SYDNEY: THE 2016 TOYOTA FORTUNER has been launched in Australia with prices starting from $47,990 (+ORC) for the Fortuner GX. Practical Motoring attended the local launch and will have first impressions of the new off-roader online soon. Stay tuned.
Toyota says Australian-based engineers had a big hand in the development of its new seven-seat Fortuner with local evaluation of the “body, wiring and key underpinnings”.
Toyota’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said Fortuner is the largest single development program ever undertaken by the company’s local engineers.
“If Fortuner could speak, it would have a strong Aussie accent as the most Australian car Toyota has ever imported to this country,” Mr Cramb said.
“Fortuner is the turbo-diesel alternative to the similar-size petrol-only Kluger and offers an affordable choice for those who aspire to own a LandCruiser,” he said.
“Fortuner is a chameleon, transforming seamlessly from a prestigious urban transporter to the most rugged of off-road explorers, ideal for any adventure. It’s a Tardis too – spacious on the inside yet easy to manoeuvre through city traffic.”
The Fortuner is available in Australia in three grades: GX, GXL and Crusade. All variants of Fortuner are powered by Toyota’s tweaked 2.8-litre four-cylinder common-rail direct-injection turbo-diesel engine with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Maximum power and torque is 130kW and 450Nm for the automatic and 420Nm for the manual. Braked towing capacity is listed as being 3000kg for the manual and 2800kg for the auto. Toyota claims a combined 7.8L/100km for the manual and 8.6L/100km for the auto – the auto is a $2000 premium.
Fortuner’s standard features include air-conditioning, rear differential lock, touch-screen audio display with Toyota Link connected mobility, cruise control, side steps and 17-inch steel wheels with “all-terrain tyres”. Toyota says it expects to achieve the maximum five-star safety rating as all variants are equipped with stability and active traction control, seven airbags, reversing camera, trailer sway control, hill-start assist control and rake-and-reach adjustments for the steering column. It includes three top-tether anchors and two ISOFIX child-seat mounts.
