SA Road Tests

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This is the home of automobile road tests in South Africa. I drive South African cars, SUVs and LCVs under real-world South African conditions. Most, but not all, the vehicles driven are world cars as well, so what you read here possibly applies to the models you get where you live.

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Wheels of Fortuner: 2016 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD RB 4x2 a/t

Noticeably more modern

Posted: 3 June 2016

The numbers
Price: R531 400
Engine:  2755 cc, four-cylinder, 16-valve, chain driven DOHC turbo diesel
Power: 130 kW at 3400 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm between 1400 and 2600 rpm
Zero to 100 km/h: 10.8 seconds
Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Real life fuel consumption: About 10.3 l/100 km
Tank: 80 litres
Luggage space: 200 – 716 – 1080 litres
Warranty: 3 years / 100 000 km
Service plan: 5 years / 90 000 km at 10 000 km intervals

First, the letters: GD means Global Diesel – Toyota’s new four-cylinder diesel engine range – while RB means Raised body.

Second, the background: This second generation (AN 160) Fortuner was first revealed in Australia and Thailand on 16 July 2015. Along with Hilux, Fortuner uses the "Keen Look" design language already seen on the E170 Corolla; with chunkier front end, slim projector headlights and LED daytime running lamps. The designers made Fortuner's interior different from Hilux, giving each its own distinct character. They share chassis, transmission and engine line-ups that include two new diesel engines, 1GD and 2GD. The 2.7-litre and 4.0-litre petrol engines were updated with Dual VVT-i.

Of most immediate interest, as far as the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV motor in our test car goes, is that it develops more power and torque than the old car’s 3.0 D-4D did – 130 kw and 450 Nm (420 in manual) vs. 120 kW and 343 Nm. Braked towing capacity is now 3 tons.

The new car’s wheelbase is 5 mm shorter but the body is 90 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 15 mm lower. Although five-speed transmissions are offered in some markets, we get a pair of six-ratio ‘boxes.

Both are new. The intelligent manual transmission (iMT) offered on 2.8 models electronically synchronizes engine- and gearbox speeds for smoother changes and the automatic is Aisin-Warner’s AWR6B45 (Toyota AC 60) unit. First is geared fairly low, for quick getaway, while fifth and sixth are “overdrive” ratios for economy.

Here’s an extract from the A-W write-up: “This six-speed automatic transmission has achieved low cost while realizing improvement in both fuel economy and driving performance against current in-house five-speed automatic transmissions. Additionally it satisfies toughness in use together with light weight and compactness. These are accomplished by using a compact gear train structure, the latest efficiency improvement technologies and a high-response, compact hydraulic control system. Further, the compactness of this six-speed automatic transmission enables it to replace current four- and five-speed automatic transmissions in various engine applications.”

Perhaps unfairly, we expected this autobox to be as responsive as twin-clutch units we have driven recently. Not so, unfortunately; it still behaves like a conventional torque converter device even though it’s been given vitamins. Response to kick-down demands is leisurely, with some noise intruding if one is impatient with it. Switching between Eco, Standard and Sport modes alters engine responses slightly but doesn’t improve gearbox behaviour. Thankfully, you can still resort to manual override if in a hurry – you have the choice of stick or paddles with which to do it.

Fortuner’s suspension layout (double wishbones in front, multilink rear, with coils at both ends) is basically unchanged. However new dual-cylinder dampers, with a larger bore and smoother action, use a shorter stroke to smooth out bumps more quickly, so improving ride over small irregularities. Dampers were repositioned and retuned for flatter cornering and softer ride at medium to high speeds.

In real world use average speed humps and smaller pot holes didn’t faze it, but we found that sharp washboard corrugations and embedded small stones could set up body drone and some skittishness. Verdict: Better than before, but no threat to main competitors just yet.

What has not changed is that famous pair of third row seats. They still fold down from the sides of the body, where they block the view through the rearmost side windows, while stealing valuable luggage space. Only little people could get comfortable in them and one needs to be fit and flexible to climb in and out. On the positive side, they are easy enough to put down or pack away and now feature reclinable backs. Head restraints and full belts are fitted to both.

The office area is neater and more modern than in the outgoing model, with less silvered plastic and a new, seven-inch, colour touch-screen entertainment centre. It’s fitted with the usual Bluetooth connectivity, reproduces MP3 and MP4 music files via the USB connector, plays DVDs and its controls are logically laid out. Being one of the upper models, the aircon is automatic front and rear, it has LED headlamps, follow-me lights, seven airbags, reversing camera and leather upholstery with electrically powered adjusters, including squab tilt, for the driver’s chair. But the only way to get satnav is to buy the four-litre petrol version. Sorry about that.

All models come with ABS brakes (discs front and rear) with EBD and EBA, hill launch, traction control, vehicle stability control, trailer sway control (the hitch costs extra) twin glove boxes, one-touch powered windows, roof rails, side steps, a full-size alloy spare wheel, fog lamps at each end, keyless entry and starting, a fuel tank guard and automatic locking.

A big improvement over the previous model is that ground clearance has been increased from 220 millimetres to 279. Wading depth is now 700 mm but approach and departure angles are much as before; 29 and 25 degrees vs. 30 and 25. That’s because the body is longer, over a shorter wheelbase, and thus has larger overhangs front and rear.

The new Fortuner, although noticeably more modern than its predecessor, is still essentially conservative and relies on tried and tested technology rather than breaking new ground. Its fans, and there are on average 580 new buyers every month, will continue to appreciate that.

Test car from Toyota SA press fleet

Our review of the 2015 Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4x4 is here

Our review of the 2016 Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x4 double cab is here

We drove an updated 2.8 GD-6 4x4 in 2022

What We Do

This is a one-man show, which means that every car reviewed is given my personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.
Every test car goes through real world driving; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads as well.

I do my best to include relevant information like real life fuel economy or a close mathematical calculation, boot size or luggage space, whether the space is both usable and accessible, whether life-sized people can use the back seat (where that applies), basic specs of the vehicle and performance figures if they are published. In the case of clearly identified launch reports, fuel figures are of necessity the laboratory numbers provided with the release material. If I ever place an article that doesn't cover most things, it's probably because I have dealt with that vehicle at least once already, so you will be able to find what you want in another report under the same manufacturer's heading in the menu on the left.

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