FORTUNER – Second Gen

Ever since it hit our markets in 2009, there has been no slowing down for the Fortuner sales. It laughed at the face of an economic slowdown, rising interest rates, and strict NGT rules. The love for the Toyota brand was blinding enough, but people queued to buy what was actually a well accomplished SUV. Now, with competition such as the Fortuner and Trailblazer getting more high-tech, Toyota decided it was time to bring in the new, second generation Fortuner.

For a start, it looks more up-market than the outgoing car. There are more styling elements and better curves in place of the functional exteriors of the original. The slim headlamps now feature LED units and extend all the way to the grille. There are ample lashings of chrome at the front, along with the window lines on the sides and at the rear. The new Fortuner is based on the latest generation Hilux pickup truck. This is an old school SUV in terms of its ladder frame construction, but underneath it has one the toughest and proven chassis you will find. The updated chassis has been further strengthened with new cross members and given beefed up suspension mounts designed for longer suspension travel. The Fortuner is now longer, wider and about 200 kgs heavier than the version it replaces.

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