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Toyota Fortuner 3.0 MT |
Snapshot Hot Cars 2010 |
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Test Vehicle: Toyota Fortuner 3.0 MT
Base Price: 18,45,000 (Ex showroom Delhi)
Engine Type: 3.0-litre, 4-cylinders, 16 valves, Common-Rail, Turbocharged with intercooler, Diesel
Engine Size and Type: 2,982cc
Engine Max Power: 171PS at 3,600rpm
Engine Torque: 343Nm at 1,400-3,400rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Drive System: 4WD
Max Speed: 171kmph
Fuel Economy (city): 8km/litre
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Fuel Economy (highway): 13km/litre
Length: 4,695mm
Width: 1,840mm
Wheelbase: 2,750mm
Height: 1,850mm
Max. Seating Capacity: Seven
Max. Cargo Volume: 200 litres
Ground Clearance: 221mm
Kerb Weight : 1,955kg
Warranty: NA |
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Remember the maxim, 'better late than never?' It couldn't be more appropriate when used in context to the delayed arrival of the Toyota Fortuner in India. The world's largest automaker had withheld the induction of its champion SUV into the Indian auto market for a good five years after its international debut. The Fortuner was finally launched in India in August of this year, and the desi SUV Tifosi's can't seem to be getting enough of it, which explains why five thousand units of the 4X4 have already been sold. It is worthwhile to mention here that Toyota had a sales target of only two thousand units of the behemoth SUV for the year-end.
The Toyota Fortuner, manufactured for India at the company's Bidadi facility in Karnataka, is built on the Hilux pick-up truck platform on which Toyota's famous MPV, the Innova is also based. In an automotive segment comprising vehicles that do not do justice to the SUV badge, the Fortuner is perhaps the only vehicle besides the Ford Endeavour and the Mitsubishi Pajero to live up to its sports utility vehicle credentials. But unlike the Endeavour, which is very truck-like and the Pajero which is ancient, the Fortuner is a sublime and modern machine encompassing a world of power, panache, luxury, refinement and quality. No wonder it is the best-selling SUV in its category in numerous countries, including Thailand and the Philippines.
Powered by a prodigious 3.0-litre, D-4D common rail diesel engine that generates a whooping 171PS of maximum power at 3600rpm and a torque of 343Nm available in between 1400-3400rpm, the Fortuner oozes power. The turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder engine on the basis of its sheer power creates a vast lacuna between itself and its rivals, placing the Fortuner at the higher echelons of the premium SUV realm in the country. In addition to its brute strength, the Fortuner is also immensely torquey and offers seamless power delivery, courtesy of the variable geometry turbo. It is not surprising therefore, that the leviathan has an impressive rate of acceleration and an overtaking prowess that defies its huge size and bulk. Taking 16 seconds to notch up the ton from stand still and with a maximum speed of 171kmph, the Fortuner makes mockery of the age-old myth about SUVs and speed. And that's not the only myth-defying act that it plays out. Delivering a respectable 8kms to the litre within the confines of the city and 13kmpl on the highway, the Fortuner for its corpulent form is decently fuel-efficient. What more, with an 80-litre fuel tank, the pick-up truck based passenger vehicle is good to be driven for 640kms inside the city and 1040kms on the highway without having to refuel. This means that one can drive from Delhi to Chandigarh four times on the Fortuner without having to make a pit stop. Now, isn't that cool?
The Toyota Fortuner employs the services of a 5-speed manual gearbox for now, with a 4-speed automatic version likely to enter the fray somewhere in the next year. The vehicle has full-time 4-Wheel drive system with differential locks and a two-speed low ratio transfer box, giving it impeccable offroading capability.
Designed in Thailand and developed by Thai and Japanese engineers, the Fortuner is a hulk of an SUV, possessing the macho and robust looks that one naturally relates with a sports utility vehicle. The newest Toyota in the country proudly wears a tag on its sleeve, which reads, 'Don't mess with me'. The sheer size of the SUV gives it an immensely commanding and intimidating road presence, compelling one to give it some respect. The Fortuner is an impressive sight, as brawny as it is handsome.
With its two slats radiator grille on which sits the prominent Toyota logo, contemporary projector headlamps, chunky bumper wherein sits a pair of foglamps, smart skid plates and a bonnet scoop, the Fortuner is unmistakably Japanese at the front. Appearing as if standing on vertiginous stilettos owing to its tall height (221mm ground clearance), the side profile is equally captivating if not more. The conjunction of ski rails, high waistline, heavily creased body, flared wheelarches and the massive six-spoke alloys on 265/65 17-inch radials, greatly boost the appeal of the flanks. The posterior of the Fortuner could belong to any SUV. Infact, the rear spoiler and combination tail lamps helps one to draw comparisons between the derrieres of the Fortuner and the old Lexus LX470.
Given the massive proportions, it comes as no surprise that the Fortuner is cavernous on the inside. It is a proper seven-seater with three seats of rows; all possessing ample legroom, kneeroom, shoulder room and not to mention headroom. The plush beige upholstered seats are flawless and comfortable, providing generous under-thigh support.
There is an up-market feel to the cabin of the Fortuner, most of which is derived from the Innova like two-tone ergonomic dashboard and center console, stylishly designed so as to appeal to the eye. The wood veneer on the console and armrests and the lush fabric upholstery also amplifies the luxurious and rich feel of the interior.
Being a premium sports utility vehicle, it behooves the Toyota Fortuner to carry an array of features for creature comfort and safety, which incidentally is an aspect that features very high in the list of priorities for customers today. The Fortuner is as impressive in this regard, as it is in others, possessing comfort and convenience features such as automatic climate control, multi-information display, multi-functional steering wheel, illuminated cigarette lighter, height adjustable front seat belts & driver's seat and an integrated 6-CD entertainment system.
Toyota's acclaimed GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) implemented on the Fortuner means that the body shell has been designed in a manner that guarantees maximum crash impact resistance and crash energy distribution. In addition to the strong body and side impact beams, the Fortuner features a range of active and passive safety features such as, dual front SRS airbags, ABS and a Rear Sonar.
The Toyota Fortuner is a veritable SUV, immensely powerful, efficient and capable of handling harsh terrains with relative ease. But what is most beautiful about the Fortuner is that its offroading prowess doesn't come at the cost of comfort and ride quality. Infact, this is an SUV that switches effortlessly in between city driving and offroading. And at Rs. 18.45 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), the Fortuner is very aptly priced, being much cheaper compared to softroaders such as the Honda CR-V. To put in a nutshell, the Toyota Fortuner is a champion stallion, one that deserves all the accolades and awards that is has garnered ever since its initiation.
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