We hear Toyota Indus Motors Company (IMC) is all-set to introduce an all-new face lift variant of the much-loved large SUV, Toyota Fortuner in Pakistan.
The 4×4 SUV will hit the Pakistani automobile market by May/June, according to well-placed sources in the auto sector.
Toyota Fortuner is available in the Pakistani market in three different trim levels; Petrol V is the top-of-the-line model, Petrol (G), baseline variant, which has the same 2.7-liter gasoline engine as Petrol V comes with certain changes in exterior and interior, and Sigma 4 is the 4×4 diesel variant.
It’s being reported heavily that the facelift version of Fortuner incoming in Summer will reintroduce 4×4 to the higher trim Petrol V petrol. It’s pertinent to mention here that IMC had previously offered 4×4 in V model but it was removed to give way to the subsequent release of the Sigma 4 diesel variant. It seems, Toyota has learnt some lessons and is ready to reverse course.
Last year in March, much to the surprise of auto enthusiasts, in a rare move to appease its customers, Toyota launched a more affordable variant of the SUV called Fortuner G. It was priced at Rs.7.29 million.
Toyota’s Fortuner received a mid-cycle update as a new variant of the widely popular midsize SUV was launched. This is known as the Toyota Fortuner Legender 2021 model. This development was anticipated by people familiar with the automobile sector.
In its home market of Thailand, Toyota not only launched the long-awaited facelift version of its SUV Fortuner but also unveiled a Pick-up truck Hilux, for the year 2021.
Toyota’s Fortuner has been around since late 2004. The SUV jumped into its second generation in 2015; the new look was loved by auto-enthusiasts for its stylish exterior and lights.
Since 2015, this is Toyota Fortuner’s first facelift model after 5 years. Generally, the auto manufacturer introduces the facelift version after 3 years.
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Toyota Fortuner Legender 2021: Engine and performance
The 2021 Fortuner uses the higher-end 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine producing 201 horsepower (150 kilowatts) and 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) of torque with the help of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). It represents a healthy increase of 27 hp (20 kW) and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) over the model it replaces. It can now produce a maximum output power of 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
The fuel economy, however, won’t be affected, as per claims by Toyota. This engine up-gradation, although will produce more power, won’t consume as much fuel. In fact, it’ll save 17 per cent fuel while travelling within the city thanks to improved cooling.
One other advantage the updated model has over its predecessor is the increased towing capacity, now at 3,100 kilograms (6,834 pounds) or 300 kg (661 lbs) more than before.
Toyota Fortuner 2.4-litre diesel turbo engine is still attached to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
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Exterior
The 2021 Toyota Fortuner Legender has a sleeker design. It comes with new, unique LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights (DRL’s) giving it a luxurious look. The Toyota Fortuner Legender also has LED sequential turn indicators, 20-inch alloy wheels and kick-activated tailgate, all of which are bits that aren’t available on the standard model.
Toyota Legender, also known to be the sportier version of Toyota Fortuner incorporates a split front radiator grille and the bumper that includes sequential LED turn-indicators with LED projector headlamps and 20-inch alloy wheels.
All in all, Thailand will be the first country which gets a sportier Legender version of Fortuner 2021 with modified bumpers at the front and rear, more standard equipment, a two-tone finish, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
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Interior
Inside the standard Fortuner facelift model 2021, the auto manufacturer has provided an improved and larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay. There is also a slight up gradation in the instrument cluster of the SUV.
The interior of both the vehicles looks the same but Legender comes with additional features:
- 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 11-speaker JBL sound system including subwoofer
- Wireless charger
- Ambient light
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Advanced safety system “Toyota Safety Sense”
- Cruise control
- Paddle shift
- 2-tone seats
- EC mirror
- Panoramic view mirror
- Kick activated back door
- Optitron meter
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Price and availability
The standard price of Toyota Fortuner Legender in Thailand is 1,577,000 Thai Baht which equals 8,452,265 Pakistani Rupee. In the United States Dollar, it costs 50,657$.
Toyota Thailand has started accepting orders for the facelifted Fortuner and will start delivering the midsize SUV later this month. However, for Legender fans there is some bad news; the high-end Legender will have to wait until August 2020.
Stay tuned to Global Village Space for more updates on the automobile industry.