In this modern age of globalisation, traditional notions of nationality seldom apply any more. For a multi-national corporation to survive, it is prudent to come up with products that can suit certain markets specifically, instead of taking the one-size-fits-all approach.
This trend is clearly evident in the automotive industry, where carmakers are increasingly producing tailor-made vehicles for various regions to suit specific needs, especially for so-called developing nations which are growing in influence in terms of global consumer demands.
The Toyota Fortuner is one such vehicle. Engineered for the South Asian and South East Asian markets, such as India, Thailand and Indonesia, its Hilux-based platform gives it supreme ground clearance to tackle the often-bumpy rural roads that are commonplace in those countries. At the same time, the Fortuner also offers a decent level of comfort for not very much cash, whilst adding Toyota's legendary reliability into the mix.
With that in mind, it is a bit of an oddity to find the Fortuner here in urban Singapore. But it has fared surprisingly well since its introduction in 2005, so what will the recent facelift do for its fortunes?
This trend is clearly evident in the automotive industry, where carmakers are increasingly producing tailor-made vehicles for various regions to suit specific needs, especially for so-called developing nations which are growing in influence in terms of global consumer demands.
The Toyota Fortuner is one such vehicle. Engineered for the South Asian and South East Asian markets, such as India, Thailand and Indonesia, its Hilux-based platform gives it supreme ground clearance to tackle the often-bumpy rural roads that are commonplace in those countries. At the same time, the Fortuner also offers a decent level of comfort for not very much cash, whilst adding Toyota's legendary reliability into the mix.
With that in mind, it is a bit of an oddity to find the Fortuner here in urban Singapore. But it has fared surprisingly well since its introduction in 2005, so what will the recent facelift do for its fortunes?
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Exterior
The Fortuner is obviously a very lofty vehicle, at more than 1.8 metres tall. This means that you'll have to be really careful with some carparks in Singapore, which may have a height limit that may not accommodate this giant of an SUV.
The facelifted Fortuner features a more sculpted frontal section, with its bolder grille with expanded chrome slats, as well as new fog lamps and headlamps, while the rear has a new bumper and clear, distinctive tail lamps that mark the car out from the pre-facelift car.
There are also three new colours available for customers to choose from, namely White Pearl, Dark Steel and Silky Gold, bringing the total choice on the Fortuner's colour palette to eight.
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Interior
Step inside the Fortuner, made easier by the side steps that help assist in accessing the rather tall vehicle, and you'll find a cabin that is unquestionably vast. With room for seven, the Fortuner can function as a full-size people carrier, which is good for those with large families.
Being a tall SUV, you sit really high up, and this offers a great view out as you lord over other 'smaller fry' on the roads. The Fortuner is even taller than some other SUVs on the market, so you get a superior sensation that could only be bettered by having your own heavy vehicle.
New on the facelifted Fortuner is the black wood-grain trimmings all around the dashboard, steering wheel and gear knob, which lends a tinge of classiness to the cabin, together with the blue-backlit instrument dials.
Step inside the Fortuner, made easier by the side steps that help assist in accessing the rather tall vehicle, and you'll find a cabin that is unquestionably vast. With room for seven, the Fortuner can function as a full-size people carrier, which is good for those with large families.
Being a tall SUV, you sit really high up, and this offers a great view out as you lord over other 'smaller fry' on the roads. The Fortuner is even taller than some other SUVs on the market, so you get a superior sensation that could only be bettered by having your own heavy vehicle.
New on the facelifted Fortuner is the black wood-grain trimmings all around the dashboard, steering wheel and gear knob, which lends a tinge of classiness to the cabin, together with the blue-backlit instrument dials.
However, the rest of the interior just doesn't seem to match up, with the plastics having a decidedly utilitarian feel to them. At least we know that they will last through years of tough use.
But that's not something that the passengers will have to worry about, as they lounge around in the comfortable, leather-upholstered seats. The rear row seats could be folded individually to provide useful flexibility for ferrying cargo.
They also get the luxury of rear air con vents, which is bound to minimise complaints of the lack of air travelling through the vast cabin of the Fortuner.
But that's not something that the passengers will have to worry about, as they lounge around in the comfortable, leather-upholstered seats. The rear row seats could be folded individually to provide useful flexibility for ferrying cargo.
They also get the luxury of rear air con vents, which is bound to minimise complaints of the lack of air travelling through the vast cabin of the Fortuner.
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The Drive
You have to remember what kind of car the Fortuner is, namely a large SUV with huge ground clearance. So some sort of body roll is naturally expected.
For such a huge vehicle, the Fortuner drives reasonably decently. Of course, it's not the most dynamic vehicle around, and the thin-rimmed steering wheel could do with more life, but if you don't go overboard and try some zealous driving, the Fortuner copes well in most driving conditions.
The 2.7-litre engine with 161bhp that powers the Fortuner isn't going to set any roads on fire, but then again, you probably won't want to if you're ferrying seven-up across rural roads.
Thus, the Fortuner has a comfort-biased set-up, and in that aspect, it excels. The high ground clearance, combined with the soft but sturdy suspension, eliminates virtually all bumps, which is something you'll appreciate when you travel across some of our poorly-patched roads that have undergone road works.
On the expressway, the Fortuner is a capable cruiser, steady and able as it gets up to a comfortable speed. The ride is quiet, which means that the kids and grandparents can have a nice rest on long journeys.
You have to remember what kind of car the Fortuner is, namely a large SUV with huge ground clearance. So some sort of body roll is naturally expected.
For such a huge vehicle, the Fortuner drives reasonably decently. Of course, it's not the most dynamic vehicle around, and the thin-rimmed steering wheel could do with more life, but if you don't go overboard and try some zealous driving, the Fortuner copes well in most driving conditions.
The 2.7-litre engine with 161bhp that powers the Fortuner isn't going to set any roads on fire, but then again, you probably won't want to if you're ferrying seven-up across rural roads.
Thus, the Fortuner has a comfort-biased set-up, and in that aspect, it excels. The high ground clearance, combined with the soft but sturdy suspension, eliminates virtually all bumps, which is something you'll appreciate when you travel across some of our poorly-patched roads that have undergone road works.
On the expressway, the Fortuner is a capable cruiser, steady and able as it gets up to a comfortable speed. The ride is quiet, which means that the kids and grandparents can have a nice rest on long journeys.
Conclusion
We come back to the true purpose of the Fortuner, which is to provide a means of transport that is reasonably affordable, can ferry seven people, and is able to tackle some rough terrain with ease.
Of course, that makes it a bit out of place in urban Singapore, but you have to admit, some of those qualities do come in useful here. A tall vantage view means you can see more in traffic, and a comfortable ride is always welcome in stressful Singapore.
And it's always nice to know that if the going gets tough, you can get going with the Fortuner.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
We come back to the true purpose of the Fortuner, which is to provide a means of transport that is reasonably affordable, can ferry seven people, and is able to tackle some rough terrain with ease.
Of course, that makes it a bit out of place in urban Singapore, but you have to admit, some of those qualities do come in useful here. A tall vantage view means you can see more in traffic, and a comfortable ride is always welcome in stressful Singapore.
And it's always nice to know that if the going gets tough, you can get going with the Fortuner.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
