Launched back in November 2016, new generation Toyota Fortuner has been the best selling SUV in the segment by a good margin. With sales of Fortuner averaging in the 1,500 range every month, the closest rival is Ford Endeavour, which recently got a facelift. Endy manages to register about 600 units a month in India. Next in line are Mahindra Alturas and Skoda Kodiaq.
To boost sales even further, Toyota will launch new top of the line variant of Fortuner in Sep 2019. This will be in the form of Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo. This is a sportier looking variant of the Fortuner, developed by Toyota’s in-house tuning company – TRD or Toyota Racing Development. Ahead of launch in India, Toyota has showcased the Fortuner TRD Sportivo to dealers at an exclusive event. At the same event, Toyota India also showcased Vellfire luxury MPV, which will launch by Sep 2019 as well.
Already launched in Thailand, the 2019 Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo for India is slightly different in terms of design. India spec Fortuner TRD Sportivo gets added chrome in the front grille, instead of the silver finish seen on the Thai spec Fortuner TRD Sportivo. Front bumper too is a bit different, so are the foglight encasings. Below are images of Thai-spec Fortuner TRD Sportivo.
In addition to the different looking front, the TRD Sportivo also gets TRD badge in bright red colour, in the front as well as rear. The option will be on offer with white body colour and black roof.
On the inside, it will get black and red treatment, as is seen on the international variant. Door sills will also feature the TRD logo. Instrument console will get TRD Sportivo animation when you start the car. Key fob will also get the TRD treatment.
Other features on offer with the Fortuner TRD Sportivo for international variant are – 11 speaker audio system by JBL, TRD suspension with red springs, larger disc brakes, larger 20 inch black alloys (regular Fortuner gets 18 inch), red and black leather seats with contrast stitching, carbon kevlar trim on the gear knob and steering wheel.
Powering the 2019 Toyota Fortuner TRD Sportivo in India will most likely be the 2.8 liter diesel engine. This engine delivers 174 hp and 450 Nm. It is offered with 2WD as well as 4WD. Transmission options on offer are 6 AT and 6 MT. Considering that the TRD Sportivo will sit on top of all other variants of Fortuner, it is expected only to be offered with 6 AT and 4×4 option. Price expected is Rs 35 lakhs. Launch is in Sep 2019.
