The wait is finally over and the Toyota Fortuner is here. We have specifications and pricing for the new-generation version of this popular SUV.

Since 2006 the Toyota Fortuner has been an exceptionally popular vehicle for the offroad and outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its basic underpinnings from a Toyota Hilux, the Fortuner has proved itself time and time again, and it remained a strong seller right to the end of its long product life. The new Toyota Fortuner was announced internationally last year and immediately one could see that it represented asubstantial step up from the current model.“The new Fortuner has a long, wider stance versus the outgoing model, and its capabilities to adapt into every environment like a chameleon have been reinforced,” says Calvyn Hamman, sales and marketing Senior Vice president of Toyota South Africa Motors.

The new Toyota Fortuner shares many components with the recently launched Hilux. These include headline items like new diesel engines, new gearboxes and offroad technology. Much like the Hilux, there's also a big focus on ride comfort, reduced noise/vibration/harshness and an effort to give the vehicle a premium look andfeel inside. The Toyota Fortuner is a seven-seat vehicle and there's considerable improvements in terms of space and practicality for all passengers. Premium soft-touch materials are usedaround the dashboard, windscreen pillars and door trims. The second-row seating features a 60/40 splitand features a slide function as well asreclining backrests. Third-row seating is split in half 50/50 and features a recline function. Both of therows can be stowedwith just one touch, which gives the Fortuner more luggage space.

See more information and photos about the Toyota Fortuner here.

Specification

The standard specification in the Toyota Fortuner is substantial. Audio systems with four to six speakers, an auxiliary/USB port, AM/FM radio and a CD player all come standard. The radio on the 2.8 GD and 4.0 V6 come with DAB+ digital radio and a 7” screen with DVD compatibility, as well as a reversing camera display. The flagship 4.0 V6 comes with satellite navigation.There's alsoBluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel audio and telephone controls, as well as power door locks, windows and mirrors. Air conditioning is also standard and there are ventilation controls for the second-row passengers. The glovebox is air-cooled, meaning you can store two 500ml bottles. For those who require additional power, all models feature three 12-volt accessory sockets.

The facia borrows elements from the new Hilux, but the overall design is unique to this model.

Engine and economy

Powering the new Toyota Fortuner are the latest diesel engines as well as the petrol units which we're familiar with. There's the 2.4 and 2.8 GD motors on the diesel side, while the petrol line-up includes the familiar 2.7 VVT-i and a 4.0 V6 motor.The 2.4 has 110kW and400Nm of torque and the 2.8 GD offers up 130kW and 420Nm when paired with the manual transmission. The automatic derivative has 450Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is rated at 7L/100km for the 2.4 manual, while its automatic sibling is rated at 7.9L/100km.The 2.8 litre GD engine returns between 7.5 to 8.5L/100km. Towing capacity is rated at 2.5 tons for the 2.4 GD and 2.7 VVT-i models and at 3 tons for the 2.8 GD and 4.0 V6.The two petrol engines includea revised version of the familiar 2.7 litre VVT-i with 122kW and 245Nm which debuts in the Fortuner, while the 4.0 V6 pushes out 175kW and 376Nm.

All vehicles are available with the latest six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes from Toyota. The manual gearbox offers intelligent manual transmission for smoother gearchanges as it matches the engine revolutions.

Safety

The Toyota Fortuner should be safe too and includes a number of features such asVehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (ATC), Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Drive Mode Select. Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is available on only the 4×4 models. There are big 338mm brakes at the front, with 312mm anchors on stopping dutyat the rear. Under heavy braking, the hazard lamps will flash to provide an emergency signal to other road users. There are a large number of airbags too, depending on the model.

Handsome new looks are far removed from its predecessor.

Toyota Fortuner Model Features

Entry grade (2.4 GD-6 and 2.7 VVT-i)

Push startTilt and telescopic steering columnCruise controlSpeed sensing auto door lockFront and knee airbagsIlluminated entryChilled gloveboxFront fog lampsRear spoilerRoof railsSide steps17” alloysFull alloy spare wheel

Standard grade (2.8 GD-6)

Leather upholsteryFront, knee, curtain and side airbagsLED headlampsFollow-me-home auto lightsAuto air conditioner

High grade (4.0 V6)

All features of the standard gradePower back doorNavigation system

Toyota Fortuner (2016) Price in South Africa

Toyota has not only come to market with a wider model line-up than the new Ford Everest, but has also priced very aggressively. Yes… expect to see many of these Fortuners on our roads, very soon.

2.4 GD-6 Raised Body Manual: R436 400

2.4 GD-6 Raised Body Automatic: R453 400

2.7 VVT-i Raised Body Automatic: R429 400

2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Manual: R513 400

2.8 GD-6 4×4 Manual: R571 400

2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Automatic: R531 400

2.8 GD-6 4×4 Automatic: R589 400

4.0 V6 4×4 Automatic: R633 400

All retail prices include a three-year/100 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan.

See more information and photos about the Toyota Fortuner here.