It appears Toyota Fortuner buyers in India need to wait a tad more to buy their favourite SUV as the company has apparently postponed to launch the all-new second generation vehicle to 2017.
Earlier, there were reports that the new Fortuner would be launched the festive season next year. However, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is going for an aggressive localisation of the next generation Fortuner to offer it at an attractive price. To achieve this, the company apparently needs more time.
A report in AutocarIndia also indicates the priority for TKM in 2016 will the all-new Innova. The best selling model of Toyota is expected to be unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo and the India launch is expected subsequently. It is understandable that Toyota is anticipating higher sales with the new Innova and pushing Fortuner launch to 2017 to get some breathing space.
Toyota launched its new Fortuner in the international markets earlier this year. The current Fortuner selling in India is powered by a 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre diesel engine and will make way to Toyota's new GD diesel engine. The new 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV diesel unit develops 148bhp and 400Nm of torque while the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV unit churns out 175bhp and 450Nm of torque. The engines are mated to six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The new Fortuner will be available in 4WD and 2WD formats.
When launched in India, the new Toyota Fortuner will be pitted against the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the upcoming 2016 Ford Endeavour.
