SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor has updated the Toyota Fortuner sports utility vehicle (SUV) which will be available early this year.
Bookings are now accepted at all authorised UMW Toyota Motor dealerships nationwide.
Locally-assembled, Toyota’s full-sized SUV will be available in two variants of 2.8 VRZ 4X4 automatic priced at RM203,183 and 2.7 SRZ 4X4 automatic at RM172,244.
The 2.8 VRZ 4X4 auto is a new variant which replaces the 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.
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Customers buying the 2.7 SRZ 4X4 auto can also choose the new Bronze Mica Metallic and five other exterior colours of Super White II, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Phantom Brown Metallic.
The new 2.8 VRZ comes with Quad LED headlamps with a new dynamic design housing that flank a mesh-type front grille.
The foglamp, 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.
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 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.
Both variants are fitted with new design 18-inch alloy wheels.
The premium image and interior feel of the 2.8 VRZ is further enhanced with new colour and seat design.
The instrument panel now features a revised Multi Information Display (MID) opening animation with ambient illumination to add a touch of class at night.
The instrument panel for the 2.7 SRZ has also been redesigned with the MID providing 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, both variants 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.
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 10kph to 180kph, using the millimetre-wave radar sensor in the grille and analyses the imagery captured by the camera on the top of the windscreen to detect other vehicles.
LDA is useful in preventing accidents when a driver may be drowsy or lose concentration and the vehicle starts to stray from the lane.
Unlike the TSS in passenger vehicles, the system in the Fortuner (as well as Hilux) has a Yaw Assist Function which applies additional braking force to the inner wheels to direct the vehicle back into the proper lane position once lane departure is detected.
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 30kph, 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.
The proven Toyota powertrains are maintained with the availability of the new 1GD-FTV 4cylinder common rail diesel engine with a heavy-duty variable nozzle turbocharger and Intercooler.
The new muscular 2.8-litre engine produces 204PS at 3,400rpm and 500Nm 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.
The 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 engineers have enhanced the steering feeling to achieve natural handling that matches the speed.
For the 2.8 VRZ, there is also a SPORT mode which enhances the steering wheel for responsiveness.
The part-time 4x4 drivetrain provides for maximum capability on all surfaces, from smooth highway to muddy jungle tracks.
With the 4x4 engaged, all four wheels constantly get power to give better stability and grip in all conditions, increasing safety.
The drivetrain of the both variants has an Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD) 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.
The Fortuner range comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, subject to conditions.
