FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Fortuner provides a great ride quality

Fortuner provides a great ride quality

Toyota wards off competition with a package that can be seen and felt

Toyota,  the  largest automaker in the country, is hoping to maintain leadership in the popular PPV (pickup passenger vehicle) market with the minor-change model of the popular Fortuner.

Apart from the usual cosmetic improvements, the Fortuner also enjoys a revised line-up, which now includes a new 2.4V 4WD version, priced at Bt1.499 million.

It retails at Bt80,000 higher than the 2.4V 2WD version (Bt1.419 million), with most of the cost coming from the 4WD system as well as added equipment. They include auto engine start/stop function, cruise control, A-TRC (Active Traction Control) and DAC (Downhill Assist Control).

At the same time, it is also cheaper than the 2.8V 4x4 (Bt1.649 million), which comes with a slightly more powerful engine but has roughly the same equipment level.

Meanwhile, all models (except the 2.4G MT) now come with rear disc brakes (replacing the rear drums that has been a downer for the Fortuner), giving it much more respectability as a people-mover and not a commercial vehicle.

There are also powered front seats and LED headlights and foglights and daytime running lights (even the reading lights are LED).

The new headlight and front end give the Fortuner a more contemporary look, while the slim indicator lights at the rear look stylish and are well-proportioned.

The interior remains untouched though. Nevertheless, there is plenty of space inside the Fortuner, plus two extra foldable seats in the luggage compartment, giving the Fortuner a capacity of seven persons.

There are many storage spaces and cup/bottle holders around the cabin, plus three 12-volt outlets and an extra 100-volt socket (for second-row passengers) but there’s no extra USB slot apart from the one in front. The second-row seats serve as an important configurator in the cabin, offering cushion slide, backrest incline adjustment as well as folding function to increase luggage space. Meanwhile, the third-row seat backrests can also be inclined slightly.

There’s a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with controls for the infotainment system, cruise control and onboard computer, as well as paddle shifters for the 6-speed automatic transmission. The infotainment system features voice control, Bluetooth connection and plays all sorts of files including DVDs.

There is a separate automatic climate control system for the front and rear passengers. The cabin, upholstered in a mix of genuine and synthetic leather, features good occupant protection with dual front airbags, driver kneebag, side airbags and window airbags.

The Fortuner 2.4V 4WD comes with a 4-cylinder common-rail diesel engine with variable nozzle turbocharger developing 150 horsepower at 3,400rpm and 400Nm of torque from 1,600-2,000rpm. There is slightly lower power and torque compared to the 2.8 (177ps/3,400rpm and 450Nm/1,600-2,400rpm), but that’s not to say it lacks punch.

The 2.4-litre motor is smooth-revving and has more than enough torque to get the 2-ton PPV moving nicely, while the 6-speed gearbox shifts smoothly too.

The advantage of driving a PPV is added comfort, especially when compared to the pickup model they are based on. For the Fortuner, the ride is highly comfortable thanks to the springs that are added to the rear suspension plus a comfort damper setting.

The Fortuner takes care of cracks and bumps on the road rather well, providing occupants with great ride quality. It would start losing its composure only when the going gets really tough, such as when going over deep potholes at speed.

The test drive event on Wednesday was mapped from the Toyota Driving Experience Centre in Bangna and went through Kabinburi (well-known for damaged roads) before finishing in Khao Yai. The Fortuner performed well, cruising through the undulations while maintaining good comfort.

The Fortuner also showed off good off-roading capability at the homemade-track in Pakchong prepared by TRD.

The large amount of torque comes in handy during walking speed off-roading, helping push the Fortuner up steep inclines comfortably.

The HAC (Hill Assist Control), DAC and A-TRC systems gave the Fortuner extra off-roading convenience and safety while off-roading, and the soft suspension significantly helps smoothen out undulations on the off-road track.

Toyota knows that the competition is strong, and in order to maintain its leadership over rivals including the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu Mu-X and Chevrolet Trailblazer, it has to offer the best package that can be seen and felt, instead of just banking on just its good reputation.

That’s why the Fortuner is now fully-loaded with features and comes with a more affordable 4WD version that is significantly cheaper than the 2.8V, while offering almost identical performance.

Toyota Fortuner 2.4V 4WD specs

 

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve common-rail diesel with variable turbocharger

Displacement: 2,393cc

Bore and stroke: 92x90mm

Compression ratio: 15.6:1

Max power: 150ps/3,400rpm

Max torque: 400/1,600-2,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Ratios: 3.600/2.090/1.488/1.000/0.687/0.580

Final drive ratio: 4.100

0-100kmh: n/a

Top speed: n/a

Fuel economy

City: 10.5km/litre

Highway: 15.6km/litre

Combined: 13.3km/litre

Average CO2: 200g/km

Suspension (f/r): double wishbone, coil spring, stabiliser/four-link, coil spring, stabiliser

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 11.6 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/disc

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 4,795

Width: 1,855

Height: 1,835

Ground clearance: 193mm

Wheelbase: 2,750

Track (f/r): 1,545/1,550

Weight: 2,005kgs

Wheels: 18-in alloy

Tyres: 265/60 R18

Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres

Price: Bt1.499 million

Distributor: Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd

RELATED
nationthailand