Toyota’s product portfolio in India includes its massive chariot-like SUV termed Toyota Fortuner. This masculine car not only indicates Herculean strength but also style and class. The success of the product is clearly indicated by the fact that the company had to pause its booking for approximately half a year to meet its increasing demand. Toyota Fortuner came in a total of 5 different versions till date and two transmission systems.
Engine
Fortuner comes with 1KD-FTV 3.0 l D-4D engine. A powerful 2982CC engine having 171 ps of power output and a strong torque of 343 Nm makes to the entry level of SUV’s in India. In its inception stage, it was launched to compete with Mitsubishi’s Pajero, Ford’s Endeavour, and Chevrolet’s Captiva etc. The new transmission and driveline option makes Fortuner a magnet for consumers. The engine unit functions at approximately 11 variable vanes leading to a lesser turbo lag and thus pulling the car at even low gears. There is low requirement for gear shifts and the engine performs excellently in different conditions. Toyota has reduced the tail-pipe emissions and made the engine BS IV compliant. The step motor reduces the amount of gases and the EGR passage cooling system ensures gas recirculation. The critical factor here is the fuel injection system which makes other technologies in the car efficient.
Exterior
Fortuner somehow resembles the traditional SUV segment and has a somewhat box-like structure with its tallness making it look smart. The Fortuner has immense chrome work on its exteriors, with a headlamp giving adequate visibility in darkness and looks impressive. As far as the bonnet is concerned, it adds a very aggressive look to the car with a scoop like design.The car is lengthy but not as much as some of its competitors. Coming to the back-side, it has ample chrome and tail lamps that do not fail to leave an impact.
Interior
The latest Fortuner comes with a black-wooden kind of finish and beige interiors. The cabin is extremely modern looking and spacious.The console for music has a 6 inch, 2-color touch screen system for entertainment allowing USB, DVD, Bluetooth and Aux.While reversing the car, the same touch screen serves as display for its camera. The steering wheel provides with audio and phone functions like most cars but the controls are placed cautiously to avoid discomfort while driving. The cabin has space for 7 seats and the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable in 6 different dimensions. There is enough legroom even in the centre row and seats are extremely comfortable. The final row has an ample amount of leg-space as compared to its competitors.
Power
Despite of the external dimensions, the car is extremely powerful to drive even in dense traffic. Fortuner is an excellent product to be carried on uneven roads and succeeds in providing comfort to the passengers. All hurdles and bad surfaces send minor vibrations instead of loud thuds to the center and first row.
Style
Fortuner mainly contains all the standard and normal features that all cars in its segment have. An air conditioner with climate control along with seats in leather; steering wheel with controls for entertainment system and audio, electrically adjustable ORVMs, washers for headlamps; a 2 color touch-screen display and camera with sensors for rear parking. The car is immensely spacious in all the three rows but has no thigh support for the last row. The Fortuner has basic safety features such as ABS-EBD, airbags for front passengers and ESP.
Pricing
The pricing of the car falls in the range of Rs. 22.25 to 23.88 Lakh ex-showrooms which are decent for its segment.
Verdict
Toyota has come up with newer and impressive features in its Fortuner along with 2 variants to attract new customers and build its brand. Still the car lacks some features in comparison to its competitors such as adjustable seats at the back etc. We can certainly not ignore its huge, spacious and reasonably affordable approach. The competitive edge of Fortuner is build over its reliability and quality of service.