2016 Toyota Fortuner revealed, on sale in Australia in October

Mitchell Jones

Toyota has pulled the sheets of its 2016 Fortuner seven-seat HiLux-based SUV that will reach Australian shores in October. The debut took place in both Thailand and Australia simultaneously.

2015 Toyota Fortuner-Australia

The Thai-made body-on-frame wagon will slot between Kluger and Prado, and square up against Mitsubishi’s Challenger, Holden’s Colorado7, the Isuzu MU-X and Ford’s upcoming Everest, in a segment that is now bursting at the seams with entrants.

Three trim levels will be offered in Australia, the GX, GXL and the range-topping ‘Crusade’. Every Fortuner sold here will be powered by Toyota’s new 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbo-diesel which develops 130kW. Torque and towing figures vary according to transmission choice. Models equipped with the six-speed automatic gearbox develop 450Nm at 1600-2400rpm for 2.8 tonnes of tugability. Six-speed manual equipped Fortuner’s churn out 420Nm. It’s a lower figure but it is available over a broader 1400-2600rpm plateau, and are endowed with a full three-tonne towing capacity.

A rear differential lock will be standard, as well as dual-zone climate control, while a full arsenal of airbags and reversing camera ensure it will be competitive on the safety front. Moving to the higher grades sees keyless smart entry, hill descent control and LED lighting thrown in.

Australian Toyota engineers developed the suspension system, said to meet our harsh conditions, and are also credited with fine-tuning the stability and traction control systems for off-road conditions. Marketing executive Tony Cramb said,

“Fortuner provides a diesel alternative to the petrol-only Kluger range as the new entry point for customers looking to purchase a large Toyota diesel SUV. Fortuner’s strength and refinement ensures it is equally at home on the school run as on the toughest off-road trails found in Australia.”

The basic specifications are as below. Local prices will be announced closer to launch date.

Length 4795mm
Width 1855mm
Height 1835mm
Wheelbase 2745mm
Front track 1640mm (GX), 1540mm
Rear track 1555mm
Running clearance 225mm
Engine type Turbo-diesel
Code 1GD-FTV
Displacement 2755cm3
Max power 130kW @ 3400rpm
Max torque Auto: 450Nm @ 1600-2400rpm
Manual: 420Nm @ 1400-2600rpm
Transmissions 6-speed manual
6-speed auto
Fuel system High-pressure direct injection
4×4 system Part-time
Chassis Body on frame
Front suspension Double wishbone, stabiliser bar
Rear suspension 5-link, coil springs, stabiliser bar
Towing (unbraked) 750kg
Towing (braked) Man: 3,000kg
Auto: 2,800kg
Seats 7 (2-3-2 configuration)
Fuel tank 80 litres
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