The first look at the Toyota Fortuner that will available in Australia in October. This could be the next novated lease top seller for fleet management companies.
Fortuner will be offered in Australia in three grades – GX, GXL and Crusade – all powered by Toyota’s new 2.8-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
A new six-speed manual gearbox includes ‘intelligent’ technology on GXL and Crusade grades to ensure smoother shifting by matching engine speed to transmission speed. A newly developed six-speed automatic transmission is also available.
A part-time 4×4 during day-to-day driving, owners can turn a dial to access Fortuner’s impressive four-wheel-drive ability in high or low range.
The suspension package was developed and tuned by local engineers to meet Australia’s harsh conditions, with double wishbones at the front and a five-link, coil-spring configuration at the rear for impressive handling stability and ride comfort on all surfaces. Front and rear stabiliser bars suppress body roll.
The vehicle’s off-road prowess is enhanced by a rear differential lock with the componentry placed within the differential housing for greater off-road protection.
Significant local development was also applied to ensure optimum tuning of the stability and active traction control electronics for local conditions, particularly for use on gravel. Drivers can disable the electronics for specific off-road situations, such as driving in slippery mud or sand.
A reversing camera is standard across the range, as are seven airbags, hill-start assist control and an emergency stop signal. Toyota expects Fortuner to attract the top five-star safety rating.
