With a couple of new two-wheel drive variants added to its line-up, the 2012 Fortuner promises to bring more luck to Toyota
The Toyota Fortuner has demonstrated its 4x4 off-roading abilities since its launch in October 2009 as it moved towards the top slot of the SUVs in the Rs 20 lakh price range. Now, two years after its Indian launch, this Toyota has reinvented itself to keep up with the changing times. The 2012 Fortuner not only gets a facelift, but also comes in two new 4x2 options along with the proven 4x4 version.
The exterior design has reflections of the Land Cruiser with new angular HID headlamps (now with washers), a wide front grille, a well-contoured and beefy bumper and a larger hood scoop for the inter-cooler. These new stylistic aspects together give the new Fortuner a wider and meaner stance. However, the new design of its alloy wheels looks less exciting than the one it replaces. The integrated indicators on the outer rear-view mirrors and new side-steps are welcome additions to the list of features. The newly introduced sharp character lines on the sides enhance the side profile of this SUV. The rear has also undergone noticeable changes and now sports new, curvaceous, clear-lens tail-lights and a re-designed bumper. The new colours for the Fortuner include 'Blue Metallic' and 'Silky Gold'.
The interior of this SUV has also been worked upon. It now gets a new steering wheel, with a bit of faux wood and newly designed audio controls mounted on it. Even the 'Optitron' meter console gets a fresh profile and now seems more eye-friendly. The faux wood trims are now darker and appear much better than the ones in the previous model. The dashboard now proudly houses a new music system with a six-inch touch-screen, new DVD player, USB, AUX ports and Bluetooth. The touch-screen with the reverse camera doubles as a handy park assist system. This infotainment system has become standard for a couple of other Toyota models such as the Corolla and new Innova.
Another convenient feature is the electrically powered, six-way adjustable driver's seat. The top-of-the-line Fortuner 4x4 gets VSC (vehicle stability control) with EBD and brake assist for improved safety. In case of oversteer or understeer, VSC automatically adjusts the engine’s power output and brakes each wheel independently to bring the SUV back in control.
Though the 2012 Fortuner is powered by the same three-litre D-4D diesel motor with no change in the power output, it now also offers a 4x2 with five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions. It might have lost some of its off-roading ability, but the two-wheel drive option will surely scale new heights on Toyota's annual sales chart. The new versions will be roughly 90 kg lighter than the four-wheel drive one and, for the same reason, will have a shorter turning radius.
Not much has changed in terms of the Fortuner's driveablity, which is a good thing, but now the steering feels easier to manoeuvre. The convenience of an automatic makes it ideal for city use. I tried a bit of off-roading during my test drive and the SUV felt pretty much at home. Its gear ratios are ideal for hassle-free city driving and the hefty 343 Nm of torque keeps the momentum going. It's only on highways that the four-speed gearbox feels reluctant to down-shift during a quick overtake. The 'AT' also gets cruise control feature, but there only a few roads here where it can actually be put to use.
The Fortuner 4x2 manual is more engaging to drive and has just the right combination of on-road and some basic off-road abilities since the driver can squeeze the maximum juice out of the five-speed transmission. Moreover, the 4x2 manual promises to go a couple of kilometres longer than the automatic one.
The new Fortuner will be unveiled at the Auto Expo 2012 and will thereafter appear in Toyota showrooms. The good news is that even the 4x2 automatic will be priced below the current 4x4 version. With more variants, features and styling we might soon see more Fortuners on the road than ever before.
Story: Sarmad Kadiri
Photography: Rommel Albuquerque
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