SA Roadtests
South Africa
ctjag8
Exteriors by Motorpress
Interior by author
Posted: June 21, 2022
The numbers
Prices range from R599 000 to R837 100
Engines:
1. 2393 cc, DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 110 kW at 3400 rpm
Torque: 400 Nm between 1600 and 2000 rpm
Zero to 100 km/h: Not given
Top speeds: 175 km/h (m), 170 km//h (a)
Gears: Six-speed manual or automatic
2. 2755 cc, DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 150 kW between 3000 and 3400 rpm
Torque: 500 Nm between 1600 and 2800 rpm
Zero to 100 km/h (VX 4x4, per Car magazine): 11.3 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Gears: Six-speed automatic
Real life fuel consumption (VX 4x4): About 9.6 l/100 km
Tank: 80 litres
Luggage: 210-716-1080 litres
Turning circle: 11.6 metres
Maximum towing capacity (4x2) 2500 kg, (4x4) 3300 kg
Ground clearance (max): 279 mm
Approach/departure/break-over angles: 29.0/25.0/23.5 degrees
Wading depth: 700 mm
Standard tyre size (2.4) 265/65R17, (2.8) 265/60R18
Spare: Full size alloy
Warranty: Three years, 100 000 km
Service plan: Nine services over 90 000 km, at 10 000 km intervals
A rookie journalist once wrote that, while Toyotas aren’t perfect, they are perfect for Toyota buyers. And South Africa has many, with the Fortuner (Fortune-er, not For-tuner, we are told) line moving around 800 units per month and appearing regularly among the company’s top-sellers.
“Don’t mess with what ain’t broke,” could well be a company dictum because Fortuner hasn’t changed much since we drove a 4x2 version in 2016; although there have been a couple of updates since then.
The most notable happened in November 2020 when a new top grade, VX, appeared along with a mild facelift and enhanced specifications all ‘round. These included more power and bigger wheels for 2.8-litre models. The previous brown-leather interior was replaced by black ‘hide’ with silver contrast stitching, while brightwork accentuated other areas.
Blue interior lighting complements a new instrument cluster with metallic-blue dial faces, white needle pointers and a simple, elegant font. These are augmented by an expanded, centrally-mounted Multi-Information Display.
An eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows users to mirror applications off their mobile phones for seamless connectivity. Navigation applications such as Google Maps and Waze are natively supported and occupants can also access their music libraries and streaming accounts via apps like Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify and SoundCloud. Wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth, with a USB input for additional media options. The 2.8 GD-6 models (mid- and VX) were also given satnav.
The 2.4-litre GD-6 variants now include Park Distance Control alongside full LED lighting, cruise control and touchscreen infotainment with aforementioned CarPlay and Android Auto. A new Multi-Information Display screen includes a digital-speed read out and steering wheel angle indicator to enhance off-road usability. These are joined by one-touch power windows all around and a reversing camera with static guidelines.
Output of the 2.8 GD-6’s engine was boosted by a bigger turbocharger for crisper and stronger throttle response and a new common-rail injection system with maximum fuel pressure increased to 250 MPa. Outputs increased by 20 kW and 50 Nm; bringing the figures to 150 kW and 500 Nm. Towing capacity of all 4x4 variants, 2.4 and 2.8, is now 3300 kg.
Further improvements included a more rigid cylinder block, new exhaust manifold and new gasket materials. Upgraded cooling measures include a reshaped water jacket and revised cooling fan and coupling.
Fuel economy benefits from a reshaped combustion chamber that reduces cooling losses, and more efficient exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in the intake manifold. A water-cooled, double-pipe, pre-cooler results in optimum EGR gas temperature while a new balance shaft improves refinement.
The six-speed automatic transmission was recalibrated, Toyota says, to allow earlier lockup for improved acceleration and cooling performance, especially while towing. This jury-of-one is still out on the “improved acceleration” claim because, to me, the box remains unduly leisurely and in need of replacement.
A further item craving attention is the pair of drop-down jump seats right at the back. They obstruct vision when not in use and steal loading space; time to sink them into the floor as others do.
Moving on: A further update in December 2021 provided all models with a more secure Smart Entry system and 2.8s upgraded to dual-zone climate control. Range-topping VXs gain a Panoramic View Monitor with selectable views, additional functions for Toyota Safety Sense in the form of Blind- Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and, for audiophiles, an upgrade to 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio.
On-board satellite navigation was dropped because users prefer to use smartphone apps via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Much improved since 2016 is the vehicle’s dirt-road behaviour. Previously almost dangerously skittish over washboard and embedded stones, Fortuner’s ride is now like practically any other (non-air) setup; no more dancing, thank Goodness.
The day-to-day experience is of a big and solid vehicle. Its steering wheel provides a decent, man-sized handful and everything feels reassuringly competent with the ‘proper’ handbrake sited for RHD and working well. Its tall body leans somewhat on corners taken too quickly but this is an off-roader, not a boy racer. The view outward through most side windows is clear, its turning circle is average for a vehicle this size and its off-road credentials are excellent. I would like climb-in handles on the back doors, though. And drivers who need to check personal appearance occasionally might want a mirror on the right visor.
The loading deck is at 80 cm, is fitted with two bag hooks and is illuminated by a third courtesy lamp lighting the jump seat area. This boasts its own cup holders and oddments slots. A full-size alloy spare is slung under the floor and is lowered by means of the jack handle.
Taller second row passengers will find sufficient headroom, generous knee space and slightly cramped foot room under lowered front chairs. (They’re both electrically adjustable on VX models). Repeater vents in the roof (second and third rows), fan speed controller, map pockets, two more bag hooks, an armrest without cup holders, reclining seatbacks, squabs that slide through a range of about 10 cm and fold and tumble for access to the third row, a 220-volt/100 Watt Euro plug and a 12-volt/120 Watt socket all serve to make life more comfortable.
Pilot and navigator stashes include a big armrest box, a pair of cubbies (top one chilled), cup holders and two door bins with bottle holders. The autobox is controlled through an old-school dogleg gate that offers the usual selections, plus Sport, and manual override via stick or paddles.
Critics say that Fortuner needs updating but 800 local buyers per month might disagree. It might not be perfect for everyone. But it’s perfect for Toyota buyers.
Test unit from Toyota SA press fleet
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 or goat tracks as well. As a result, my test cars do occasionally get dirty. It's all part of the reviewing process.
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.
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SA Roadtests
South Africa
ctjag8