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Cape Town - Toyota South Africa has unleashed their second traditional 'big-seller' in as many months with the new Fortuner SUV.
Wheels24 drove the new Hilux in February and in March, the third generation Fortuner has just arrived in South Africa.
Wheels24 editor Sergio Davids is currently on the latest SUV launch. Look out for his full report later this week.
Main attraction
Toyota South Africa says the model uses a range of newly developed engines (identical to those powering the new Hilux) , including the 2.4 and 2.8 Global Diesel (GD) series, the 2.7-litre VVT-I and 4.0-litre V6 units. The GD series engines, according to Toyota, are the main attractions as they offer improved power output, efficiency and refinement.
The 2.4-litre GD produces 110kW/400Nm, while the 2.8 GD produces 130kW/420Nm in manual guise. Automatic transmission versions will receive a boost to 450Nm.
Toyota says its improved the fuel efficiency of the diesel engines by 9% compared to the units they replace.
Petrol offerings
Two petrol engines are on offer, including a revised version of the familiar 2.7-litre VVT-i and the livelier 4.0-litre V6. The former delivers 122kW/245Nm with a 10% improvement in fuel economy. Toyota engineers have made revisions to the smaller unit to include lighter valvetrain components, a newly shaped intake tumble port, reshaped combustion chamber to support a high compression ratio and the adoption of VVT-i for the exhaust side.
Completing the line-up is the range-topping 4.0-litre V6, delivering 175kW/376Nm.
Transmissions
The new Fortuner uses a new six-speed manual and automatic transmission. Available on all grades in either manual and auto configurations, have a wide spread of ratios to, Toyota says, "optimise both take-off performance and fuel economy at highway speeds".
Manual models receive Toyota's newly-developed intelligent manual transmission (iMT). The iMT matches engine revolutions for smoother shifts: especially useful when carrying heavy loads.
Specifications
The entry grade is available on the 2.4 GD-6 and 2.7 VVT-i
• Push start
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Cruise control
• Speed sensing auto door lock
• Front and knee airbags
• Illuminated entry
• Chilled glovebox
• Front fog lamps
• Rear spoiler
• Roof rails
• Side steps
• 17" alloys
• Full alloy spare wheel
Standard grade is only available on the 2.8 GD-6
• Leather upholstery
• Front, knee, curtain and side airbags
• LED headlights
• Follow-me-home auto lights
• Auto air conditioner
The high grade is only available on the 4.0 V6
• All features of the standard grade
• Power back door
• Navigation system
Prices
2.4 GD-6 Raised Body Manual - R436 400
2.4 GD-6 Raised Body Automatic - R453 400
2.7 VVT-i Raised Body Automatic - R429 400
2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Manual - R513 400
2.8 GD-6 4x4 Manual - R571 400
2.8 GD-6 Raised Body Automatic - R531 400
2.8 GD-6 4x4 Automatic - R589 400
4.0 V6 4x4 Automatic - R633 400
