Toyota new Fortuner debuts in Thailand cover weekend

Global automakers by volume and brand visibility, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) this week Friday renew its market leadership with the unveiling of the next-generation Fortuner for the first time in Thailand.

With the latest from the automaker likely to be showcased in India at the upcoming Auto Expo 2016 in February next year, other regional markets including Nigeria where the brand has remained the market leader may have to wait for some months after  unveiling  for deliveries of the new model in line with the global norm and standard practices. This is because new cars launched are manufactured according to the climatic needs of each market.  Reports from local Toyota dealerships stated that the current Fortuner has remained a success.

Recall that, the new Fortuner had an early reveal a few months ago, thanks to the photos leaked on the internet.  The design language of the next-generation Fortuner according to BusinessDay checks is now more in line with the current crop of Toyota off-roaders offered globally.

Its overall profile still carries the signature rugged Toyota Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) look. For the first time, the SUV’s front styling will not be like the Toyota Hilux pickup truck’s (sold internationally). However, most of the basic underpinnings are shared.

The new Fortuner’s front is likely to benefit from the new V-shaped twin-slat grille and Camry-like wraparound headlamps with projector units. The front bumper gets a broad chin which merges with the grille, and at the corners sits vertical LED daytime running lamps along with round fog lamps. For some markets, the Fortuner is also expected to get large 12-spoke alloy wheels.

Like the current version, it is also based on Toyota’s Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform that underpins the new Hilux Revo pick-up truck, and will also underpin the new Innova. This means, it will continue to be based on a ladder-frame chassis. Our sources tell us that the new Fortuner will have more interior room, especially in the third row.

The next-generation Fortuner and Innova will come with Toyota’s new GD series engines which consists of two diesel engines made up of a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, expected to replace the current 2.5-litre diesel unit, and a 2.8-litre 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. The new Toyota Fortuner is positioned to compete with the likes of the new Ford Endeavour and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport globally.

All the brand new Toyota model line up imported into Nigeria are under the franchise-ship of Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) with a total of eight accredited dealers spread across the 36 states of Nigeria including Abuja, Nigeria federal capital and seat of political power.

MIKE OCHONMA