The locally-assembled Toyota Fortuner gets a mild nip-and-tuck for the year ahead.
Following on from the local launch of the thoroughly updated Hilux last year, Toyota Malaysia is currently following it up with the debut of its facelifted SUV counterpart in the form of the 2021 Toyota Fortuner. Set to arrive here sometime in the next few months, bookings are now currently accepted at all UMW Toyota Motor dealerships nationwide.
Perhaps the biggest news to come with this updated Toyota 3-row SUV for 2021 would be the introduction of a new 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T trim level, which replaces the top-tier Fortuner 2.4 VRZ that was previously offered. This new further upmarket variant now takes the place of the previously top-tier 2.7 SRZ trim level, which is incidentally still offered with these new updates.
Much like the name of the 2.8 VRZ Fortuner would suggest, under the hood of this particular new Toyota SUV variant is a 2.8 litre turbodiesel four-cylinder. More specifically in fact, it is the new and improved 1GD-FTV common rail unit that is found in the revised Hilux, which outputs the same 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque.
Speaking of the Hilux, this new engine in this specific spec of Fortuner features the same electronically-controlled common rail injection system and a pre-EGR cooler, in a bid to improve fuel economy of this large truck-based SUV. A Variable Flow Control (VFC) Power Steering system with Sport mode that supposedly ‘enhances the steering wheel for responsiveness’ is also featured on this particular variant of Toyota.
As for the now lower-spec 2.7 SRZ, it soldiers on in its post-facelift form with the same 166 PS/245 Nm 2.7 litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder as its pre-facelift counterpart. Nevertheless, moving down the drivetrain, both variants of the facelifted Fortuner retains its part-time 4×4 functionality, coming with an Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD) as standard.
Moving on to exterior changes on this updated Fortuner, both variants feature sharper front and rear bumpers, a new front grille and redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels. New LED headlights also appear on this facelifted Toyota SUV, with quad LED headlights for the 2.8 VRZ, and bi-beam LED headlights for the 2.7 SRZ.
On the 2.8 VRZ too, it gains additional exterior enhancements, like a front skid plate, over its 2.7 SRZ sibling. To further distinguish this higher-end variant of Fortuner from the outside, a black finish on the roof, A-pillars, wing mirrors and roof mounted rear spoiler are also standard on the 2.8 litre model.
Stepping inside, interior ambient lighting is to be found only in the top trim level of this particular Toyota. Both variants of the facelifted Fortuner however gains an electrically operated front passenger seat, LED interior lights, an electrochromic rear view mirror as well as a revised instrument panel with an updated Multi Information Display (MID). The interior upholstery too has been revised with a new colour and design for both variants.
On the safety front meanwhile, only the top-spec Fortuner variant features the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of active safety features. Bringing along with it Pre collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Yaw Assist Function.
Backed by a five-year unlimited milage warranty on both variants, the new Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T costs RM 203,183.00, whereas the 2.7 SRZ 4×4 A/T is priced at RM172,244.00. It is worth noting that as these Toyotas are classified as SUVs, unlike its Hilux brethren then, the prices stated here are inclusive of the SST sales tax exemption, which since has been extended till the 30th of June 2021.
PRESS RELEASE: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd announces updates for the Toyota Fortuner which will be available in early 2021. Bookings are now accepted at all authorised UMW Toyota Motor dealerships nationwide.
Assembled in Malaysia, Toyota’s full-sized 4×4 SUV for the Malaysian market will continue to be available with a choice of two variants at the following prices:
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T – RM203,183.00
- Toyota Fortuner 2.7 SRZ 4×4 A/T – RM172,244.00
The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T is a new variant which replaces the Fortuner 2.4 VRZ which was offered previously. A new body colour – Bronze Mica Metallic – with a Black Roof will be available exclusively for this new variant which is the flagship of the range. The Black Roof is also available with the Super White II exterior colour only for this variant with other four exterior colours which are Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Phantom Brown Metallic.
Customers buying the other variant can also choose the new Bronze Mica Metallic and five other exterior colours which are Super White II, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Phantom Brown Metallic.
EXTERIOR CHANGES
The new Fortuner 2.8 VRZ comes with Quad LED headlamps with a new dynamic design housing that flank a mesh-type front grille. The fog lamp, turn signal and position lamps have also been restyled while the front and rear bumpers have a new design. The Skid Plate below the front end is also new, emphasising the ruggedness of the Fortuner.
Giving the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ additional distinctiveness, the roof, A-pillars, wing mirrors and roof mounted rear spoiler are finished in black. Additionally, the corner mouldings are specially shaped for aerodynamic benefits.
For the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ, the Bi-Beam LED headlamps also have a new sharper design along with the revised front grille and front bumper. The turn signals, position lamps and rear combination lamps have also received cosmetic changes for both variants. The new Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ variants also fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels that have a new design as well.
