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Looks
This is a style that grows on you. The more you look at the Fortuner the more you like it. The platform is shared with the legendry Hilux pickup which gives it a lot of rigidity and ruggedness, something that the Indian buyer has loved on the SUV. The wheelbase remains the same but the now the car is both longer and wider than before. There is a clear inspiration from the Lexus brand though one thing that is missing owing to the new design theme is the body cladding something a few may not like. The protection they offer especially when the car goes off-roading will now not be there. The Chromium finished surround window beltline and the LED rear combination lamps with aerofins make the SUV look rich and fit into those two words that Toyota is emphasizing a lot on – Tough and Cool.
Interiors
When compared to the previous generation, this is a whole new world. The driver side seat can be adjusted electronically including for the height but on other seats the head close to the roof that doesn’t make it very comfortable for tall people more so in off-roading conditions. The touch screen display system has satellite navigation, entertainment as well as a rear parking camera. Storage options also are available in plenty and on the long family trips will come in very handy. It’s a minimalistic design with not too many buttons making their way to the dash and that seems to be the trend off late especially in premium cars. The meter console gives you a lot of information and makes it easier for the driver with all the feed and looks cool too. The story with the third row is the same as good or as bad as is the case with others in the segment like the Endeavour and Santa Fe. Since the second row seats can be tumbled down the access is easy but once you’re there spending long hours especially for the adults may be cumbersome. A special mention has to be made of the tail gate that is now electronically powered. It comes with memory functions and depending on the height of the user the tail gate height can be adjusted.
This is a style that grows on you. The more you look at the Fortuner the more you like it. The platform is shared with the legendry Hilux pickup which gives it a lot of rigidity and ruggedness, something that the Indian buyer has loved on the SUV.
Engine
We started our drive on the busy Kerala highways with the 2.8 4WD litre manual Diesel variant of the Fortuner. Now this engine has also been seen on the Crysta but another Diesel motor that is seen on the latter, the 2.4 litre one is missing here. This 177 PS engine provides 420 Nm of maximum torque and the good thing is that the peak torque kicks in between 1600 and 2400 rpm which is good for a vehicle that is now heavier than before. Also when compared to before the NVH levels are kept in check and you’ll be surprised at how quiet this Diesel car is. Having said that the 6 speed transmission can certainly do better when it comes to changing gears and feels chunky at times. On the Automatic too, the gearshifts are a little slow, something that we saw on the Crysta as well. The manual comes with something called as IMT or intelligent manual transmission which ensures the rpm needle stays within a range thereby aiding in tough driving situations. A 2.7 litre 166 PS petrol also makes its debut on the Fortuner but misses out on getting a 4WD.
Ride & Handling
A light steering and a light clutch also means that the drive is now more relaxed than before. The SUV also brakes better than before marking another area where Toyota has managed to give us a better product than before. But the wheel could do with some more feedback. The newly developed frame structure delivers impressive rigidity and the new suspension along with advanced damping technology enhances ride comfort something that a current Fortuner owner will definitely feel when he gets into this new car. The handling also is better than before. The SUV comes with and 17 and 18 inch alloy options going largely with the norm in the segment.
Verdict
The Fortuner is now a better performer and has also become more luxurious than before. It is also safe as it has ABS with EBD, 7 airbags along with some other active and passive features. It is the more sophisticated design that may not find favour with some loyalists. It can be bought for Rs. 25.92 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the 2WD petrol variant and goes up to Rs. 31.12 lakh for the 4WD diesel automatic. That’s a little over the Endeavour for a car that’s equally good if not better. The battle has just begun.
Shams Naqvi is an anchor/producer for the News X motor show Living Cars