All-new Toyota Fortuner to be launched in India in November 2016

After what seemed like too much of uncertainty due to the diesel ban, Toyota will launch the new Fortuner in India this year. The all-new Toyota Fortuner will be launched in India in the first week of November.

Based on the all-new TNGA platform, the Fortuner shares most of its mechanicals with the Innova Crysta as well as the Hilux pick-up. The new platform, Toyota says, makes its cars lighter yet stiffer. This in turn improves high-speed handling, stability as well as crash worthiness.

Toyota has also thoroughly re-engineered the Fortuner. This includes a new face with projector headlamps, DRLs and an imposing face. The 19-inch wheels and those imposing arches too look muscular. Inside, there is a hi-res touchscreen infotainment system and seven comfortable seats.

Under the hood, the Fortuner shares its engines with the Innova - a 148PS 2.4-litre and a 177PS 2.8-litre diesel engine. Both these engines will be available with the choice of a 6-speed manual and auto transmission.

Toyota will also offer the new Fortuner with a 4x4 option. It is likely that there will also be a petrol engine in the mix.

When Toyota first introduced the Fortuner in India, it was a runaway success. Butch looks, decent interiors, an efficient diesel engine and 4x4 option was hard to ignore in a segment which had the ageing Endeavour and CR-V as its main rivals. It still sells in decent numbers; however, the all-new Endeavour is now our pick in the segment. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the new Fortuner and a comparison test will help us determine which one is better.