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The IMV project focused the design and engineering briefs for the new model range on production efficiencies and cost savings to achieve new levels of vehicle affordability without sacrificing quality.
The Fortuner benefits from this by being able to offer a high level of luxury appointments together with excellent ride comfort and a high level of competence in both on- and off-road conditions at a highly competitive price.
In doing so it ushers in a new era of SUV affordability that will offer an exceptional value package to a whole new segment of vehicle buyers.
Under the IMV project Toyota South Africa has truly come of age as a large volume export vehicle manufacturer, one of a limited number of global manufacturing bases for the IMV.
The Fortuner follows on the highly successful launch of the Hilux single and double cab models (in May 2005) as the third IMV variant to be released in South Africa.
For the South African market Toyota has tailored a five-model range to cater for distinct customer needs.
All feature a focus on the key IMV design requirements of durability, economy of operation, comfort, and affordability and add to that true SUV style, a luxury level of appointments and exceptional on- and off-road performance.
All five Fortuner derivatives have a five-door 'wagon' seven-seater configuration and share a common interior specification, but differ in the choice of drive train. The choices offered are:
Petrol
Diesel
Petrol engined models are powered by the new generation 1GR-FE 4.0 litre V6 engine with a 24-valve DOHC configuration. This engine is specified with different torque characteristics depending on whether it is for use with a manual or automatic transmission.
In manual transmission guise maximum power is 175 kW at 5 200 r/min with 343 Nm of torque available from 2 400 r/min through 4 800 r/min. The automatic specification engine produces the same maximum power but has a higher torque rating of 376 Nm at 3 800 r/min.
Diesel models are equipped with the 1KD-FTV engine, a 3,0 litre four cylinder turbocharged and inter-cooled engine with a 16-valve DOHC configuration. Maximum power is 120 kW at 3 400 r/min and peak torque of 343 Nm is delivered between 1 400 r/min and 3 200 r/min.
The electronically controlled common rail type fuel injection system used on this engine provides exceptional fuel management with a microcomputer controlling the injection pressure, injection timing and the volume of the fuel charge.
Major specification items are:
Comfort and utility features are prominent in the Fortuner. One of these is the dual type air conditioner that provides independent control and systems for the front and rear areas of the vehicle.
Thin and light RS (Revolutionary Slim) evaporators with high cooling performance and corrosion resistance are utilised for both the front and rear systems. A resin coating on the evaporators inhibits the propagation of bacteria that is the root cause of unpleasant odours in air conditioning systems.
Large size door pockets, those in the front doors able to accommodate an A4 sheet sized object, are provided for all four doors. Drinks holders are incorporated in the door pockets. A large centre console provides additional storage space for oddments.
This includes a further cup holder for the front seat occupants (there is also one for the driver in the face of the dashboard) and two cup holders for the rear seat passengers as well. A roof mounted storage compartment, suitable for sunglasses, with integrated map lights is placed above the rear view mirror.
Both the driver and front passenger seats are the product of an intense ergonomic study and have been optimised for support and comfort.
The driver's side seat is height adjustable and the height can be raised or lowered without changing the set driving posture. The lift mechanism is able to move the seat cushion and seat back simultaneously to achieve this.
The front seat can be reclined through 74 degrees from 8 degrees ahead of the neutral position to 66 degrees back from the neutral position. A healthy 240 millimetres of slide adjustment is available.
The rear seats (middle row) feature tumble and slide movements. The seats can be tumbled with the headrests in place.
The third row seats are what Toyota refers to as 'space up' seats. These seats, designed to accommodate two adults if required, fold away to increase utility space. They can recline through 18 degrees in 9 steps of two degrees each.
In rainy weather the cascade of water that often occurs when the rear tailgate of an SUV is lifted is eliminated by a rain channel that directs water of the surface of the tailgate to the side of the body where it runs down to ground without running off the sides of the raised tailgate.
The full complement of features and versatile interior layout provide the final touches to this highly competent SUV that is certain to realise Toyota's goal of making a true quality SUV experience available to a wider audience with the Fortuner.
CLICK HERE for more info about the Fortuner.
