Brazilian blogs are carrying images of the Toyota Fortuner facelift that will be introduced in certain parts of South East Asia this year. The Fortuner facelift might not come to India in 2011 as TKM is still in discussion with TMC (Toyota Motor Corporation) on the Indian launch date.
TMC launches products in a phased manner, they will go from one country to another with this new model starting with Indonesia or Thailand.
The Fortuner is witnessing the same kind of demand even two years after its introduction. The Indian subsidiary can afford to take its time in deciding when to introduce the new model. Changes will be cosmetic with no major feature addition. We hope to see the Fortuner facelift during the first quarter of 2012.
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TKM is discussing with its Japanese headquarters to finalize the time frame and configuration of the facelifted editions of IMV platform derivatives Innova and Fortuner it was revealed to Indian Autos Blog yesterday.
Mr Sandeep Singh, DMD of Toyota Kirloskar Motor -
As of now there is no need (for Innova and Fortuner facelift) as both the products are doing well. We are in discussion with TMC (Toyota Motor Corporation) for when we can get those cars. TMC launches products in phased manner. If you see today, Innova and Fortuner are doing very well we will introduce them (facelifts) at the right time because changes are not big in terms of features. Changes are only cosmetic.
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Another spy shot of the new Fortuner has been leaked on the internet revealing new details. The rear will have Fortuner embossed on the chrome face plate right above the number plate similar to the Maruti Wagon R K10 and V-shaped tail lamps will also feature.
The changes on the new Fortuner will purely be cosmetic, according to sources.
We have already shown you the front view of the refreshed model that mimics the bigger Prado and Land Cruiser with the chrome grille and 3D headlamps.
TKM’s management told Indian Autos Blog that there were no immediate plans for Fortuner facelift as the product is doing well. One has to be very optimistic to see the facelift arriving in India this year. The festive season is a great time to pull out the new model, but given that Fortuner still demands a waiting period means Toyota can take its time in deciding the launch time frame.
An Auto Expo entry is another possibility as the playing field will be crowded with Honda CR-V, Renault Koleos, Audi Q3 and new Chevrolet Captiva within the next 12 months.
What do you think has to improve on the new Fortuner?
Tsingtho has illustrated the Toyota Fortuner facelift, likely to premiere at the IIMS (Indonesia International Motor Show) next month alongside the Toyota Innova facelift. This is the Fortuner’ second major cosmetic overhaul since its introduction back in 2005.
The Fortuner and Innova sit on the IMV platform, and both vehicles are segment leaders in India. The reason or objective behind the Fortuner facelift isn’t a chapter in rocket science. It has to be brought in line with the other two SUVs – LC Prado and LC200, two vehicles that have gone under the surgeon’ knife recently. Both these vehicles have done well for Toyota and the success of these aspirational products is what the Fortuner will try leveraging on.
TKM has no plans to introduce a Fortuner facelift at the moment in India but as this is a CKD model, the company will be have no choice but to assemble the facelift after it is introduced in Thailand. As the vehicle is clocking good numbers, TKM has no plans for an AT variant in 2011.
Moving forward for the auto industry is launching new products, making announcements, inking agreements, developing new technologies, etc. Toyota’ global operations was impacted by Tsunami and earthquake in Japan. The production line in India suffered severely from components shortage. Toyota postponed the Altis facelift launch and production of other models was reduced to alarmingly low levels.
It’s not like Toyota needs to catch up in the utility vehicles segment. The Innova is the Indian family’ most preferred MPV. The Toyota Fortuner is ahead of all other SUVs in town with the BMW X1 being the only real threat to its supremacy.
Yesterday we brought you spy pics of the Innova facelift. Today we have images of the Fortuner facelift expected to make an appearance at the IIMS in Indonesia next month. The cosmetic overhaul puts the Fortuner in line with the Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 200, the other two SUVs in its portfolio.
Changes are not expected under the Fortuner’s bonnet. Will Toyota introduce the Fortuner facelift in India at the Auto Expo next year?
These images were sent in by IAB reader and Toyota fan Rahul Rajeev.
Speaking exclusively to Indian Autos Blog, a top official from Toyota Kirloskar Motor played down the possibility of an Automatic Transmission on the Fortuner for the Indian market in 2011 or debuting at Auto Expo 2012.
Mr Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director (Marketing), TKM, when asked of a Fortuner AT debuting in 2011 or Auto Expo 2012 -
As of now there is no plan (for AT) because Fortuner is doing well.
The Fortuner is still enjoying a good waiting period and the company’ focus will be to satisfy existing demands before moving on to other variants.
Speculation on blogs and forums suggests that Fortuner will get a 4-speed automatic transmission and minor facelift by the end of 2011, which we now know isn’t true.
If the current Fortuner was not aggressive enough to look at, Toyota has launched a ‘Sports Package’ for the Fortuner to make it look more mean and aggressive.
This Toyota Fortuner ‘Sport Package’ features:
• Rear Roof Spoiler
• Rear Bumper Spoiler
• Front Bumper Spoiler
• Muffle Cutter
• Floor Mats
And all these accessories will make absolutely no difference to the performance whatsoever. But if you want to make your Fortuner ‘look fast’, be prepared to shell out Rs. 42,650/-
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South Africa (SA) has always been a hot bed for all carjacking and related crimes. The rate of crime in SA is 18 times more than the world average.
Toyota witnessed a rise in carjacking of their cars in the recent past. In fact, the insurance broker Roxsure was planning to not insure the Fortuner because they were very easy to steal.
The criminals get access to the ECU using some home-made equipment and hot wire it to drive it off. As a result, Toyota responded with a new safely device especially for this market.
Recognizing the need to protect the engine bay and the ECU, the automaker has created a stainless steel bracket the will prevent any forced access to the ECU.
Toyota spokesperson Leo Kok -
This device will be offered as an added security device for owners who feel that they would like to further secure their vehicle, in much the same way as one would fit a gear lock or tracking device
It will be available at all major dealers in SA for a very nominal cost. There have been no reported cases in India of Fortuner thefts, but I’m sure Toyota India has taken stock of it’s South African’s friend’s measures to prevent any potentially disastrous situations.
