New Toyota Fortuner officially unveiled

Toyota has just released official images of the all-new Fortuner ahead of its global unveil. Low-quality images of the new SUV had already been doing the rounds, but these are the first high-res pics where all details and features are clearly visible.

The design language is now more in line with current-gen Toyota off-roaders sold internationally. Up front, the look of the car is characterised by the wedge shaped bonnet, with the headlights recessed well back. Big, fat chrome bars have been used to help define the V-shaped grille and there's loads of chrome around the fog lamps as well. Toyota has also used LED daytime-running lamps to help 'bling-up' the nose of the new Fortuner. Moving on to the sides, the front fenders are squared and wide, and the wheel arches are large enough to take the big, 12-spoke alloy wheels.

The sides are characterised by a 'floating pillar-less' roof and a kink in the beltline, both radical features that are seldom used on traditional body-on-frame SUVs. But Toyota evidently wanted the new, second-generation Fortuner to really stand out from the crowd and look radical. It's quite new-age from the rear as well. The pillarless glass breaks up the mass well, the sleek tail-lights merge with the bar of chrome quite nicely and the wide rear bumper prevents the SUV from looking too top heavy.

But though the new Fortuner looks much sleeker, it's still a traditional body-on-frame SUV under the skin. While the front suspension is similar to the new Hilux pick up (available internationally), the Fortuner gets a more passenger-friendly five-link coil-spring rear suspension layout. Unlike the earlier Fortuner that was full-time four-wheel-drive, the current car gets a part-time system. The new Fortuner will be available in 2WD and 4WD variants with shift-on-the-fly tech. It will also come with a rear differential lock on some variants and hill descent control as well.

The other big change on the next-gen Fortuner will be Toyota’s new GD series engines. They comprise two diesels  – a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, expected to replace the current 2.5-litre diesel unit, and a 2.8-litre motor 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. Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, depending on the variant.

Inside, the dashboard is also modern and soft roader-like. Similar to the current-generation Corolla Altis sold in India, it gets a mix of dark and light brown soft-touch materials and some faux aluminum highlights. The large infotainment screen sits at the centre and the controls for HVAC are placed below. On higher trims, the seven-seat cabin will get leather seats and a new four-spoke steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls.

The Toyota Fortuner for international markets will come with features such as a rear-view camera, seven airbags, hill descent control, rear AC vents, large touchscreen, 17-inch wheels, disc brakes front and rear and a cooled glove box. Higher variants are likely to come with rear parking sensors, keyless smart entry and start, downhill assist control, bi-LED headlamps and LED DRLs, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloys with highway tyres.

The new Toyota Fortuner will compete with the likes of the new Ford Endeavour and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport globally. We expect Toyota to bring the new Fortuner to Indian shores soon.