The Fortuner has been the name in the Indian SUV market since its arrival. The big, bulky Toyota Fortuner gained a positive reputation in the market. The Fortuner first appeared in the Indian market in 2009, since then, the SUV has been garnering huge numbers against its name.
In 2016, Toyota launched the first major upgrade of the Fortuner since its inception. The new model gets new chassis designed on a new platform and an entirely new look all around. Let’s find out is the new Fortuner worth the price tag?
Looks:
The new Fortuner looks nothing like the old one. Fortuner has shed its large image to go for a sleeker, sharper design exteriors. The front profile of the SUV now comes with dual-slat grille, dual projector headlamps with LED DRLs and reworked bumper with reflectors. The bonnet of the SUV has also received new creases.
From the side, the new Fortuner has gained all-new characteristics. There are angular wheel arches with black cladding that ensures that Fortuner retains the big bad intimidating looks for the road. There is chrome window line for the premium look. The lower variants of the SUV get 17-inch wheels while the top variants get 18-inch alloys. The rear of the vehicle becomes much more attracted with sleeker LED tail lamps, new bumper and integrated reflectors. The new Fortuner is 90mm longer and 15mm wider than the predecessor. The wheelbase remains unchanged, but is now lowered by 15mm.
Interiors:
The new interiors of the 2016 Fortuner are much more premium than the previous model. The dashboard is a perfect blend of soft-touch materials like faux leather, velvet touch material and premium plastic. The dashboard is designed in dual layer format with a small screen that shows all the vehicle-related information along with a touch-sensitive LCD screen for the infotainment.
The SUV comes loaded with luxury features like 8-way adjustable driver seat, three-spoke steering wheel with infotainment controls, LED ambient lamps.
There is ample space in the car. The third row is a bit cramped for the taller passengers, but shorter passengers will find ample space in the vehicle.
Safety
The new Fortuner comes with an extensive list of safety features. There are 7 SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist, hill-start assist, vehicle stability control, emergency start-stop signal, downhill assist control, reversing camera and engine immobiliser.
Engine and drive
The new Fortuner comes with two engine options. A 2.8-litre diesel, and a 2.7-litre petrol engine. The 2.8-litre diesel churns out a maximum of 174.5 bhp and 450 Nm of maximum torque. The petrol engine comes with 163.7 bhp and 245 Nm of torque.
The petrol engine does not get an all-wheel-drive option while the diesel engines come with both AWD and 2WD option. Both the engine options get automatic transmission option.
Should you buy one?
The new Fortuner starts at a price of Rs. 30.3 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi. The top-end variant goes up to Rs. 36.4 lakh ex-showroom. The Fortuner sheds its brawny image to become sleeker and modern. There are a lot of options in the line-up too. If you want a petrol-powered SUV in the market, then this is the one you should go for. If you are open to diesel-powered SUVs, you should also look at the Ford Endeavour. The Ford Endeavour also comes with multiple terrain modes that make it more responsive to a different type of situations. However, if you are planning to stick to the tarmac, Fortuner should be an ideal buy.
