Toyota Fortuner 2011-2016 4x4 MT TRD Sportivo

Fortuner 2011-2016 4x4 MT TRD Sportivo Review

With the prevailing festive season, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched the Fortuner TRD Sportivo -Limited Edition model for the Indian seekers. And with this, the company brings the all-new excitement of the new product in market as well as it redefines the sport quotient of Fortuner. This particular vehicle is known for the company's promise to deliver Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) rich product to the market. Toyota Racing Development has basically worked to build the new Fortuner, which now features 4x4 MT and various additional features to it. As far as pricing is concerned, the 4x4 MT TRD Sportivo comes with a price tag of Rs. 24.2 lakh ( ex-showroom, Delhi). The segment leader SUV gets a new addition to its line up, while opens a wide range for the customers to choose from. The launch in the on-going festive season seems to be quite promising to the company, and is expected to raise the sales unit figures from 54,000, recorded until now. This newly launched Fortuner gets quite a lot upgrades at the exterior and interior front, making it look like a limited edition version. As per the company's plans, the 4x4 MT TRD will be produced only till December'13 and there will be only 400units produced.

Exteriors:

The vehicle's robust and sturdy look gets enhanced with few new elements added to its exteriors. The 4x4 MT TRD Sportivo retains the muscular appeal, while at the front end the radiator grille receives the shining TRD emblem. Also the new bumpers at both the rear and front are designed aerodynamically, while rest the bold look is retained as before. To make it distinguishable from the rest in the range, the company went for TRD engraved sporty side body stripe as well as the rear design got some changes. Now the SUV features rear roof spoiler and TRD Sportivo emblem at the back end of the vehicle. These are few exterior additions made to make this SUV stand out of the rest in the segment. Overall, the structure looks the same huge and bulky, but is a perfect SUV to take on off-road rides as well as city rides. Fortuner's most prominent part, the big hood at the front fascia still adorns the new 4x4 MT TRD model.

Interiors:

Interiors are certainly of top notch quality, and a perfect blend of aesthetics and comfort that are capable to captivate anyone's attention. The dashboard is in black wood-like finish and attracts maximum attention. There's a MID (Multi Information Display), the four spoke steering wheel is in leather covering and just behind is the Optitron Combimeter with Illumination control. The reverse camera is provided to see the rear view on the display, while the steering wheel has mounted controls to make it easily accessible. Even the seats are highly comfortable with 6-way power adjust driver seat, and leather seats has recline function on all seats, while the front and second row seats can slide too. To pump up the internal ambiance, the 4-spoke steering wheel, gear lever knob and transfer case knob, all are leather covered.

Engine and Performance:

As the 4x4 MT TRD has arrived as the limited edition model, there are no significant mechanical changes. Under the hood, it features 3.0-liter, 2982cc, D-4D, 16V DOHC diesel engine, which has the ability to belt out maximum power output of 169bhp at 3600rpm and 343Nm of peak torque at 1400-3400rpm. The only change is in the drive transmission, now the vehicle features engine combined with manual transmission gearbox that transmits drive to all four wheels. The SUV delivers fuel economy of 9.25kmpl on city roads, while on highways it is claimed to deliver 12.55kmpl. The turbo charged diesel engine is responsible for high engine performance with excellent acceleration and fuel efficiency. The engine is really supportive to offer best-in-class off-road drive experience, above it the 4x4 drive also adds the spark to the performance of the vehicle.

Braking and Handling:

The braking system comprises of ventilated disc at the front and leading tailing drum is fitted with rear wheels. Such highly efficient braking mechanism supports fast deceleration, and immediately stops the vehicle even in case of sudden braking action. Moreover, the presence of ABS(Antilock Brake System) with EBD(Electronic Brake Distribution) offers perfect resistance to the vehicle and avoids skidding action, which is usually experience by such heavy vehicles on frictionless surfaces. Apart from this, the highly rated suspension system comprising of double wishbone at front axle and leading-trailing drum at the rear axle, works well to suppress the jerks and provide effortless ride to the occupants. There's also VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) feature which again is designed to provide improved handling of the vehicle. In case of off-road ride, such kind of suspension system allows a more comfortable ride without compromising at the thrilling experience of the drive.

Comfort Features:

The Fortuner 4x4 MT TRD offers a long list of comfort features that includes, dual auto AC with rear air conditioner switch and ceiling vents dedicatedly provided for the 2nd and 3rd rows, keyless entry, printed antenna, rear camera with display and cruise control. Moreover, the steering comes with mounted audio and Bluetooth controls on it, which makes it easy to access. To cater the need of entertainment, there is 2-DIN display audio with LCD touch-screen, DVD, Bluetooth, USB, Aux-In and six speakers fitted at different places in the car. The leather seats are also very comfortable, also the 4-spoke steering wheel, gear lever knob and transfer case knob, are covered in leather. Seats of front and 2nd rows can slide, while all other seats can recline.

Safety Features:

Toyota Fortuner has got host of safety features which are made to provide safety to both driver and pedestrians. The list of active safety features comprises of dual front SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, immobiliser and highly rated braking mechanism helps to decelerate the vehicle instantly. Apart from these, there is GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) that again safeguards the vehicle's body, and it is one such feature that makes Fortuner offer best-in-class safety features.

Pros: Enhanced performance, stylish looks and best-in-class interiors.

Cons: Expensive Price.