Toyota Fortuner 3.0 4WD automatic review, test drive

What is it?

The Fortuner is Toyota's hardy body-on-frame SUV. A car that has always been at the top of its class, the original was introduced in 2009, with a facelift appearing in 2011. But while the Fortuner was sold in both four-wheel-drive guise and later as an automatic, the combination of the two, a four-wheel-drive auto, hasn't been put on sale: until now.

New bits on the exterior that help identify it as a 4X4 automatic include semi 'blacked out' parts like the alloys, and Toyota has added some aftermarket 'smoked' headlights and tail-lights for a more 'custom' look.

Under the skin, the Fortuner gets a five-speed torque convertor-equipped automatic gearbox and full-time four-wheel-drive system. More serious off road kit like a low range gearbox and lockable differentials are carried over. But there is no shift-on-the-fly system, and instead, the manual four-wheel-drive mode selector lever is carried over. This Fortuner uses the168bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine, and it needs all that power; kerb weight is now up to two tonnes.