World debut: Toyota unveils Fortuner

Toyota Australia has confirmed three diesel versions of its all-new Fortuner seven-seat SUV will be available here earlier than expected in late October – the same month its most direct rival in the new Ford Everest arrives.

Unveiled simultaneously in Sydney and Thailand, where it will be built, the Fortuner is based on the same ladder-frame chassis as the latest HiLux utility, which goes on sale only weeks before it.

However, the Fortuner gets its own distinct identity compared to the HiLux, via a slanted nose with thick chrome plating.

The Fortuner will be powered only by a new 2.8-litre turbo-diesel that produces as much as 130kW and 450Nm when mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine will also be fitted to the HiLux and a Prado update coming in September.

The standard six-speed manual transmission will include a rev-matching feature in the upper two grades, to provide smoother shooting for up and down changes.

Toyota says the Fortuner’s claimed average fuel economy as a manual will be below 8.0L/100km. However, no claim was made for automatic transmission economy.

The manual’s braked towing capacity is a competitive 3000kg, while the auto’s is 2800kg.

The Fortuner will be Toyota’s fourth model in the booming large SUV segment, joining the top-selling Prado, the Kluger crossover wagon and the niche FJ Cruiser.

Toyota sees the Fortuner as a complement to the petrol-only Kluger, which is priced in the $40,000-$70,000 bracket.

Toyota wasn’t talking about Fortuner pricing today, but if it is to take on fellow full-chassis SUVs such as the Holden Colorado7, Isuzu MU-X and the soon to be replaced Mitsubishi Challenger, it will be in that range too.

That pricing would sit it under the Australian-developed Everest, which is priced from just below $55,000 to nearly $77,000.

The Everest is fitted with a group of cutting-edge safety aids that Toyota is refusing to say will be matched by Fortuner, but Toyota Australia says it is confident it will attain a five-star ANCAP crash test rating.

Toyota has confirmed a reversing camera is standard across the range, as are seven airbags, hill-start assist control, trailer sway control and an emergency stop signal.

Mechanically, the primary difference in the underpinnings compared to the HiLux are the swap from leaf spring to coil spring rear suspension. It will retain a part-time 4WD system, including low-range transfer case. The suspension package includes development and tuning by local engineers.

The vehicle’s off-road ability – which Toyota is pushing as a point of popularity for Fortuner — includes a rear differential lock with the componentry placed within the differential housing for greater off-road protection.

Significant local development was also applied to ensure optimum tuning of the stability and active traction control electronics for local conditions, particularly for use on gravel. Drivers can disable the electronics for specific off-road situations, such as driving in slippery mud or sand.

The Fortuner is 4795mm long, 1855mm wide and 1835mm high. It rolls on a 2745mm wheelbase, has 225mm ground clearance and an 80-litre fuel tank.

The three Fortuner model grades will be dubbed GX, GXL and Crusade.

All variants will feature front and rear air-conditioning, large touch-screen audio displays, Toyota Link connected multimedia, side steps, 17- or 18-inch wheels, disc brakes front and rear, and an air-conditioned compartment that helps keep drinks and food warm or cold.

The two higher-grades are fitted with roof rails, fog lights, reverse parking sensors, keyless entry and start, and downhill assist control.

The top-of-the-range Crusade features include bi-LED headlights and LED daytime running lamps, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloys with highway tyres.