Face-lifted Toyota Fortuner To Rock Indian Roads
The Japanese multinational automaker, Toyota, will be hitting the Indian roads with its new face-lifted Toyota Fortuner, also known as Toyota SW4. This medium-sized Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was a runaway success, when it was launched in India in 2009.
Toyota has given some drastic makeover to its efficacious SUV, which was first revealed at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in Jakarta.
This is the second time that Fortuner is undergoing a cosmetic makeover. The basic design remodelling to this hot-selling SUV has been influenced by Land Cruiser. This is very much apparent from the new grille and headlights combination that looks adorably similar to that of Toyota’s other SUVs such as Land Cruiser Prado and 200. The new Toyota Fortnuer flaunting some cosmetic changes to reflect a fresh look, will be launched in India in 2012. The new Toyota Fortuner will be unwrapped in India at the Auto Expo 2012 in Delhi.
Major Exterior Makeovers Of 2012 Toyota Fortuner
The 2012 Toyota Fortuner has mainly received cosmetic upgrades in conjunction with an automatic transmission. The ride quality has been improved to make it a perfect SUV. Since the top model will be priced around INR30 lakhs, Toyota has given upgrades both in the interior and exterior as an attempt to justify the pricing move. Fortuner is now placed in direct competition against first-class brands including BMW X1 and Hyundai Santa Fe, which are the successful SUVs in the Indian market. The front part of the car has undergone major upgrades with the rear and the interior getting slight improvements.
The upgraded Toyota Fortuner features new tail lamps which are fixed in a lower position as compared to the existing model. The rear bumper has undergone slight style makeover and the bumper cover of the current model has been removed. A set of new reflectors are added to the new model. The completely redesigned front bumper features a set of new fog lamps.
The larger grille in the front features a complete chrome treatment, replacing the brushed aluminium finish. The new Toyota design language can be observed from the design of the new headlights. The fog lights of the new muscular and aggressive-looking Fortuner have received new housing. The new bonnet scoop improves the sporty character of the remodelled car.
Fortuner’s current size and proportions have been kept intact, and not much mechanical changes are done. The upgraded version features a much more impressive and aggressive nose and a re-profiled fender. The front and rear exterior ends of the car will display significant upgrades. The sulky grille at the front has been made wider with tapering end at the bottom making it more stylish. The bonnet has been undergone some aesthetical carving and has received some additional lines to enhance the total appearance. The headlamps show a tapering tendency towards the grille. A clear lens expression is offered for the rear tail lamps reminiscent of the first generation Toyota Harrier.
Some highlights of the restyled Toyota Fortuner are: new front grille, Xenon head lamps, electronic sunroof, bonnet scoop with three vertical pillars, Prado-style headlamp design, new LED tail lights, rain sensing wipers, new C-shaped, body-hugging bumper, new head unit with iPod support, ambient cabin Lighting, 4-speed automatic transmission, the same fog lamp size, V-shaped Split tail light, and a lowered scuff plate. Some other features include cruise control, reverse parking sensors, alloy wheels, inbuilt car maintenance reminder, touch screen interface and climate control system.
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This new dashing SUV will be made available in five different colors by Toyota. They are: super white, silver mica metallic, light blue metallic, gray mica metallic and black mica.
Interior Changes Of 2012 Toyota Fortuner
The new 2012 Toyota Fortuner flaunts an upgraded interior as well, making it a whole new package. The interior has received some minor alterations including a modernized steering wheel design, and slight rearrangements to the upper half of the dashboard. The two-tone steering wheel design resembles that of Toyota Camry. The buttons have been rearranged for more convenient use by thumb. The dashboard is apparently made unique by a color change.
The new beige and wood finish combinations are sure to appeal Indian customer than anyone else. Wood inserts with dark grey finish certainly offers a more luxurious ambience to the entire interior. The look and functionality of the speedometer are enhanced by the new blue background lighting. Seven passengers can be comfortable seated in 7 seats in 3 rows.
Dual zone air-conditioning system, suitably faced AC vents, updated music control systems and finely fabricated leather seats make the travelling a very comfy affair. The comfortable and elegant triple row seats make Fortuner best rating in long journeys. The driver’s seat can be adjusted according to height. The car is fitted with 6-cd MP3 player, FM and AM with 6 speaker audio system and 4-speed automatic transmission gear box with lower ratio.
Some of the enhanced safety features of the new Fortuner include airbags for passengers and driver, key-less entry and power door lock, child protection lock and seat belt. The roof rack and damage plates are optional.
Technical Specifications Of 2012 Toyota Fortuner
The new face-lifted 2012 model Toyota Fortuner is powered by 3.0-litre common-rail diesel motor, which is also used by Toyota Prado and Land Cruiser. The engine with Intercooler Turbocharger is capable of producing 169 bhp. Toyota has revealed plans to launch an automatic model in 2012 in India.
Toyota’s newly introduced ‘Diamond Tech’ system will permit 32-bit ECU to more exactly identify operating conditions within the injection system. This system will in turn enhance fuel efficiency. Toyota Fortuner 2012 will also be available in 4 speed automatic transmission. The vehicle weighs around 1955 kg with a 80 litre fuel tank. The upgrades will ensure Fortuner as a true SUV offering high performance, safety, and comfort with excellent mileage.
The new model has excellent grounf clearance, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride on rocky regions.3Toyota has recently restructured its Corolla Altis and just launched its first hatchback the Etios Liva in the Indian car market. Let’s hope that the newly redesigned Toyota Fortuner will help the Japanese automobile giant to maintain its strong foothold in the International Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) segment.
