Toyota South Africa has tweaked its Fortuner portfolio and added a new derivative: the 2.4 GD-6 4×4 6AT. Here are the specs and price list of the revised Toyota Fortuner range (October 2017) in South Africa.

According to the national new vehicle sales figures, the Toyota Fortuner is South Africa's most popular SUV, accounting for a mammoth 49% share in the medium-size SUV segment. As it stands, customers have the choice of 4 engines and 2specification levels. The current engine lineup comprises petrol motors in the forms of a 2.7-litre VVTi and a 4.0-litre V6, while turbodiesel fans are catered for with2.4 GD-6 and 2.8 GD-6 derivatives. The Fortuner range was recently expanded to include a new 2.4-litre GD-6 4×4 automatic derivative, which offers buyers4×4 capability at a more affordable price. In fact, the 2.4 GD-6 4×4 automatic is priced at R506 000,some R127 500 cheaper than the 2.8 GD-6 4×4 automatic (R633 500), which will likely make buyers very happy.

The Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4×4 automatic offers 110 kW and 400 Nm and claims toconsumejust 8.2 L/100 km. Thanks to an 80-litre fuel tank, the range is claimed to sit at 900 km per fill-up.

Improved Specification

Toyota has listened to customer feedback and has improved safety specification on the 2.4 GD-6 and 2.7-litrederivatives. Side and curtain airbags have been added, bringing the total airbag count up to 7, which should reassure family car buyers. This is over and above the standard safety offering which includes dual front airbags, driver's knee airbag,Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC).

In terms of specification, the 2.8 GD-6 and V6 derivatives now gain the convenience of an electrically-operated tailgate and a220V accessory connector in the second row. Toyota has also included LEDfog lamps to complement the LED headlights over and above standard equipment such as Smart Entry, leather interior, multi-information display, Bluetooth, USB, cruise control and 3rd-row seating.

Top-spec derivatives further come equipped with automatic climate control, reverse-view camera, a touchscreen infotainment system, leather-and-wood-trimmed steering wheel, additional soft-touch finishes, electric driver's seat adjustment and full-colour TFT multi-information display.

What's the Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4×4 automatic like to drive?

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We had the chance to sample the 2.4 GD-6 4×4 automatic in the Garden Route, Western Cape. Our drive combined both tar and offroad driving, giving us a good idea of what this new derivative is capable of. On tar, the 2.4 GD-6 offers ample power and torque for those long road trips. The engine is refined and general ride quality is good. We did, however, find the2.4 GD-6 4×4 automatic to lack a degree of punch while overtaking, which means you will have to plan your overtaking manoeuvres more carefully. This is less of a problem with the more powerful (and more expensive) 2.8 GD-6 4×4 automatic. Nonetheless, this derivative will be adequate in most, if not all driving situations.

We also took the Fortuner on a sand dune offroad course. After deflating the tyres, we set off into the sand. Selecting 2H, 4H and 4L (low-range) is easily done using a 'select-on-the-fly' dial. The Fortuner tackled the course with little effort, proving once again, that it's a superbly capable 4×4. We left the4×4 course with the feeling that the Fortuner could probably deal with much more punishment than weexperienced.

This mid-spec Fortuner 4×4 automatic should find favour with many potential buyers as it's not only significantlymore affordable, but it's capable too and attractively priced against its main rival, the Ford Everest 2.2 4WD XLS priced at R544 900.

Toyota Fortuner – Price in South Africa

All models come standard with a 5-year or 90000 kilometre service plan (whichever occurs first). A 3-year/100 000 kilometre warranty is included.

Further reading (Fortuner)

Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 (2016) Review

Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Auto vs Ford Everest 3.2 XLT (2016) Review + Video

Extended Test: Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Automatic [with Video]

Toyota Fortuner Gets TRD Treatment

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