Toyota Fortuner Out to Carve new niche with Full-time 4WD SUV
Toyota Fortuner Out to Carve new niche with Full-time 4WD SUV
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the local distributors of the Toyota brand are out to carve itself a new niche in the market with the launch of the all new Toyota Fortuner, a full time 4WD SUV that can seat up to seven in comfort.
The Fortuner in this configuration, assembled locally, represents an industry first, and is the third and last offering under the IMV project after the successful launch of the Hilux and the Innova. All three models share a common platform, and are part of Toyota Motor Corporation’s move to develop, design and manufacture vehicles outside of Japan.
The Fortuner has been long awaited by the eager Malaysian public, and it looks like it will set a new benchmark for SUV’s here.
Managing Director of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Toyota vehicles, said the company is targeted to sell 1,800 units of the Toyota Fortuner in the next 12 months, and he added that the company was confident in capturing and maintaining a strong demand for this vehicle from customers in Peninsular and East Malaysia.
“We are pleased to introduce the new Toyota Fortuner, a premium 7-seater Urban SUV positioned to add a great deal of excitement in the market. It is targeted to the sophisticated urbanite who is seeking for a vehicle that blends the essence of style, performance, technology and luxury into an incomparable package,” he added.
The Fortuner is available in two model variants: a 2.7V, petrol engined full time 4X4 Automatic, and a 2.5G, diesel powered full-time 4X4 manual. Riding on the tagline “The World is Mine”, Toyota says it represents the feeling one would get from owning one of these units.
The 2.7V petrol engine features VVT-I, (Variable Valve Timing) and delivers 118kW (160 ps) of power at 5,200 rpm, and a maximum torque of 241 Nm at 3,800 rpm. The 2.5G Diesel is a Common Rail Diesel Turbo engine developing 75 kW (102 ps) at 3,600 rpm, and 260Nm of torque peaking at between 1,600 to 2,400 rpm.
David Chen also pointed out that although the Fortuner, Innova and Hilux all share a common platform, the Fortuner has a totally different design, aimed at giving the vehicle an advanced and stylish look that conveys the impression of power and durability, besides being eye-catching in an urban environment.
In terms of design, one could say the Fortuner is to the Hilux, what the Everest is to the Ranger, but whereas the Everest is very much like the Ranger other than the full SUV body behind the cab, the Fortuner’s looks appear to be Lexus Harrier-inspired, and would appeal to city-slickers. However, the Harrier DNA only goes as far as looks are concerned, as the Fortuner is of body-on-frame construction, with a ladder frame forming the backbone of the vehicle.
Being full-time 4X4 gives the Fortuner positive traction at all times, and comes with a Torsen LSD (Torque sensing Limited Slip Differential) that distributes drive between front and rear axles. This Torsen differential can be ‘locked’ to provide 50:50 torque split between front and rear axles for muddy conditions or on steep slopes where maximum traction is required. Other than the normal High range, a Low range set of gears for off-road driving, activated by a second gearshift lever, is available. However, engagement of the low range is only possible at speeds below 8 km/hr (no shifting on-the-fly) or with the vehicle at a standstill.
The 4-speed automatic transmission is available only with the petrol-powered 2.7V, while the 2.5G Diesel is only available with a 5-speed manual. When asked whether the 2.5G Diesel would be available with an automatic transmission, strangely, the reply was that according to UMW Toyota’s market studies, the automatic would not be popular amongst diesel users. Industry observers, however, feel that a diesel model with the Hilux drive train would go down quite well here. Technically this configuration is feasible as the platforms are basically the same.
Suspension is coil springs for front and rear, with independent double wishbones at the front, and a five-link solid rear axle (including panhard rod). Brakes are ventilated discs in the front, and drums at the rear.
The 2.7G (petrol) Automatic retails for RM183, 000 (Price on-the-road) , while the 2.5G (Diesel) is priced at RM166, 000 (price on-the-road).
