Review: 2013 Toyota Fortuner 5-Speed

Toyota introduced Fortuner for the very time in India by 2009. Since its launch, Toyota Fortuner SUV has a good demand and sold over 41,000 units in the Indian market.



The facelifted version launched in 2012 Auto Expo with a four-speed automatic transmission. As per the customer feedback, the 4-speed automatic gearbox is replaced with a new 5-speed auto'box.



The Toyota Fortuner engine is powered by a 3-litre diesel engine that has a peak power of 169 bhp and a peak torque of 343 Nm. The Fortuner offers a fuel efficiency of about 10.8 kmpl. The four wheeler is built on the IMV platform, which is shared by the Toyota Innova and the Toyota Hilux.



The exterior changes include the tail lamps with new design and a large chrome plate with “FORTUNER” marked on it. When came to inside, the vehicle uses good quality materials for the interior designing. The vehicle comes equipped with Touch-screen system, Bluetooth connectivity, new improved music system with DVD, cruise control and leather upholstery. For the first two rows, the vehicle has enough space for both the knee room and head room. But the third row is best suited for kids only.



The limited-edition model, TRD Sportivo(introduced in October 2012) variant got a high demand, so company turned it to regular variant. The Sportivo edition cost Rs. 60,000 more than the regular version and it come with a new sporty front bumper, TRD decals, a roof spoiler, a redesigned rear bumper, more chrome and dual tone colours.



The Toyota Fortuner 4×4 manual transmission has no changes and continues to be one of the best selling Fortuner models. For the past few months, Toyota has been selling an average of 1,200 units of Fortuner. After the launch of the 4×2 manual and automatic variants in January 2012, the sales increased by around 900 units. The 4×2 automatic transmission has got a lot of appreciation from the customers.



The new five-speed Fortuner 4x2 AT is available at a price tag of Rs 22.3 lakh, the TRD Sportivo 4x2 AT TRD Sportivo (5 speed) is available at a price tag of Rs 22.93 lakh and the MT TRD Sportivo 4x2 is available at price tag Rs 21.96 lakh (at ex-showroom, Delhi). The pearl mica white colour that was only available in the Sportivo edition, is now available on all variants. The Fortuner 5-speed automatic Fortuner will compete with the Ford Endeavour, Hyundai Santa Fe and Renault Koleos. The new Fortumer has a powerful engine with an improved drivability and performance.