Monday, November 14, 2011

Toyota Fortuner, medium-sized SUV based on the Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Fortuner, also known as the Toyota SW4, is a medium-sized SUV based on the Toyota Hilux. Originally assembled only in Thailand, but later also in Indonesia and other countries, the Fortuner is built on the well-established platform of the Toyota Hilux pickup truck. It features three rows of seats and is available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive among others. The Fortuner is part of Toyota's IMV project in Thailand, which also includes the Toyota Hilux and the Kijang Innova (in Indonesia). The vehicle was designed by Toyota Technical Centre Australia. A number of engine options are available depending on the country of sale, including a 2.7 L 2TR-FE and 4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 petrol with Variable Valve Timing and 2.5 L 2KD-FTV and 3.0 L 1KD-FTV common rail variable geometry turbocharger diesel models.

Trim levels are G and G Luxury for rear-wheel drive diesel and gasoline, and V for 4×4 Diesel and gasoline. The common rail turbo intercooled diesel has functional scoop on its hood.

In 2007 Toyota Thailand dropped the 4×4 gasoline model and replaced it with a two-wheel drive gasoline version.

This car was the best selling in its category (SUV/PPV) in the Philippines and currently Thailand.

The Fortuner is not offered in Japan, Europe, North America, Australasia, or China. For the medium pick-up based SUV segment in those markets, Toyota offers the Hilux Surf (Japan), 4Runner (North America) and Land Cruiser Prado (Europe, Australasia and China).