Long live the king: The Fortuner is back for more

MANILA: The SUV king is back with a vengeance.

The Toyota Fortuner is the epitome of what a value-for-money vehicle should be, and this is backed by quantitative data — success to the tune of more than 220,000 units sold in the country since the model’s Philippine market introduction in 2005. All those happy customers could not be wrong.

In fact, so popular has the Toyota mid-size SUV been that in 2017 it became, bar none, the best-selling vehicle in the country — to many a pundit’s surprise besting countless more inexpensive options in the market. No model sold more, period.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) President Atsuhiro Okamoto adds context to this story. He said that before the arrival of the Fortuner, the local automotive scene was dominated by “entry-level sedans and Asian utility vehicles” for their affordability.

Just last August, TMP reported the continued dominance of the Fortuner with a 30% segment share.

Imminent and almost expected with the recent release of the new iteration of the beloved Fortuner is a continuation of the love affair with the nameplate.

Choose your Fortuner

Available at all of TMP’s 70-strong network of dealers across the country, the facelifted Fortuner is led by the LTD in 4x4 and 4x2 trims, followed by Q and V AT variants, and a G trim in AT and MT. The revamped model, underscored TMP, is said to be “more confident, prestigious, safe.” Making its appearance in the LTD and Q trims are the pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) — the Japanese carmaker’s vaunted slew of advanced driver assistive and safety systems being systematically rolled out to its recent releases.

The units get an impressive complement of safety features: SRS airbags (seven bags on the LTD), three-point ELR seatbelts, ABS with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability control with traction control, and hill-start assist. The 4x4 LTD additionally gets downhill assist control. All variants also come with six clearance and back sonars, in addition to the Panoramic View Monitor that comes with the LTD, Q, and V trims or reverse camera for the G.

The Q and V variants get LEDs on their fog lamps and new rear combination lamps, plus bi-beam LED headlamps with LED line-guide daytime running lamps (DRLs). G trims receive bi-beam LED headlights and LED DRLs as well.

A smart entry function and push start system are available for LTD, Q, and V grades. “The LTD variant features an elegant interior in leather with maroon accents, as well as Galaxy Black trim and interior illumination which adds to the sophisticated interior look of the vehicle. The Q variant also gets the classy black leather interior complemented by a dark wood trim,” shared TMP.

The LTD and Q variants get Eco and Sport drive modes, while V and G trims get Eco and Power. All grades get an Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible audio system, with the LTD, Q, and V getting an eight-inch display. LTD variants feature a nine-speaker JBL sound system.

LTD drivers get the added comfort of a front-seat ventilation system; both the LTD and Q feature eight-way power adjust front seats. For added convenience, wireless charging and rear USB chargers are supplied the LTD, Q, and V grades.

Top-tier LTD

The obvious highlight of the new batch is the top-of-the-line LTD. These variants feature numerous elements exclusive to these highest trims — making them “a perfect blend of power and performance.”

Visually distinguishing the sharper, more aerodynamic-looking LTD are a two-tone motif with black roof and new sculpted front and rear bumpers. Special machine-cut 18-inch alloy wheels, split-type LED (light-emitting diode) headlamps and LED front foglamps, dynamic-looking sequential turn signal lamps, and redesigned LED rear combination lamps also make their appearance on the LTD. Along with the aforementioned features, these touches help to bring the LTD trims to the next level of sophistication and surpass the value propositions of its segment rivals.

Engine

Supplying more than ample grunt to the LTD and Q grades is Toyota’s 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV, serving up 201hp and 500Nm. The V and G variants are motivated by a 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV engine which gives 147hp and 400Nm. TMP reported that the 2GD engine “is improved for the MC Fortuner V and G variants and enjoys five percent improvement in fuel efficiency versus the previous-generation Fortuner.” The same power plants also appear in the new Hilux which TMP launched previously.

Toyota Safety Sense

TSS is steadily being rolled out into new, more premium variants of Toyota’s releases, and this is the case in the Fortuner LTD. Making its appearance is the pre-collision system, dynamic cruise control, and lane departure alert.

The pre-collision system works by using radar to detect a possible crash situation. It slows the vehicle down to prevent or minimize impact; it also alerts the driver to brake. Dynamic cruise control also employs radar to adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a preset distance from the automobile in front. Finally, lane departure alert uses a windshield-mounted camera to “avoid the consequences of unintended lane departure,” signaling the driver when this happens.

The ‘achievable dream’

Said Okamoto during the online launch streamed on Facebook and YouTube: “The Fortuner captured the hearts of many Filipinos as proven by strong sales.  It has an SUV body perfect for the Philippines’ flood-prone streets, an array of variants including a fuel-efficient diesel engine, a macho look that satisfies desires, and most of all, an affordable price — making it an achievable dream.”

As the fifth new model introduced by the company this year, the Fortuner is certainly anticipated to generate even more forward momentum for Toyota’s business in 2020 — and the years to come.

The new Fortuner is also available for viewing via Toyota’s Virtual Showroom.  For more information, visit https://toyota.com.ph/fortuner. Follow the official social media pages at ToyotaMotorPhilippines (Facebook and Instagram), @ToyotaMotorPH (Twitter), and Toyota PH (Viber and Telegram).

The SUV king is back. Long live the king.

VARIANT	SRP	COLORS
2.8L 4x4 LTD AT WP 2-Tone	P2,414,000	White Pearl Crystal Shine / Attitude Black Mica
2.8L 4x4 LTD AT 2-Tone	P2,404,000	Silver Metallic / Attitude Black Mica
2.8L 4x2 LTD AT WP 2-Tone	P2,254,000	White Pearl Crystal Shine / Attitude Black Mica
2.8L 4x2 LTD AT 2-Tone	P2,244,000	Silver Metallic / Attitude Black Mica
2.8L 4x2 Q AT Pearl	P2,013,000	White Pearl Crystal Shine Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine
2.8L 4x2 Q AT	P1,998,000	Attitude Black Mica Gray Metallic Silver Metallic
2.4L 4x2 V AT Pearl	P1,842,000	White Pearl Crystal Shine Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine
2.4L 4x2 V AT	P1,827,000	Attitude Black Mica Gray Metallic Silver Metallic
2.4L 4x2 G AT	P1,723,000	Attitude Black Mica Gray Metallic Silver Metallic Super White II
2.4L 4x2 G MT	P1,633,000