Other Points:
• Big 80 liter fuel tank can realistically give you anywhere between an 880 – 1000 kms highway driving range.
• The Fortuner is surprisingly easy to drive in the city. Superb drivability at play here. Turning radius of 5.9 meters (smaller than the Endeavour). Perched right above everyone else in traffic, you have a fantastic view. And everyone moves out of the way.
• Over 5,000 bookings received so far (production capacity of 500 monthly being increased to 600). There's a reason why Toyota was able to price the Fortuner so well. There is so much shared between the Fortuner and the 3,000+ units a month Innova! A competitive advantage, something that other low volume SUVs can only dream about. Toyota builds everything from utility vehicles to pickup trucks to SUVs on the same “IMV” platform. The Fortuner is built for the Asian, African and South American markets.
• As good as it is, the Innova’s captain seats (top end V variant) are still a better bet for passengers and the chauffeur-driven. This extends to the Innova versus any 20 lakh SUV.
• The Fortuner is some attention grabber. While driving the SUV out of the showroom, there was a long line of people who wanted a testdrive. Right after, a dude on a scooter comes up and says “This is a Toyota? Captiva khallas”. When we stop to check the tyre pressure, a bunch of dudes come up asking about the Fortuner. Park at my house and the neighbours come down.
• The headlamps have a whitish + bluish tinge to them. Sweet looking (like after-market bulbs).
• Appeals in a very utilitarian – NOT luxurious – way. As BHPian Vivekji05 commented (after a drive), the Fortuner will probably outlast its owner.
• Toyota made a smart marketing move. They intentionally launched the Landcruiser (@ 80 lakhs) 2 months before the Fortuner, raised the premium tag associated with Toyota SUVs and then bring in the Fortuner.
• Black Fortuner + dark tints + alloy & tyre upsize = Ultimate Pimp Machine! Same in white + VIP numberplate = Politician.
• The Fortuner reminds me of the Toyota 4runner in more ways than one. I’ve always been a fan of clean lines, devoid of quirkiness, and feel that the Fortuner's styling will age well.
• Torque delivery is phenomenal. You seldom need to downshift in regular driving conditions. Even when out on the highway.
• Obviously the anti-theft alarm system has impact sensors that work. Ganpati Visarjan fireworks (on 03/09/2009) triggered the horn-based alarm system. Expect the Fortuner to contribute to your Diwali celebrations.
• I’m willing to bet that a spare tyre on the tail-gate is going to be a popular modification. I like the current looks, but a spare tyre mounted SUV-style will take it to another level.
• Don’t let the headlamp designs fool you. These are NOT xenons.
• Without doubt, a good number of potential Accord, Superb & Camry owners will go for the Fortuner. Even though the Fortuner is from an entirely different vehicle category. We got to understand that buying a 20 lakh car is more a want than a need. And the Fortuner packs appeal.
• The heater – whenever it is that you will use it – is only for the front passengers.
• Awesome mid-range can outgun most C+ & D segment petrol sedans.
• Fantastic insulation from exterior sounds. Shut the doors and the outside world stays outside.
• One touch up / down only for the driver’s power window.
• Neat 3 year / 100,000 km standard warranty.
• Doors auto-lock once you start driving.
• The windscreen wash has two sprinkler type sprays. Rear wash wipe works well.
• Rumours abundant that the Fortuner Automatic is coming next year.
Update: Fortuner Automatic launched in Dec 2011.
Official Review
• Registered as a 7 seater. But thanks to the “2 seater middle row”, the Fortuner is a 6 seater at best.
• Engine has a very enthusiastic starter, rotates ultra-fast.
• You have to look carefully on the side & rear within the city. Low slung sedans / hatches can become invisible, thanks to the Fortuner's tall stance and high window sills.
• Seat leather seems long-lasting. Even the roof rails & subtle rear spoiler feel top quality.
• All three rows have recline-adjustable seats.
• Toyota has recently overtaken Honda in sales, the Fortuner will only take this further. Plus, the Fortuner will give Toyota reasonably good numbers in the 20 lakh segment, something that the CBU priced Camry never really managed.