– By Marc Sibbald –
When I first saw the first images of the Toyota Fortuner early this year I knew it would become one of the top five vehicles people considered when getting a quote for their next novated lease.
And it appears I’m not the only one.
Phill Boxsell from Toyota Fleet Management agrees the Fortuner is an outstanding package. “Fortuner is great value and should attract families that want something that can take them camping off the main tracks, or on the beach for some fishing, or time away from the city” says Boxsell.
“We have already seen plenty of customer enquiries and we expect to be delivering some Fortuners just in time for the Christmas holidays”.
Rod Caldwell, business development manager at Motorama Group says, “The Fortuner provides an alternative for customers looking for a large towing capacity with great fuel economy at an affordable price”.
Most dealers agree that Toyota has nailed it with the Fortuner because the towing capacity is up to 3.5 tonne in a comfortable, well priced and family friendly seven seater SUV wagon with all the modern day appointments.
The Fortuner will appeal to buyers that have previously settled for a dual cab 4X4 to get the off-road performance.
“From a novated lease point of view, it’s exciting to see that the top of the range (Crusader) will come with all the bells and whistles to keep even the fussiest family member satisfied. It’s a vehicle that will be happy on city streets or the toughest 4WD playgrounds you can find. And will still retail at less than the larger yet ever popular mid-range Prado GXL at a price point that will open a whole new market for Toyota” confirms Caldwell.
This market segment will be keeping dealers busy over the coming months because of the recently released Ford Everest and the impending new Pajero Sport (A Challenger replacement due in December).
These vehicles will be fighting against established models like the tried and tested Mitsubishi Pajero, Holden Colorado 7, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Prado.
Caldwell also suggests Toyota Kluger, Kia Sorento, Holden Captiva and Ford Territory as novated lease or company fleet options for those not planning any off-road adventures.
“I really think Motorama customers will be spoilt for choice and this Toyota Fortuner, with great 4WD and towing capability, is going to put a lot of pressure on the other makes and models”.
