When Toyota launched the Fortuner first, they expected to sell 200 units a month. But soon they realized that the demand was much higher than they had expected, and ended up selling about 1,500 Fortuner SUVs a month.
One of the biggest reason for Fortuner’s success was its design. With the new generation Fortuner changing the design to a large extent, will it be enjoying as much success as the old Fortuner in India? Well only time can tell that answer. For now, we can have a brief look at the old and the new Toyota Fortuner standing side by side.
Launched in India on 7th November, the waiting period of the new Toyota Fortuner has already soared to over 2 months. This goes on to show why the old Fortuner’s sales were on a decline in the last few months. Majority of buyers were waiting for the new Fortuner.
Old Fortuner’s monthly sales figure started showing a downward trend since December 2015 and hit its lowest in August 2016 at 481 units. Now with the new Fortuner available, sales of the flagship Toyota India SUV are expected to get a boost in the coming months.
Like the family MPV, the new-gen SUV is underpinned by the second gen IMV platform which employs a more rigid ladder frame chassis which is made of high tensile steel. The new downsized 2.8-litre GD 177 hp diesel engine replaces the old 2.5- and 3.0-litre diesel motors. Yes, as of now the new Fortuner is only offered with a single diesel engine option, the more affordable 2.4 liter diesel variant is expected to be launched at a later date.
Also read – Toyota Fortuner review
The 2.8 liter diesel mill is mated to a 6 speed MT or a 6 speed AT. It is on offer with both, 4×2 and 4×4 drive system. Along with this, there is also a 2.7 liter 164 hp petrol engine on offer. This engine is offered with 5 MT or 6 AT while drive system is restricted to just 4×2 (RWD).
As expected at launch, of the two engine options on offer, a mojority of buyers have opted for the diesel engine option. New Fortuner rivals with Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and SsangYong Rexton in India. Here is a detailed comparison of these SUVs.
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