Toyota South Africa has introduced the latest iteration of the best selling medium-size SUV, the 2020 Fortuner.
Much like the recently updated Hilux model the Fortuner is following in the footsteps of its bakkie sibling. While we wait to get our hands on the 2020 Fortuner for a test drive at the end of November, here are the key upgrades from the digital launch.
NEW FACE
The Fortuner has some changes to the outside, for a start, there’s far less fiddly chrome detailing. The grille is now a black wave-like mesh bordered by solid chrome accent that runs into the light cluster, the range-topping VX model will get a gloss-black grille. The Bi-LED headlight clusters have been tweaked resulting in a sleeker look.
There’s been a change in the colour options, gone is the popular ‘champagne’ colour Avant-Garde Bronze, replaced by a new colour Oxide Bronze. Glacier White, Chromium Silver, Graphite Grey and Attitude Black provide the neutral tones, while Cosmic Blue and Chestnut Brown remain for those we want a little bit of pizazz in the colour mix.
NEW SPEC LINE – VX
Following the lead of the Land Cruiser 200, Prado, and RAV4 the 2020 Fortuner gains a range-topping VX spec line with the new 2.8 GD-6 engine.
NEW POWER OUTPUT
Like the Hilux power upgrade, the 2.8 GD-6 units gets an extra 20 kW and 50 Nm bringing total figures to 150 kW and 500 Nm.
The 6-speed auto gearbox has been recalibrated for improved performance and cooling while towing.
NEW TAKKIE SIZE
The 2.4 GD-6 variants will remain running on 17-inch alloys ( 265/65 R17) while the 2.8 GD-6 gets metallic-turbine design 18-inch alloys (265/60 R18).
NEW INTERIOR
The public has spoken and Toyota has listened, the Fortuner’s famous, or infamous brown interior has been replaced by a black interior, silver-stitching complements the black seats.
NEW INFOTAINMENT
An all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, map-apps Waze and Google Maps are included amongst Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify, and Sound Cloud. The range-topping VX has Audio Visual Navigation as standard.
NEW TOWING CAPACITY
The 2.4 GD-6 4×4 gets an 800kg towing capacity increase, while the 2.8 GD-6 4×4 gets a 300kg increase, the result is that both can now tow 3.3 tonnes with ease.
NEW TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE
We’ve experienced Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) in the new Corolla, C-HR, and Hilux, and now it’s standard on the Fortuner too. TSS includes pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and road sign recognition.
TSS joins the existing array of airbags, ISOFIX, seatbelt pre-tensioners and a full suite of active safety aids (ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, Traction Control). As before, 4×4 models also include Downhill Assist Control (DAC).
A comprehensive anti-theft system, speed-dependent auto-door lock function and keyless entry are included across the board.
2020 FORTUNER Model Line-up and Pricing
Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB 6MT – R 566 800
Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB 6AT – R 588 000
Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4X4 6AT – R 616 700
Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT – R 700 100
Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4X4 6AT – R 770 400
Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 RB VX 6AT – R 720 200
Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4X4 VX 6AT – R 790 500
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 (service intervals of 10 000 km or 12-months). Customers can purchase extended service plans and warranty packages via their Toyota dealer.
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