daniel chigunwe
It’s pretty evident that anything with a Toyota badge sells well, especially in South Africa. And while the hype around the Corolla Cross is well known, we also know that a serious off-roader like the Toyota Fortuner remains spectacularly popular.
At the start of the year, the Fortuner held around 90% of the market share in its segment, close to 4% more than late last year.
Some may consider the Fortuner eye-catching and stylish while others may not, but all would agree that it’s a rugged vehicle.
Bearing in mind that the design of the Fortuner is derived from the Hilux, some may not find it aesthetically pleasing but its off-road performance would surely leave all impressed.
Interior
One doesn’t think of a great interior when ordinarily thinking of a Fortuner, but its flowing lines disrupt conventional views of the Toyota interior.
For one, the instrument cluster with its large color multi-info display stands out.
The enhanced Smart Entry system and push-button start are now standard across the range. At the upper end, the 2.8-litre Fortuner features dual-zone climate control.The XV derivative also has a JBL premium audio system.
Space is also no issue. Golf bags and luggage fit snuggly, even though the attached seats at the back can seem annoying as you hope to capitalize on space when packing.
Engine and power
The 2.8-litre diesel engine has impressive torque (500 Nm) that works well both off-road and in the city.
The Downhill Assist Control (DAC) works great in terms of managing engine braking and pressure. The 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine produces 150kW of power between 3000-3400 r/min.
Worth noting is the fact that the 2.8GD-6 comes exclusively in a six-speed automatic paddle-shift transmission. However, it is available as a rear-wheel-drive or 4X4 model. The mid-range Fortuner engine is the 2.4GD-6. This is a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel producing 110 kW and 400 Nm of torque.
Safety
The Fortuner comes standard with dual-SRS airbags and an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution. Added safety includes curtain airbags, traction control, trailer sway control, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist control.
All occupants have seat belts and ISOFIX child anchor points at the rear row. That means kids can be secured even better than before.
Final thoughts
Buying the Fortuner means there’s a great chance you have a genuine interest in off-road driving — this vehicle is more at home in the bush than in the urban jungle.
It’s not a pseudo off-road vehicle, so prepare to feel the bumps. The variable flow power steering pump is designed to assist at lower speeds.
All in all, it’s no surprise that this vehicle will remain a top seller for a very long time — News24.com.
Bongani Ndlovu