INTERIOR CHANGES
The current generation of the Fortuner has a more premium image and interior feel, and this is further enhanced with the 2021 models.
The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ interior, which has 3 rows of seats, is trimmed with a new design and colour while the seat upholstery also has a new colour and design. The new instrument panel features a revised Multi Information Display (MID) opening animation. Ambient illumination is provided to add a touch of class at night, while the key cover has been redesigned.
The instrument panel for the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ has been redesigned and for enhanced usefulness, the MID has additional information for the driver. This variant also gets a new interior trim colour and new seat upholstery colour to freshen up the cabin appearance.
For added comfort and convenience, the new Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ have been fitted with LED Interior Lamps, Electrochromic Rearview Mirror (to eliminate dazzle) and the front passenger can now easily adjust the seat with powered controls at the side.
TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE
The Fortuner comes with comprehensive safety equipment to help the driver avoid an accident, as well as a structural design that can reduce injuries during accidents. Now, in line with Toyota’s efforts to reduce road accidents, the 2.8 VRZ also comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). This is an integrated suite of active safety systems which make use of a camera and radar to monitor and detect other vehicles, and to take appropriate action to prevent an accident.
TSS, though available in many Toyota models today, has different elements and for the latest Fortuner, it comes with Pre collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Yaw Assist Function.
PCS operates in all lighting conditions at speeds from 10 km/h to 180 km/h. The system detects other vehicles ahead with the millimetre-wave radar sensor in the grille and analyses the imagery captured by the camera on the top of the windscreen. When a vehicle is detected in close range, warnings are given and the system will provide additional braking assistance when action is taken by the driver. If the driver does not act and a collision is likely to occur, automatic braking will commence at full pressure to stop the car. In many cases, an accident can be prevented but if it cannot, the early braking will reduce the vehicle speed and can help to reduce damage from the impact.
LDA is useful in preventing accidents when a driver may be drowsy or lose concentration and the vehicle starts to stray from the lane. When the system detects this happening (eg moving out of the lane or crossing over an uncurbed road edge without activating the turn signal), the driver will be alerted through the MID by a blinking indicator lamp and buzzer sound.
Unlike the TSS in passenger vehicles, the system in the Fortuner (as well as Hilux) has a Yaw Assist Function. This activates when lane departure is detected and additional braking force applied to the inner wheels to direct the vehicle back into the proper lane position.
DRCC is a more advanced type of cruise control which ensures that there is a safe gap with the vehicle ahead. The system, available from 30 km/h, will adjust the set cruising speed when
another vehicle is detected ahead, and maintain the lower speed until the vehicle is no longer there. Then the speed will gradually be increased to what was set by the driver. As with all cruise control systems, pressing the brake pedal will immediately deactivate the system or the driver can press a switch on the steering wheel.
PERFORMANCE
The proven Toyota powertrains are maintained with the availability of the new 1GD-FTV 4-cylinder common rail diesel engine with a heavy-duty variable nozzle turbocharger and Intercooler. The new muscular 2.8-litre engine produces maximum power of 204 PS at 3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque from 1,600 rpm to 2,800 rpm.
It has been engineered with an optimized structure for the cylinder block and head gasket, and incorporates a balance shaft to operate with less vibrations and lower noise levels. High efficiency is achieved with the electronically-controlled common rail injection system that can deliver fuel at a maximum pressure of up to 250 MPa. The oil pump can operate in two stages for optimal pressure delivery while a water-cooled double-pipe type pre-EGR cooler helps to keep the recirculated exhaust gas temperature at optimum.
The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ also comes with Variable Flow Control (VFC) Power Steering, which helps to improve fuel economy by reducing the power steering pump consumption torque. This is achieved by having a standby mode (low assist) when the vehicle is not being steered. As with other power steering systems, the amount of assistance varies according to the speed. It is greater at low speeds (eg when parking) to make steering easier and becomes less at higher speeds to give a firmer feel.
Toyota’s engineers have enhanced the steering feeling to achieve natural handling that matches the speed. For the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ, there is also a SPORT mode which enhances the steering wheel for responsiveness.
The part-time 4×4 drivetrain provides for maximum capability on all surfaces, from smooth highway to muddy jungle tracks. With the 4×4 engaged, all four wheels constantly get power to give better stability and grip in all conditions, increasing safety.
The drivetrain of the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ has an Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD). This device is very useful in the most difficult conditions and uses the traction control system to control braking when one of the rear wheels start to spin. It allows engine power to be maintained and power is directed to the wheel with better traction.
WARRANTY
The Fortuner range comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, subject to conditions stated in the Owner’s Handbook. This will be welcome by owners who clock high mileage each year as they can enjoy peace of mind for the full 5-year period. As with all models distributed by UMW Toyota Motor, aftersales support is readily available throughout the country.
