Side profile of the 2016 Toyota Fortuner has now been spied thanks to a Thailand website. Toyota seems to be considering the SUV’s design as its main plus point as the vehicle looks very aggressive.
Segment king of SUVs, the Toyota Fortuner is a very talked about vehicle in the Indian automotive market. The reason for this is relatively vacuous because the general public simply loves the SUV for its macho looks and Toyota badge, that’s about it. The Fortuner does not boast of segment best features on the interior or exterior front and is neither a very comfortable vehicle as well. Anyhow, it is relatively old now and the new model is is expected to have its world premier on 28th July 2015 in Thailand, with an India launch following next year.
Spy shots of the 2016 Fortuner have been doing its rounds on the internet for a very long time now and the updated model is expected to lose its butch and muscular figure to a sharper design language. This fact has become more evident as another spy shot has just emerged from a Thailand automobile website. The Fortuner seen in the picture gets newly designed alloy wheels, angular looking front end and a distinctive rear end as well. Save for the front, all other pillars have been blacked-out and the third-row seats’ window has become smaller due to a higher crease.
Toyota’s new range of GD series diesel engines including a 2.4-litre (160 HP and 400 Nm of torque) and a 2.8-litre unit (177 HP and 450 Nm of torque) are expected to power the upcoming vehicle. These engines provide better fuel efficiency figures without compromising with performance. The 5-speed manual and automatic transmissions found on the current generation model will be upgraded to 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions for the new model.
Overall, the design looks sleeker than before, somewhat similar to the current generation Mitsubishi Pajero Sport from a few angles. Toyota will equip the SUV with all the bells and whistles so that it can continue to retail the way it has so far (with segment leading sales numbers), even with existing rivals like the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Hyundai Santa Fe and the soon to launch Ford Endeavour and Chevrolet Trailblazer. The second generation Toyota Fortuner will be showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo as well.
Picture Source – HeadlightMagazine.com