The images above are based on Thai-specs model. SatNav have been available as an optional item on many Thai Toyota models for quite some. It is left to be seen if Fortuners (or even Innovas) in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore will be offered the SatNav option.
As the Fortuner, Innova and Hilux are all derivatives of the IMV platform, do expect facelift versions of the Hilux, Innova to be released almost the same time well.
In typical Toyota fashion, meaning "if it ain't broken don't fix it," expect only minor changes to the exterior styling and interior trim. Much of the inside bits will be carried over from the current model.
I have driven this car before, never really liked it. Steers like its on stilts, bloody heavy and thirsty. A full tank can barely cover 400km! Even if you ignore the fuel prices, the inconvenience of frequent refueling alone is enough to put me off. Not to mention the fact it is just environmentally irresponsible to be seen in a Fortuner in this age of climate change talk. A 4x2 version sold in Singapore and Indonesia would make more sense since its 4WD capability is hardly used by most of its owners anyway.
It makes me wonder what's the point of this car? The sheer size and weight of the vehicle would make its off-road credentials highly questionable. Try asking any avid off-roader for his opinion how soon will this SUV be bogged down in soft ground and tight forest trails.
Update : Fortuner's new tagline
Update : Fortuner's new tagline
5 comments:
In Jakarta, Indonesia, a fortuner is one of the few cars that can still go out and about in the now frequent floods just because it's a tall one.. still no 4X4 needed though..
Agreed. I understand ride height is a critical issue for many vehicles in Indonesia.
But at least Toyota Astra Motor have enough sense to offer 4x2 Fortuner, while UMW Toyota could did not offer us Malaysians a choice.
I just ran into this site: http://www.sonirodban.com/toyota-fortuner-2009.html. It has latest pictures, pricing and info on Thailand made Toyota Fortuner 2009. The site is by Soni Motors Thailand and they seem to claim that they will have Toyota Fortuner 2009 available by next week. The pricing though has increased. Fortuner now has 5 models.
You clearly have something against the Fortuner. This car is EXTREMELY capable off-road, and even on tar. I know, because I own one.
And you clearly have something very strong FOR the Fortuner. Of course, after all you bought one!
The contents above my own conclusions derived from my own set of driving experiences in various cars. They are not universal truths, and neither are yours.
I would expect adult readers to at least have a minimum level of maturity to understand the concept of differences in opinion.
Personally I find it difficult to accept the Fortuner's product concept - ploughing mud with a company of 7?!
I find that it burns too much fuel doing very mundane everyday tasks.
I am far from being an authority on off-road driving, but from what little exeperience I have the Fortuner's off-road performance is hampered by, (again) its size and hulk. It is easily bogged down in soft terrain because of its weight. And its sheer size made supposedly easy treading over tight trails very tricky. A lighter weight and shorter overhangs 80s Daihatsu Rocky or late model Suzuki Jimmy is a far better off-road attack weapon in my opinion, and I think a large number of off-roaders are with me on this. The previous bulky Land Cruiser 80 series was also not favoured in tropical jungles because of its size.
On the Fortuner's tarmac performance. I think it's a bit pointless for me to explain further to someone who thinks the Fortuner's on tar performance is "extremely capable." Like I said, I have my own sets of benchmark. I would rather say the Fortuner offers a fairly acceptable performance given its utility and size.
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