World premiere of the second gen Fortuner slated next month.
Here is yet another spyshot of the 2016 Toyota Fortuner testing on the roads of Thailand with an Isuzu MU-X as a benchmark vehicle. TMT (Toyota Motor Thailand) is gearing up to introduce the second generation of the Hilux-based SUV next month, with a launch likely to take place on July 28, 2015.
The new Fortuner will be based on the same ladder-frame platform as the 2016 Hilux Revo which made its global debut last month. According to Toyota, this new platform improves the safety aspect of the IMV products (Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle), which were (are) regarded as decade-old models without modern features.
Toyota aims to address that by introducing new safety features on the 2016 Fortuner such as 7 airbags (dual front, side, curtain and driver knee airbags), an advanced traction control system and improved features for off-roadability (Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Assist).
The engines of the 2016 Fortuner too will see a massive upgrade. The diesel engines will be upgraded from the 'KD' engine family to the all-new 'GD' engine family composed of 2.4- and 2.8-liter four-cylinder units with separate driving modes for performance or economical driving. These engines are announced to be 10 percent more fuel efficient on the Hilux Revo, and the same figure is expected for the SUV as well.
Also read: India-bound 2016 Toyota Innova to launch in Thailand in Q3 2015
The Indian market will get the new Fortuner in the next calendar year (post March 2016). Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) will continue assembling the SUV with increased localization levels however.
Rivals: Ford Endeavour (Ford Everest), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevrolet Captiva
Price Range: INR 20-25 lakhs, ex-showroom
Tentative Launch Date: 2016 in India
[Image source - upic]
