FIRST DRIVE New Fortuner Auto review, test drive
Come
January, Toyota will widen the Fortuner line-up with the introduction
of a pair of new two-wheel drive variants. We have just driven the
automatic-transmission variant and can tell you there is much to get
excited about.
But
before we get into how the SUV drives, lets take a look at what else is
new. For starters, frontal styling gets a major revamp. The larger
grille, angular headlights and restyled front bumper do their bit to
make the Fortuner look even more Land Cruiser-like than before. There
is also a wider intake for the intercooler on the bonnet and new design
for the alloy wheels. At the rear, you can identify the new Fortuner by
its clear-lens tail lamps.
Inside
the cabin, the redesigned centre console now features a six-inch
touch-screen (shared with the Corolla and new Innova) which controls and
displays the audio system, new DVD player and reverse camera. The
steering wheel is also new and now comes with controls for the new
Bluetooth telephony function.
The
Fortuner’s already comfy front seats now get a six-way power adjust
that makes it really easy to find the perfect driving position. Drivers
will also notice the revised ‘Optitron’ dials that remain easy to read
as before.
Detailed
inspection over, time to get moving. Slot the gear lever in D, depress
the accelerator and it doesn’t take much time to realise the four-speed
torque-converter gearbox complements its torquey 3.0-litre D4-D engine
quite well.
Gearshifts
are smooth and the ratios are well suited to typical city driving. The
’box is also quite responsive for the most part; yes, there is a mild
hesitation to downshift but that is only apparent when you need instant
power.
Driving
on tarmac there is little to differentiate the two-wheel-drive Fortuner
from its four-wheel-driven counterpart. If anything, the steering feels
marginally lighter now. The smooth 168bhp engine is as tractable as
before and the seamless build of power makes the Fortuner effortless to
drive.
