smaller 2.4-litre diesel. The former produces 172bhp/450Nm of torque, while the latter (also a four-cylinder mill) produces 150bhp/400Nm. Both can only be had with a six-speed AT. The 2.8-litre engine can be mated to an AWD system while the 2.4-litre unit is only available in RWD format. There is also a petrol variant with the 2.7-litre powering the petrol Innova which produces 166bhp/245Nm but this is unlikely to be offered in India at the time of the launch.
2. Features
This new Fortuner has been raised considerably in terms of features and gets a list similar to what we have seen on the new Innova Crysta. The top-of-the-line model is expected to include leather seats with electric adjustment for the driver, touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, projector headlamps with LED DRLs, chrome door handles, cooled glovebox and a plethora of storage spaces. With Toyota going heavy on safety, we can expect all variants to come fitted with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD as well as a stability control programme.
3. Seating and space
A common grouse that many had with the previous Fortuner was that the interiors always felt a bit utilitarian. The leg room was a bit low and the third row was woefully short on space for adults. To boost the image of the Fortuner above what it currently stands, Toyota has fitted the SUV with the same cabin setup as the Innova. This includes the use of better quality plastics, seats with a higher level of bolstering and increase in number of storage spaces. This new car also makes use of multiple colour combinations unlike the older car which could be had only in beige or black. The dimensions have stayed the same but the interior space has increased within the cabin to create more room for the passengers.
4. Competition
The Toyota Fortuner will go up against the Ford Endeavour and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The former is in its latest generation and has been a decent success for the American automaker while the Pajero Sport will arrive in its latest generation sometime next year. For a significant period, the Fortuner stood miles above its competition in terms of numbers but it looks like the competition has finally caught up.
5. Price
We believe that Toyota will price this new Fortuner in the region of Rs 26 lakh to Rs 29 lakh for the top-of-the-line 2.8-litre AT model which should put it in the same price bracket as the Endeavour. Despite the higher price, we believe the Fortuner, with Toyota’s strong sales and service network, should make a strong case for itself.
