Toyota Fortuner 2009

The Land Cruiser is celebrated for being one of the very established genuine off-road vehicles the world has ever seen. And it still is. But this mean, mad machine will be yours only if you have pockets deep enough to shell out over 40 lakh of green paper, and that makes it out of reach of many. Oh, lest I forget, then there is the fuel efficiency, which at 6kmpl does not read very encouraging, does it? So what’s there that Toyota can offer which caters to not-so-rich boys, but lets them have them equally great fun? The answer is lies in the shape of Fortuner.

Looks form an important part of something as big as a SUV,and this Japanese does not disappoint. The front looks butch (very uncharacteristic of Japanese) with that strong bonnet line and large head lamps taking the pride place next to the grille. The bonnet scoop looks menacing. The front appears dynamic yet simple. There is certain purpose of the roof rails and those massive wheel arches when you talk about the design aspect. The same purposeful look is retained at the rear with the large tail lamps adding a bit of liveliness.

This one would be the face lifted version which was recently launched in Malaysia & it would for sure be a treat to drive. Built on the IMV platform as the Innova & Hilux, it would be assembled in India at its Bidadi factory in Bangalore. Fortuner Petrol is available with a 2.7 liter 2TR-FE engine with while Fortuner Diesel is available in and 3.0 1KD-FTV common rail variable geometry turbocharger model. The 2.7 liter 2TR-FE engine is a 4 cylinder twin cam 16V engine that produces 160ps at 5200rpm and 241Nm torque at 3800rpm. The engine features VVT-i (Variable Valve-Intelligent) Timing technology. What VVT-i does, according to Toyota, is that it automatically regulates the intake of air and fuel to achieve the optimum ratio according to requirements, thereby providing maximum power combined with maximum fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the top-model Fortuner 4x4 packs a 3.0-liter direct-injection, common rail diesel engine called the D-4D. Also an advanced engine, the D-4D features a variable nozzle turbocharger with intercooler, and this boost of fresh air forced to the engine allows it a 161-horsepower rating and a robust 343 Nm of torque all throughout the 1,400-to-3,200-rpm range. Bolt the D-4D to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission and combine it with a full-time four-wheel-drive system and the Fortuner should provide an entertaining ride.

Some of the key features would be:

1. New projector headlamps and fascia,
2. New rear lights
3. DVD Navigation system
4. Blue-tooth connectivity
5. New light sand interior
6. Electronic-adjustable driver seat,
7. Rear cool air conditioning from ceiling for second and third row
8. Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control
9. Electronic Brake Force Distribution with Brake Assist
10. All Wheel Drive (AWD)
11. Redesigned front grille and Headlamps lamps

Safety-A-Must:

• GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) Body
• Anti-Lock Braking System
• Multi-Reflector Quad Headlamps
• SRS Airbags
• ABS
• 14″ Front Disc Brakes
• Rear Window Wipers

2009 Toyota Fortuner is expected on Indian roads by June 2009.Its being assembled in India. The pricing is the key factor & it is most likely to be in the range of 17-18 lakhs. If Toyota India succeeds with this pricing it would give Honda & Chevrolet run for its money. With Toyota’s known reliability & technology the new toyota fortuner 2009 is gonna create waves in the Indian market.