Review: Toyota Fortuner VXR

The Toyota Fortuner - evidently derived from the word 'fortune' - has been a successful proposition to price-conscious SUV buyers for about a decade now. The affordability and practicality made the Thailand-and-Indonesian-built SUV a value-proposition that was hard to beat. But it wasn't without fault: its pick-up truck roots put off some people, while its clunky styling and the wobbly ride weren't up to taste to many.
So, Toyota has had to rethink their strategy. For 2016 comes a newly-evolved Fortuner, which, from first impressions, has a firmer grasp on vanity and a few tricks up its sleeve to help maintain its popularity. We take a closer look at the top-spec VXR variant of the SUV.

DESIGN & AESTHETICS
The first generation Toyota Fortuner was designed based on the Hilux-platform; for the second generation, the trend continues. However, this time, Toyota has made some substantial improvisations. The new vehicle may have the identical 2,650mm wheelbase but is longer, wider and much more airy inside. To be exact, it is now 4,795mm long, 1,855mm wide and stands as an equal amongst the tallest SUVs in the market at 1,835mm.
They have taken that rumble-tumble pickup look and made it more sophisticated. In fact, as you can see from the pictures, Toyota has raised the aesthetics quotient so much higher, it is more Lexus than Toyota. This isn't us throwing analogies - there are direct references from the upscale cousin. Take, for example, the frontal view - once a camouflaged pickup truck with large bulbous lights clusters - which now has a more sedan-like face decked up with sleek horizontal clusters with LED headlamps and an intricate string of DRLs. The segmentation of the front bumper also adds a degree of sophistication.
There is metamorphosis in its profile as well. The once pronounced - again, bulbous - wheel arches have been replaced by slim, protruding black plastic trims, like we see in the Lexus RX and NX. Even the wheels have gotten bigger; the base model comes with 17-inch alloys, which is the same as before, but the new top-spec gets larger 18-inch ones with a sportier, multi-spoke design. The biggest change, however, is the floating roof effect granted by the blacked out D-piller - a common trick in industry heavyweights, such as the Range Rover - for a more athletic look.
It's not just the exteriors; Toyota have elevated the Fortuner's cabin from a pickup truck-style cabin architecture with makeshift sedan parts to a more distinctive design that falls in line with the rest of the family.
The dashboard has been completely revamped. The ugly vertical rectangular A/C vents have gone and there are more aluminium accents all around. The 90s'-style 4-spoke steering wheel has been swapped for a sporty 3-spoke variety. The vertical centre cluster is flanked by columns of soft simulated leather upholstery that offers leg support from both sides, while the white ambient lighting adds a touch of class.
The seats are accommodating and large up front. No issues there. The second row is truly the gentleman's row, with plenty of space. The best part about the Fortuner is that, for a relatively affordable price, you get the rare third row with its individual air-con vents. It's a little tricky to get into, but it's more boon than bane.

POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
Motivating this tall-standing mass of metal is one of two engines. If you are looking for economy of price and fuel consumption, you can opt for the base model with the 2.7-litre inline 4-cylinder engine. But do keep in mind that it has limited power - i.e., 164bhp and can sound slightly strained when pushed. But for more Usain Bolt-like attitude, you have a bigger 4.0-litre V6 engine, to give you more speed on the straights and more agility across the dunes. Our test car, which bore this engine, makes as much as 232bhp, which may seem modest, but the larger displacement comes with a healthy dose of torque - specifically, 384 Nm that deliver on the promise of propulsion.
The big change for the 2016 model is the upgrade from the 5-speed manual and automatic to a more-modern 6-speed automatic transmission that has proven its worth with its slick operation. And with the top trim V6 model, you also have paddles behind the steering wheel to help with driver engagement.
From the moment we rolled out of the parking, it felt enthusiastic and ready for movement. At the traffic lights, it clearly put us ahead of most SUVs, often clocking the 0 to 100km/h dash in under 9 seconds, which is pretty zippy when you take its mass into consideration. And on the highway, it made overtaking slower vehicles easier with the help of relatively brisk kick-downs whenever needed.
The suspension, which comprises of a double wishbone front end and a four-link suspension rear, has been optimised for acceptable ride quality. The wobbly ride effect of its predecessor has been negated to a great extent and the new Fortuner shows greater composure on the road.
We took the VXR into the sandy wilderness to see whether it would prove useful at what it was designed to do. The 225mm ground clearance made it an easy task of rushing through dunes with ample approach and departure angles to play with. The new electronic differential lock, that goes from 2WD to 4H and 4L with the turn of a switch, replaces the second shift lever on the lower console. With the help of the '4L' mode, we traversed the sands with an ease usually associated with Nissan Patrols and FJ Cruisers.
The V6 delivers average economy in the range of 15-16L/100km but light throttle application and limited four-wheel drive usage will help the new 6-speed drop that figure further. You also have the 80-litre tank borrowed from its predecessor for extended range and an eco mode that dampens throttle response.

FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
For those who like to keep themselves occupied with some entertainment you have a basic 6-speaker audio unit, but a good one that, besides being equipped with FM/AM radio and mp3 player, also gets USB ports and aux-in. We hooked up our selection of favourite tunes and the unit played with reasonable clarity and gusto. The top-spec model comes with two 8-inch entertainment screens in the rear that will help parents keep their kids occupied on those long hauls. The interface to the infotainment system is rather basic but useable, and runs on the latest version of their software.
Even though the Fortuner is in many ways an entry-level SUV, Toyota has thoughtfully included all the many mandated safety features such as ABS and EBD. There are ISOFIX anchor points for child seats, parking sensors, rear camera, and cruise control to make driving and parking less of a chore. It also comes equipped with plenty of airbags and seat-belt pre-tensioners. If these features don't win you over, the commanding view and the feeling of being encapsulated in an SUV will.

VERDICT
The 2016 Toyota Fortuner has abandoned its almost agricultural aesthetics for a more Lexus-inspired styling. It has become amongst the few affordable SUVs elegant enough for you to take to a social setting without embarrassment, while maintaining its inherent ruggedness. In addition, the three row practicality, renowned reliability and improved ride quality place it among the top cars we have driven this year. And if you do find a place in your garage for one, do consider that for an extra Dh5,000, you can get your service sorted for the first 30,000 km.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com