SYDNEY: Toyota Australia is set to add another SUV to its burgeoning line-up.
The Japanese car maker is expected to confirm the addition of the next-generation HiLux-based Fortuner seven-seater next year as a direct rival for the likes of the Holden Colorado7 and Isuzu MU-X twins and Ford’s upcoming Everest.
The current Fortuner was designed and engineered in Australia and built alongside the HiLux in Thailand – as well as Indonesia, India, Malaysia and South America – as a more affordable alternative to its Prado and Kluger models for emerging markets.
The original car was styled and developed by Toyota Australia’s technical arm, Toyota Technical Centre, using the rugged underpinnings of the present HiLux and is powered by either a 3.0-litre turbo diesel, 2.7-litre four cylinder or 4.0-litre V6 with a four-wheel drive transmission.
With the Kluger only available with a thirsty 3.5-litre V6, Toyota Australia is looking at the Fortuner as a more affordable diesel-powered SUV to sit under its popular Prado.
“I think [Fortuner] presents some opportunities as there is a lot of activity happening in that space and it is a core part of our business,” Toyota Australia’s product planning manager, Stephen Wright, told Drive.
The next Fortuner will be based on the all-new HiLux that was spied recently ahead of its official reveal later this year and showroom arrival in early 2016.
Beyond the Fortuner – one of 10 all-new or heavily revised models due to arrive in Australia over the next 12 months – Wright hinted that Toyota is evaluating even more opportunities to cash-in on the SUV boom.
“The whole SUV lineup at Toyota is currently under review,” he said.
While he wouldn’t elaborate on any details, a production version of the C-HR concept shown at last year’s Paris motor show is expected to be revealed at this year’s Tokyo motor show, giving Toyota a city-sized SUV to slot under the RAV4 as a rival for the likes of the upcoming Mazda CX-3 and Jeep Renegade and recent arrivals such as the Renault Captur, updated Holden Trax, Peugeot 2008 and Ford Ecosport.
Although it might add more SUVs to its range – which currently extends from RAV4, through Kluger, Prado and LandCruiser variants – it is not yet clear whether Toyota will replace its retro-styled FJ Cruiser. Despite being dropped from the US last year, the company has said its short-term future here is guaranteed with Australian models sourced from Japan.
