Toyota Fortuner pricing starts at $47,990

Toyota has announced a $47,990 starting price for the new Toyota Fortuner seven-seat turbo-diesel SUV, positioning it between its top-selling Kluger and Prado and well below the new Ford Everest.

Based on the latest HiLux, the Fortuner shares the utility’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine and ladder frame chassis, but trades in the leaf rear suspension for a five-link coil spring set-up.

Toyota is predicting the Thai-built Fortuner will deliver it a significant proportion of ute-based SUV sales, competing directly against the likes of the new Ford, Holden Colorado 7, Isuzu MU-X and new-generation Mitsubishi Challenger.

Ford itself is characterising the Aussie-developed Ranger-based Everest as a Prado competitor, with pricing starting at $54,990 and stretching to $76,990. However, the Everest does have a more sophisticated 4WD system and equipment that no other ute-SUV matches, such as lane keep assist and active park assist.

Toyota is spinning the Fortuner as an alternative the car-based Kluger, for customers who want a turbo-diesel engine, more braked towing capacity and off-road capability.

The company’s PR fluff reads: “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.”

Fortuner becomes Toyota’s seventh SUV, joining RAV4, Kluger, FJ Cruiser and the LandCruiser trio of Prado, 70 Series and 200 Series wagons.

Toyota is also claiming the Fortuner is the biggest development program undertaken in Australia, with control over areas such as upper body engineering, wiring harness, dynamics and underbody protection.

“If Fortuner could speak, it would have a strong Aussie accent as the most Australian car Toyota has ever imported to this country,” said Toyota’s executive director sales and marketing, Tony Cramb.

As reported in August at the static reveal, there are three models in the Fortuner line-up, dubbed GX, GXL and Crusade. All three are offered with standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission for an additional $2000.

The GX is the range opener at $47,990 plus on-road costs, the GXL is priced at $52,990 and the Crusade tops out at at $59,990.

Fortuner goes on-sale next week with around 1000 available before the end of 2015. Toyota is forecasting around 6000 will be supplied in 2016 and is expecting demand to outstrip supply.

Toyota expects the maximum five-star safety rating. 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.

GX’s standard features includes 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.

GXL gains alloy wheels, keyless smart entry and start, roof rails, reverse parking sensors, fog lamps, colour display, privacy glass and downhill assist control. Manual versions have a system that matches engine revolutions to transmission speed for smooth shifting. Auto variants have paddle shifters.

Crusade adds leather-accented interior (available in fawn or dark brown), satellite navigation, power tailgate, climate-control air-conditioning, bi-LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels (including the spare), 220V socket and a power-operated driver’s seat.

The Fortuner’s turbo-diesel engine produces 130kW and 420Nm as a six-speed manual and 130k and 450Nm as a six-speed auto. The claimed fuel consumption is 7.8L/100km for the manual and 8.6L/100km. Braked towing capacity is 3000kg for the manual and 2800kg for the auto.

The part-time four-wheel drive system includes high and low range, a locking rear differential, switchable traction control and hill descent assist.

Toyota claims the approach angle is 30 degrees, a departure angle of 25 degrees and ramp-over of  23.5 degrees. Running clearance 279mm and Fortuner has a 700mm wading depth.

Fortuner’s seven seats are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. The 60/40 split-fold second-row seat has a one-touch slide and tumble feature while the 50/50 third-row seats are stowable.

Cargo capacity ranges from 200-1080 litres when packed to the top of the seat backs; a maximum of 1702 litres is available when loaded to the roof behind the front seats.