Toyota launches refreshed Fortuner in India at Rs 29.98 lakh

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today introduced the updated 2021 Toyota Fortuner at prices ranging between Rs 29.98 lakh and Rs 37.58 lakh, ex-showroom, India.

The refreshed model gets a host of exterior and interior changes including a new front bumper, mesh inserts, and redesigned LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. On the side, the SUV gets updated 18-inch alloy wheels as well as sleek LED tail lamps at the back.

(L-R) Tadashi Asazuma, SVP, Toyota Kirloskar Motor; Masakazu Yoshimura, MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Naveen Soni, SVP, Toyota Kirloskar Motor) at the launch of the new Fortuner and Legender.

On the inside, Toyota has brought updates to the infotainment system which now comes in the form of an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, replacing the 7-inch version on the outgoing model. The company has also reworked the driver's instrument cluster as well as offered electronically adjustable and ventilated driver's and co-driver's seats.

There is an 11-speaker JBL sound setup, connected-car technology and 360-degree camera on offer too. Customers could choose from either all-black or chamois interior colour options.

Changes at the core
While the Fortuner continues to be offered with a 2.7-litre, four-cylinder, 166bhp petrol (5MT or 6AT) or a 2.8-litre, four-cylinder, BS VI-compliant diesel engine, Toyota has revised the power output of the diesel significantly.

It now produces 204bhp and 500Nm of torque in its six-speed automatic variant, offering a 15 percent uptick in power compared to the outgoing car that produced 177bhp. The diesel with the six-speed manual option, however, will continue to produce the same output as before.

Toyota says it has reworked the engine head and upgraded the turbocharger to a bigger unit to gain more power. The company has also made changes to the suspension setup to offer a plusher ride quality in this ladder-on-frame SUV.

Fortuner Legender
The company has also introduced the top-end Fortuner Legender variant which will act as a sportier offering in the Fortuner line-up. The SUV gets certain distinguishing features such as a split grille, sequential LED turn indicators and a completely different front bumper compared to the regular Fortuner. It also gets gloss-black accents and a different set of alloy wheels to stand out from its sibling.

While the Fortuner facelift will be available in both 4x2 and 4x4 (diesel-only) variants, the Legender trim has only been restricted to the 2.8 AT 4x2 variant, which is priced at Rs 37.58 lakh, ex-showroom, India. The said trim will also be available only in a Pearl White paint shade with contrast black roof and offer black-and-maroon interior layout.

TKM has retailed over 170,000 units of the Fortuner in India since the brand's introduction in 2009. The SUV has been one of the core profit driving brands for the company, with a consistent hold in the mid-sized SUV segment in India with a robust 53 percent market share.

According to Yoshiki Konishi, chief engineer, Toyota Motor Corporation, “The new Fortuner is born out of our understanding of the customer feedback. The idea was to enhance the toughness of the vehicle and give it a powerful presence and distinctiveness like no other. Our enhancements were more than just skin deep; we have also upgraded the engine by introducing a new heavy-duty turbo, designed for powerful performance, and improved frictional efficiency. As a result, the Fortuner diesel automatic now puts out 500Nm."

"We are delighted to bring the all new Fortuner and new Legender to our customers in India. The Fortuner lineup together with the Legender reflect the growing aspirations of our customers who seek the best in style, comfort, and performance," added Naveen Soni, senior vice president, TKM.