Toyota recently announced the launch of the 2016 Fortuner in the Middle East, unveiling a second-generation model that “builds on its heritage of being a durable SUV with impressive off-road capabilities”.
A number of officials from Toyota and Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co (AAB), distributor of Toyota vehicles in Qatar, attended the launch ceremony in Doha.
With the new Fortuner, Toyota has focused on creating a more distinctive, sleek and powerful design while improving performance and adding a wide variety of features to increase convenience, safety and ride comfort, according to a statement.
Hiroki Nakajima, the Fortuner’s executive chief engineer, said: “Our development concept was to build a true SUV that has style and confidence. The all-new Fortuner is the outcome of our continuous efforts to redefine toughness while offering our customers powerful vehicles with drastically improved off-road capabilities.”
According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, chief representative, Middle East and North Africa representative office, Toyota Motor Corporation: “The all-new Fortuner is a completely redesigned SUV that enhances driving confidence on every level while setting a new standard for SUVs all around the world.”
Toyota has created a new “Solid Fluidity” design language for the Fortuner, which expresses toughness and wideness through the high body axis, the bulging wheel arch flares as well as the chunky trapezoidal front bumper, the statement noted.
The Fortuner has a tough yet smart rear design that defies the typical unrefined image of an SUV.  There are eight exterior colours: Phantom Brown ME, Nebula Blue ME, Super White 2, White Pearl CS, Silver ME, Attitude Black MC, Gray ME and Avant-Garde Bronze ME.
The interior exhibits the toughness of an SUV, tempered with the elegance of a premium sedan.
Innovative touches (model-dependent) include a 7-inch, tablet-inspired multimedia touchscreen display. With a full-colour display, the Rear View Monitor System ensures peace of mind when reverse parking. Drag and flick operation is also supported, while smartphones and portable media devices can be used freely.
The Fortuner has a 4.2-inch Thin Film Transistor type multi-information display, which shows driving information, navigation display function, Eco Drive Indicator and idling-stop time, and also has an audio operation function.
The Fortuner is available in a wide range of petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol options include a 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine, which produces 164hp and 25.0 Kg-m of torque, and a 4.0-litre V6 engine, which churns out 235hp and 38.3 Kg-m of torque. The diesel engine features a 2.4-litre turbo, which produces 147hp and 40.8Kg-m of torque.
The SUV has a six-speed automatic transmission, which maximises engine potential and multi-stage gears optimised to improve drive force in the low-speed range.
The Fortuner has a newly-developed frame structure with rigidity increased to the limit, delivering exceptional toughness in the harshest environments while preventing torsion and distortion to provide a stable driving experience.
On the ride and handling front, an all-new frame has been bolstered by strengthened cross members, side rails and suspension towers, enhancing the torsional and bending rigidity of the frame. This not only improves durability, but also enhances quality and safety.
There is also a Drive Mode Switch that offers a choice of Eco or Power driving, while an easy-to-use 4WD Switch is also available.
The Fortuner’s safety systems include the Anti-Lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution. It also comes with the Supplemental Restraint System for the front seats along with a knee airbag for the driver. In terms of seatbelts, a three-point Emergency Locking Retractor seatbelt is equipped on all seats. When impact is suddenly applied during a collision, the seatbelt locks to restrain the passenger.
A top tether anchor compatible with the Child Restraint System is present for the
second-row seat.