Toyota officially reveals the new Fortuner

Toyota has officially revealed their most anticipated product of the year – the 2016 Fortuner. Like the current generation Fortuner, the 2016 version of SUV is also based on the Hilux platform.

The Japanese-manufacturer has kept the overall design language of the 2016 Fortuner in line with it global range of off-roaders. Along with its bulky aggressive approach, the new Fortuner now wears a modern design. The fascia now gets a V-shaped grilled that has been dipped in chrome, wedged-shaped bonnet, new bumper and sleek headlamps. In order to make the front look better, Toyota has equipped the Fortuner with LED daytime-running lamps. The top-end model will also get Bi-LED projector headlamps.

On the side, Toyota has given the new Fortuner a floating pillar-less roof design that makes the SUV look quite interesting and attractive. Just like its predecessor, all the pillars are blackened out, whereas the C and the D pillars gets a glass finish to continue the floating roof. The vehicle will be available with 17-inch and 18-inch wheel options.

The interior of the new Fortuner is completely new and looks up-to-date. It gets a touchscreen infotainment system, seven airbags, rear-view camera, hill descent control, rear AC vents and a cooled glove box. Higher variants are likely to come with rear parking sensors, keyless smart entry and start, downhill assist control, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloys with highway tyres.

One of the major changes on the next-gen Fortuner will be Toyota’s new GD series engines. The new 2.4-litre turbo-diesel is expected to replace the current 2.5-litre diesel unit, and a 2.8-litre mill will replace the current 3.0-litre unit. The new 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV motor is rated at 148bhp and 400Nm of peak torque. The 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV engine churns out 175bhp and 450Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, transmission includes a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

We are expecting the new Toyota Fortuner to hit the Indian market sometime next year, after it is showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. Once launched, it will compete with the soon-to-be launched Ford Endeavour and Mitsubishi Sport in India.