Toyota Fortuner is a popular three-row premium SUV in the Southeast Asian and South African countries, as it’s in India. Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently introduced the updated Fortuner GR-Sport, featuring a more powerful engine and a subtle design changes. Interestingly, this updated version is the most powerful Fortuner ever offered by the Japanese automaker. So, what’s so special about? Let’s take a closer look.
The new Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport uses the 2.8L, 4-cylinder diesel engine, which has been tuned to generate a maximum power of 221bhp and a massive torque of 550Nm. Compared to its revision version, the updated one is nearly 20bhp more powerful and offers 50Nm of extra torque. This motor comes paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Aiming to improve its comfort quotient and performance, Toyota has also tuned its suspension setup.
Minimal changes have been made to its design as well. The new Fortuner GR-Sport features a newly-designed grille with honeycomb grille and revised front and rear bumper. The sculpted body lines, larger, newly-designed 18-inch alloy wheels in gloss black finish, LED taillamps and dual exhaust outlets further enhance its commanding road presence. The cabin of the new Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport continues to feature the ‘GR’-specific treatment with the Alcantra-trimmed sports seats. It also has GR aluminium pedals and GR interior badges.
In the South African market, the new Fortuner GR-Sport is being offered at R999,000 (approx. Rs 44.95 lakh). The company is offering the SUV with the standard warranty of nine services/90,000km service plan and a warranty spanning three years or 100,000km.
The Japanese automaker has no plan to bring in the new Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport in India. Here, the company will introduce the Fortuner MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle), featuring a turbo diesel engine, a 48V battery and an electric motor generator. The SUV’s new hybrid version will deliver better fuel efficiency, while reducing the carbon footprints. Its official launch date and details are yet to be announced, though the new Fortuner MHEV is likely to debut this year.
