Toyota launches all-new Fortuner in Thailand and Australia

Toyota held the global launch of its fully redesigned, second-generation Fortuner seven-seater SUV at simultaneous events in Bangkok, Thailand and Sydney, Australia, on July 17.

When the Toyota Hilux-based Fortuner model was born in 2005, it was aimed principally at markets in Asia, where Toyota saw emerging demand for an affordable yet sturdy family vehicle with proven off-road capabilities.

Global sales have grown from 50,000 in the first year to around 150,000 a year, and the vehicle’s target markets have broadened beyond Asia to the Middle East and several other regions, including—for the first time — Australia, where the all-new Fortuner will go on sale in late October. Sales began in Thailand on July 17.

Launched in India in July 2009, the Fortuner has until now sold over 83,000 units, including 17,668 units in FY2014-15. Expect Toyota to display the new Fortuner at Auto Expo 2016 next February.

On the outside, the all-new Fortuner debuts a compelling design with a strong identity. The large, slanted upper grille is framed by thick chrome plating that extends around the sleek, aggressive headlamps, while the prominent trapezoidal front bumper creates a sense of depth. Along the side, a bold character line runs across the doors between the flared front and rear fenders, while the C-pillar has been blacked out to produce a ‘floating roof’ effect for a dynamically striking look even when the vehicle is stationary.

But though the new Fortuner looks much sleeker, it's still a traditional body-on-frame SUV under the skin. While the front suspension is similar to the new Hilux pick-up (available internationally), the Fortuner gets a more passenger-friendly five-link coil-spring rear suspension layout. Unlike the earlier Fortuner that was full-time four-wheel-drive, the current car gets a part-time system. The new Fortuner will be available in 2WD and 4WD variants with shift-on-the-fly tech. It will also come with a rear differential lock on some variants and hill descent control as well.

The other big change on the next-gen Fortuner will be Toyota’s new GD series engines. They comprise two diesels – a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, expected to replace the current 2.5-litre diesel unit, and a 2.8-litre motor that will replace the current 3.0-litre unit. The new 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV motor is rated at 148bhp and 40.78kgm of torque while the larger 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV is rated at 175bhp and 45.9kgm of torque. Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, depending on the variant.

The Toyota Fortuner for international markets will come with features such as a rear-view camera, seven airbags, hill descent control, rear AC vents, large touchscreen, 17-inch wheels, disc brakes front and rear and a cooled glove box. Higher variants are likely to come with rear parking sensors, keyless smart entry and start, downhill assist control, bi-LED headlamps and LED DRLs, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloys with highway tyres.

The new Toyota Fortuner will compete with the likes of the new Ford Endeavour and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport globally.

Toyota Australia’s executive director of sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, praised the new balance struck by the second-generation Fortuner: “The unique design suits the advanced tastes of modern SUV buyers while being equipped with a comprehensive list of features appreciated by families and business owners."

Commenting on Toyota’s development philosophy for the vehicle, the Fortuner’s executive chief engineer, Hiroki Nakajima, said: “Our concept was to build a true SUV that has style and confidence. The all-new Fortuner is the outcome of our continuous efforts to redefine toughness.”