Following the leaked pictures of the new Toyota Fortuner, Toyota has finally, officially revealed details of one of the best-selling vehicles in South Africa. As has been the case with the current Fortuner, the new model has a design of its own, sharing only little design details with the new Hilux on which it is based.
The exterior design is an obvious, and a significant step up from the current model. Inside, depending on the model, the SUV will feature a “tablet-inspired” infotainment screen. Off-road adventurers will be interested to know that the manual system used to select the 4×4 system and low-range has been replaced by an electronic system. The second row of seats now also offers a one-touch electric operation.
More importantly, the all-new frame on which the SUV is based is stronger than the outgoing model. At the front double wishbones have been implemented and a four-link setup at the rear. At the rear an additional stabiliser has been installed to assist with on-road smoothness according to Toyota.
Powering the rear- or all four wheels will be the new 2,4- and 2,8-litre turbodiesel engines. However, Toyota said they will only reveal petrol engine derivatives closer to the local launch dates. There will also be a new six-speed automatic transmission, while the manual gearboxes will offer rev-matching technology, the same technology that will be offered on the upcoming Hilux.
This new Fortuner will go on sale in Thailand today, while South Africa will need to wait until the second quarter of next year for the local introduction.
