Family favourite Fortuner is latest to benefit Toyota’s relentless program of improvement
Our friends over at Toyota are keeping us busy. Seems they’re intent at improving anything they can get their hands on, as often as possible. Now it’s another South African favourite’s chance — roll that drum — here comes an enhanced Fortuner, too!
A runaway success since inception back in 2006, now in its second generation, the 7-seater Fortuner continues to offer a most popular mix of style, versatility, off-road prowess and practicality. It’s quite simply a staple SUV die in South Africa.
Now for 2021, Toyota has amplified those core Fortuner attributes. It’s sharpened the styling, enhanced specific levels, improved performance and added a new flagship grade, too.
NOW FORTUNER GAINS VX SPEC TOO
Big news is that a new VX grade joins the venerable entry and mid models on the Fortuner range. The new range-topping 2.8 GD-6 VX borrows its badge from Toyota’s RAV4, Prado and Land Cruiser 200 ranges to denote the highest specification level on offer.
That comes with a fresh new Fortuner face across the range. There’s now a larger, blacked-out wave-mesh pattern grille that gains a gloss finish on VX atop a silver skid-plate for a tougher, more integrated look. New, even sleeker daylight running Bi-LED headlamps get prominent chrome eyelids that bridge the grille. Add LED fog lamps and LED strip turn-signals in the lower bumper that double as additional puddle lights after dark.
VX adds a thin, chrome belt-line wrapping around the rear, while new taillight clusters units add to a striking night-time signature under a roof spoiler. 2.4 GD-6 models retain their 17-inch alloy wheels, while 2.8 GD-6 models get stylish new 18-inch turbine alloys with a metallic surface treatment. A new Oxide Bronze hue also joins the 7-colour palette. All of which adds to a sleeker, more premium new Fortuner appeal.
SPACIOUS CABIN GAINS SOPHISTICATION
Fortuner has answered market demands and shifted to a sophisticated new black ‘hide’ cabin trim with silver contrast stitching , in place of rather the old kaka brown brown. High-brightness treatment accents and blue mood lighting further contribute to a more premium atmosphere. A new metallic-blue dialled instrument cluster gets white needles and an elegant new font.
A major cabin advance comes via Fortuner’s expanded New-Generation Multi-Information Display Infotainment. Now with seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mobile mirroring as well as Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Add Google Maps and Waze navigation and Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify and SoundCloud music library access. 2.8 GD-6 models add Audio Visual Navigation too.
New Fortuner also adapts the recently enhanced 1GD generation 2.8 GD-6 engine out of Hilux. Now 20kW up to 150kW, with an additional 50Nm to hoist torque to 500Nm, Toyota promises improved performance and fuel economy quieter running too. An improved larger roller bearing turbocharger and a new 250 MPA common-rail injection system are the cuprits. It all makes for crisper, stronger throttle response, they say.
The six-speed automatic transmission has also benefited a refresh. An earlier lockup point further improves acceleration and cooling performance, especially while towing a 300kg heavier 3.3 ton trailer, across the range. Fortuner’s double-wishbone suspension front and four-link the rear all-coil spring suspension gains a new variable-flow control power-steering pump
AN INDICATION OF SPECIFICATION
Looking at spec, over and above the already mentioned aspects, Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 gets park distance control, one-touch power windows, a reverse camera and a tilt and telescopic multifunction steering wheel. There’a a cooled upper glovebox, multiple power outlets and cup holders and the full array of airbags, ISOFIX child seat restraints and seatbelt pre-tensioners.
All Fortuners also come with ABS, EBD and power assisted brakes; traction, vehicle stability and trailer sway controls, while and 4×4 models add downhill assistance too. Add anti-theft, speed-dependent auto-door locking and keyless entry. And all Fortuners come with Toyota Connect telematics including in-car Wi-Fi and 15Gb complimentary data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle via the MyToyota App.
The 2.8 GD-6 mid-grade adds climate control, power front seats and leather to the steering wheel and dashboard accents with matte wood-trim. And an electro-chromatic rear view mirror. The new VX model also throws in front seat heating, welcome lighting and Toyota Safety Sense. That integrates a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, adaptive cruisecontrol and road sign recognition for that extra peace of mind.
All Fortuner models come with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. A 9-services/90 000 km service plan is standard on all models, all upgradable to extended service plans and warranty packages at your Toyota dealer, where new Fortuner is waiting for you now.
Toyota Fortuner Pricing 2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT R566K 2.4 GD-6 RB 6AT R588K 2.4 GD-6 4X4 6AT R616K 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT R700K 2.8 GD-6 4X4 6AT R770K 2.8 GD-6 RB VX 6AT R720K 2.8 GD-6 4X4 VX 6AT R790K
