|
Tackling The Rough With The Smooth Toyota's next big thing - literally - is the seven-seater Fortuner. It's rugged, but also surprisingly refined.
It
says a lot about the strength of the Toyota brand in Singapore that some
300 orders were placed for one of its new models even before test drive
units were available.
First impressions are good-the 2.7-litre VVT-i engine may have only four
cylinders but it's a smooth operator that's blessed with plenty of
low-end torque. |
|
|
INSIDE IT The side steps running the length of the doors on each side aren't there for show - unless you have a vaulting pole handy, there's no easy way to get into the car without using them. The body-on-frame construction that gives the Fortuner its toughness also makes the cabin floor higher than usual. This isn't a problem for passengers in the first two rows, but adults relegated to the rear will find themselves sitting with their knees at chest level. Unlike the third-row seats in most MPVs, those in the Fortuner stow away to the side instead of into the floor, with simple pull-out hooks securing them onto the roof-mounted grab handles, an easy, if not a particularly neat method of arrangement.
The chairs are fairly light and the folding mechanism works smoothly,
though, so there's no risk of throwing your back out each time you need
to fold the seats for extra boot space.
Up front, there's a stylishly curved dashboard with the highlight being
the Lexus-style Optitron dials set in individual housings. DOLLARS AND SENSE At S$98,888, the Fortuner is a lot of car for the money. Not only does it have size on its side, it's also very well-equipped, with a multi-function trip computer, digital climate control, steering wheel controls for the stereo, factory-fitted parking sensors and a rear air-conditioning system all being on the standard equipment list. VERDICT The Fortuner shouldn't be viewed as a substitute for seven-seater MPVs like the similarly-priced Honda Odyssey and Nissan Presage, or even Toyota's own Picnic and Previa, which are all more sobre choices. Rather, the car's appeal lies in its rugged good looks, extra-high driving position and go-anywhere ability rather than interior versatility or car-like handling. Those who have their minds set on an SUV, on the other hand, will be thrilled that they can now get their hands on one that's reasonably priced, solidly built, well-equipped and, as a bonus, offers space for seven. For these people, good fortune has indeed come their way.
The Big, Tall presence Sunday November 6, 2005) TALL is when you can’t see the garden bench in front. Tall is when you have to heave yourself up to get in. And tall is what the Fortuner is. This is the first impression one gets sitting in this chunk of steel, rubber and plastics. The 1.85m-high Fortuner has a presence that can’t be ignored. It has been over two months now since the latest Toyota SUV was launched, and it is just starting to pop up on local highways and byways. The Fortuner represents the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle that is the Innovative/International Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) masterplan - Toyota’s ambition to produce affordable multi-purpose vehicles or MPVs on a shared platform for sale in 140 countries. And arguably a buffer against cheaper Korean makes. Toyota’s extensive MPV experience was the basis for the IMV project, first unveiled in 2002 and became reality last year with the launch of the Hilux truck in Thailand, followed in quick succession by the Innova MPV and the Fortuner SUV.
We had a chance to try the Fortuner in Gold Coast, Australia, in March. It handled well, ride comfort was pleasing and the 3-litre turbocharged diesel engine made it an able off-roader that was as well behaved on tarmac. What Malaysian showrooms will offer, however, are the diesel 2.5G 4x4 Manual and the petrol 2.7V 4x4 Automatic. The Fortuner is certainly a looker. The wraparound rear glass panels and flush body panels and flared wheel arches impart a rugged yet stylish appearance. Sporty touches come from the custom-designed rear spoiler and large 16-inch diameter alloy rims. On the Fortuner 2.7V, a chrome package is also included to add a spot of class. One has to climb up and into the Fortuner’s cabin. The step ladder and grab handles in the A-pillars facilitate entry. A dual-tone ivory colour scheme infuses the interior trim and upholstery. Leather seats are standard issue. The instrument panel is fitted with a sporty triple-dial meter cluster design with chrome outline for the central speedometer and comes with optitron meters - first conceived for the luxury Lexus line - offering bright but glare-free viewing. The dashboard colour goes well with the interior trim but we would have wished the hard plastic was of a softer material to enhance the premium impression. As a people carrier, the Fortuner is up to the task. It can gobble seven easily. Two persons take up the third-row seats which fold away to the sides when not in use for added cargo space. A high floor means space is more constricted for the rearmost passengers. This is no sports car so bear with the slight hesitation when stepping on the gas in moving 1,800kg of mass forward on overtaking or accelerating. Once the desired cruising speed is reached, the Fortuner handles itself reasonably well with good steering response. The Fortuner shares the same body-on-frame design as the Hilux and Innova but differs from the Hilux in having coil spring suspension all-round for better ride comfort. Straight and well-surfaced roads are where the Fortuner shows its best form. Take it through rough uneven patches and the suspension starts to protest and relays the noise to the cabin, betraying its truckish underpinnings. On the flip side, visibility is excellent and that would help the driver to some extent navigate around rough patches of roads, traffic permitting. It’s good to know the Fortuner is able to handle off-road conditions if required. It is a full-time 4WD vehicle and that means added stability and grip on road and off. It has a second gear set that provides very low ratios, useful in muddy conditions or steep slopes where maximum torque is required. For what it’s worth, a full-time 4WD system, seating for seven and a touch of class in the interior trim are the selling points, along with good looks and Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability.
The Fortuner is Toyota's latest entrant in the booming SUV segment. We all also know that there is no question that so many SUVs are just Sandton tractors for those in our society oozing for an image boost. And this is probably the destiny of the Fortuner 4x2 model as well. On a trip to Mozambique with the Fortuner we were overwhelmed with envious glares from other SUV drivers and it was dead easy to read all those Gautengers minds: They want it. Of course this was no surprise and there is apparently already a waiting list for up to a year for this youngster. Yes, it seems as if the members of South Africa's exclusive SUV club are indeed falling head over heals for the Fortuner. But genuine 4x4 fanatics will be pleased to know that you can actually have decent off-road fun too with the Fortuner 4x4. It also shares its genes with the iconic Hilux and therefore it is obviously no surprise that the Fortuner drives like a bakkie. Chrome and cream leather The Fortuner definitely looks the SUV part with a bold and aggressive design while some chrome trim will make you grab for you sunglasses too. Naturally luxury is the name of the game too and Toyota succeeds in giving the Fortuner an upmarket ambience. Yeah, it has a plush ivory-coloured leather trim which compliments all those exterior chrome bits. Although it looks classy we doubt the practicality of the colour as it shows dirt easily. Customers should at least have the option of black leather trim. There are a host of standard features such as two-zone air-conditioning (front and rear), dual airbags, CD front-loader, electric windows and so-on, while perceived build quality seems good. A Hilux wagon? Some people might say that the Fortuner is just a wagon version of the Hilux? well, they are not totally off track. But one has to give the Fortuner credit for its spacious interior and unlike conventional double cabs rear passengers are not facing cramped legroom. It also comes with an extra row of seats which fold up against the side of the load area. In all honesty Toyota should ditch these seats or make them an optional extra. Verdict With us there is no doubt that the Fortuner is a sensible package - practically, versatility, space, luxury and a decent ride are all part of the mix. It is an able off-roader too and the Toyota credentials speak for themselves. It might still drive like a bakkie and lacks the on-road ride quality of some soft-roaders but who said it is a bad thing? The Fortuner is a straight-forward vehicle and a decent off-roader too. What you see, is what you get - but with a pinch of luxury. However, we feel Toyota should offer a more basic version too without the leather trim and third row of seats, which will cut the price with a couple of thousands. Under the skin |
||||||||
