We recently tested the Toyota Hilux in the new upgraded version, most importantly boasting the more powerful version of the 2.8L GD-6 diesel engine. Involving a bit of catch-up with the competition, outputs have increased to 150kW and 500Nm.
The addition of balancing shafts in the top versions of this engine make a massive difference in my opinion and have created a far smoother running vehicle, taking it into the luxury class in the category of large bakkie based SUV's.
It didn't take long for Toyota SA to follow with the Fortuner sibling receiving the same upgraded engine and suspension but they also took this opportunity to introduce a number of other updates at the same time. Starting with the new, more aggressive front end with new slimline LED headlights and daytime running lights.
First and foremost, the much maligned brown interior with wood trim is now replaced with a far more modern black interior with leather trim and far more soft touch surfaces on the fascia.
Our test vehicle was the new top of the line VX spec so adds many more comfort and safety features to the recipe. Among them, active cruise control, lane departure warning, large infotainment screen with Apple Carplay and Android auto plus upgraded sound system. A strange omission in a family vehicle seems to be the provision of only 1 USB port up front and none for rear passengers.
As before, space is enormous for passengers in 5 seater mode and then providing a massive boot space that easily took the MotorMatters 500kg load of Gush Valley water.
I choose to not even mention the 2 "extra" seats provided in the rear area. Suffice to say that if this was my vehicle, they would be removed and dispatched to my garage on delivery day. Yet, in spite of this fact, over 1000 customers per month can't be wrong!
Without even engaging 4 wheel drive that is available at the twist of a knob, the Fortuner handled our now standard mix of dirt roads (some pretty bad sections included) life on the farm, open road cruising and city life. In every circumstance, the GD-6 engine and 6 speed automatic transmission never missed a beat. Bouncing around on the farm was made comfortable by the new upgraded rear suspension and the extra power is noticeable when overtaking on the open road.
Fuel economy of 9.5L/ 100km for the test period, taking the varied driving into account, is very acceptable for such a large family vehicle.
The new Fortuner range starts at R566 800 with this top VX model currently priced at R790 500. The service plan offers 9 services or 90 000km.
#Toyota
#ToyotaSA
#ToyotaSouthAfrica
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#ToyotaFortuner
#7SeaterSUV
#LargeSUV
#4x4SUV
#BakkieBasedSUV
17 дек 2020
