Toyota is in the process of launching its new Fortuner in South Africa. We'll bring you the full story and driving impressions on Monday, but in the meantime we'll let you in on some of the basic details - including the new entry-level model.
The new 2.5 D-4D 4x2 brings the starting price of the Fortuner down from R383 200 to R325 500 and the only real penalty is that you'll have to live with a smaller engine. While the familiar 3.0 D-4D turbodiesel engine, which soldiers on in other models, makes 120kW and 343Nm, the new 2.5-litre 16-valve commonrail turbodiesel unit brings those figures down to 106kW at 3400rpm and 343Nm between 1600 and 2800rpm.
This urge is channelled to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox and no 4x4 version is offered at this stage. Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.0 litres per 100km and a top speed of 175km/h.
Not too much appears to have given way in terms of specification, the 2.5 D-4D packing 17-inch alloy wheels, seven seats, air conditioning with rear ventilation outlet, electric windows and mirrors, a CD/USB/Aux sound system linked to steering wheel controls and an on-board computer. On the seating front, leather makes way for cloth though but the safety spec is still there, with the entry model packing dual front airbags, ABS and Vehicle Stability Control.
3.0 D-4D and 4.0 V6 models add luxuries like cruise control, leather trim, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, electrically-adjustable driver's seat as well as side and curtain-level airbags.
This is the Fortuner's biggest stylistic update since arriving on our shores and though the basic shape remains unchanged, it has a totally redesigned front end that brings it into line with the styling themes seen on the latest Hilux and the rear end and interior also benefit from noticeable, albeit more subtle, changes.
PRICING:
2.5 D-4D - R325 500
3.0 D-4D - R395 000
3.0 D-4D AT - R406 300
3.0 D-4D 4x4 - R439 800
3.0 D-4D 4x4 AT - R451 200
4.0 V6 AT - R422 300
4.0 V6 4x4 AT - R466 900
Prices include the usual five-year/90 000km service plan.