Toyota Fortuner G 4X2 Diesel
Maxabout Review
Best Compact SUV
Monday, August 17, 2009Overview - Best Luxury SUV In Its Segment
The Toyota Fortuner is one of five models conceived under Toyota's ambitious Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) project, where it shares its platform with the Hilux pick-up and the Innova MPV. The IMVs are designed to be robust and affordable, so they are built on a ladder-type chassis that may seem Jurassic for a SUV or MPV.
The Fortuner is suitable for families looking to size up from the sedan car and it will compete with Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Captiva & Ford Endeavour in India. However, it's not a 'serious' off-roader in comparison to its larger brother - the Landcruiser Prado.
Toyota India has launched the much awaited Fortuner on 24th August, 2009 in Indian market. Fortuner looks much better than Honda CR-V & Chevolret Captiva and also comes with host of comfort and safety features.
Design & Style Of Toyota Fortuner
Fortuner boasts a stylish, modern exterior design together with a stable, comfortable ride and dependable performance both on- and off-road.The cab is placed well forward to create a masculine yet easy-on-the-eye look, while rearward sloping pillars and a wraparound rear windscreen provide the illusion of a vehicle that is wider than it actually is.
One of the prime design criteria was that the Fortuner should fully fit the SUV image, not just in exterior appearance but inside the cabin as well. Thus, opening any of the doors exposes a well-designed, stylish and spacious interior with a luxury appeal.
From the side view Fortuner looks very muscular and solid with its black sporty side steps, sporty roof rails and 17” sporty alloy wheels. The rear of is also very stylish with its new rear combination lamps, stylish rear spoiler and stylish rear combination lamps.
Interiors & Comfort Features Of Toyota Fortuner
One of the highlights of the Fortuner is quality and feel of the interior surfaces. Seating comfort is more car-like than anything else. Two sports-type bucket seats are provided in front, while the second row of seats provides space for three adults.
Fortuner also features a 60/40 split with a tumble function to provide easy access to the two rearmost seats. The latter have a 50/50 split configuration and can be folded away independently. There are lots of bottle holders and the rear fold-down seats splits and allows for access to the two fold up 3rd row seats.
One of the main drawbacks of smaller SUVs is that in some cases legroom for rear passengers is at somewhat of a premium. To combat this, the rear seat of the Fortuner offers a slide function, meaning that – if the rearmost seats are not in use – it can be moved way back and passengers can literally stretch their legs.
The dashboard of Toyota Fortuner is packed with lots of advanced features including its optitron meter gauges that are designed for better readability and convenience for driver. It also offers is a in dash 2-din single CD/ MP3-capable music system with a six-speaker that offers audio entertainment with an information display console that updates time, direction of driving, outside temperature and some other elegant functions.
The dual air conditioning system of Toyota Fortuner with automatic climate control system offers weather as to the need of drivers and passengers during journey. It comes with many advanced features like overhead rear seat Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning vents, cruise control and navigator.
Engine & Ride Quality Of Toyota Fortuner
Fortuner is powered by a 2692cc, 4-Cylinder In-Line diesel engine which develops maximum power of 161 Bhp @ 3400 rpm with maximum torque of 343 Nm @ 1400 rpm. The Fortuner is equipped with front independent Double-Wishbone Suspension with Coil Springs and Stabilizers plus a rear 4-Link Suspension with Coil Springs and Lateral Rod, the Fortuner grants optimized vehicle stability for a guaranteed comfortable ride. Brakes are strong and easy to modulate, and exhibit no fade or shudder in multiple high-speed stops.
Main Styling & Comfort Features Of Toyota Fortuner:
- Rear spoiler along with 17 inch alloy wheels & Roof rails
- Optitron meter, Multi-information display (MID)
- Dual SRS airbags
- Automatic climate control System
- Audio and MID controls on steering wheel
- ABS - Anti Lock Braking System
- Full time Four Wheel Drive System
- Back sonar & Leather upholstered Seats
Safety, Price & Shades Available In Toyota Fortuner
Fortuner has also got excellent safety features like traction control, bigger - better disc brakes and vehicle stability control. It also comes with driver and passenger side airbags with ABS, EBD & Immobiliser.
Fortuner has been priced at Rs. 18.45 lakhs Ex-showroom New Delhi. It is available in five shades - Super white, Silver mica metallic, Grey mica metallic, Black mica and Light blue metallic. The Fortuner hits all the right buttons. It’s big, powerful, frugal, handles well, stops well, and it’ll go anywhere. It seems that Toyota has got another winner in hand.