After a long wait and numerous spy pictures, Toyota has finally unveiled the 2016 Fortuner in Australia and Thailand. It is based on the all new Hilux pickup truck.
One SUV the world has been waiting for is the 2016 Toyota Fortuner. While details have been floating around since some time, recently there was a spike in the number of spy shots too. Finally the Japanese auto giant has unveiled the much awaited vehicle in Australia and Thailand simultaneously. The SUV will be available at Australian dealerships by the end of October 2015 which means that the Indian launch can be expected at the 2016 Auto Expo. While the looks of the vehicle have changed drastically, it gets a new range of more powerful engines too.
On the outside, the second generation Toyota Fortuner looks totally different from the current one. It looks much more upmarket due to the imposing chrome grille and projector headlamps. The side profile has also changed a lot with the most noticeable change being the alloy wheels and the window line. Subtle chrome highlights on the sides break the bulk of the vehicle. Rear end is relatively simpler with newer and more contemporary looking LED tail lamps stealing the show. Overall the new version of the Fortuner looks more premium SUVish rather than the truck like looks of the older model. While some may prefer this, there are some who wouldn’t like the new design.
The interiors of the 2016 Toyota Fortuner have got major updates and are much more luxurious now. The current Fortuner customers have often complained about the pedestrian interiors and this has made Toyota work on them. The dashboard design is all new and it looks more modern. Touchscreen audio system, new steering wheel and updated instrument cluster are the other obvious changes. Brushed aluminium highlights add a touch of class to the cabin. Black leather seats uplift the look of the cabin and would be easy to maintain. The auto transmission gear selector is also new and so is the gearbox.
Changes to the drivetrain of the Toyota Fortuner are extensive with it getting a new series of engines and gearboxes. The SUV will get the new GD series of diesel engines which includes a range topping 2.8-litre unit producing 177 BHP of power and 420 Nm of torque. The smaller diesel engine is a 2.4-litre unit producing 160 BHP and 400 Nm of torque. While these two engines will most likely make it to India, international markets will also get two petrol engine options. Transmission option includes a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic transmission which will make cruising in the beast much easier.
The Australian version of the Toyota Fortuner which was unveiled today also gets a lot of safety equipment and creature comforts. A reversing camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear disc brakes and an air conditioned compartment for food and drinks will be standard. Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, emergency stop signal and hill start assist. Bi-LED headlamps, LED DRLs, reverse parking sensors, keyless smart entry and 18-inch alloy wheels have been added to higher variants. We hope that most of the above listed equipment makes it to the Indian market too considering the high price customers in the country will pay for the behemoth.
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