Toyota Fortuner, the Japanese car giant's mid-sized SUV is also known as Toyota SW4. Over the years it has become a favorite SUV for families and road-cruise lovers.
It was initially launched in 2005 and it has markets in Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and UAE, Singapore, South Africa, Venezuela and Vietnam.
As per the latest review on Carsguide, this SUV's ''new body, wiring and key underpinnings were designed and developed by Australians, while the rugged frame, engine, all-coil suspension and strong upper body were proven Down Under in some of the world's toughest testing.''
Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb talked in details about the ''biggest single development program undertaken by the company's local engineers'' in Australia. "If Fortuner could speak," he said jokingly, "it would have a strong Aussie accent." "At a starting price of less than $50,000, Fortuner is the turbodiesel alternative to the similar-sized petrol-only Kluger and offers an affordable choice for those who aspire to own a LandCruiser'' he further added.
If we look at the different variants of this SUV, the power is the first thing which will come to mind. ''Three grades are on offer - GX, GXL and Crusade - all powered by a high-torque 2.8-litre four-cylinder common-rail direct-injection turbo-diesel engine with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The Crusade automatic, at $59,990, plus on-road costs, was the test vehicle'' makes it an ideal wagon. So it seems that Toyota's experiment of vehicle manufacturing in Australia was quite successful.
The styling of this vehicle is quite modern. ''The front end is right up there with the latest in SUV design with dominant grille and chrome running off to wrap around projector headlamps. A prominent front bumper with recessed foglamps helps to emphasise the vehicle's width'' clarified the article.
Apparently even though it is a heavy vehicle, it is easy to manoeuvre. ''And fuel consumption, at 6L/100km on the motorway and twice that in town, likewise was unexpected'' is another feature which will be appreciated by the buyers.
''Maximum power from the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine is 130kW and peak torque is 450Nm for the automatic. Braked towing capacity is 2800kg. According to the maker, Fortuner uses just 7.8L/100km for the manual and 8.6L/100km the auto'' is the Engine and transmissions capacity of this rough terrain vehicle.
The safety features with ''active traction control, seven airbags, reversing camera, trailer sway control, hill-start assist control and rake-and-reach adjustments for the steering column'' are definitely the most sought after ones. So with so many years of experience in car making, this SUV has captured the markets very well and is expected to continue to do so in the near future too.
