Toyota launches the all new 2016 Fortuner

During the 'DriveHappy with Toyota' event held at VivoCity, which saw a tie-up with Uniqlo for a special fashion presentation, Toyota launched the all new 2016 Fortuner. It marks the long-awaited debut of the Fortuner's first full-model change since it was first launched back in 2005. 

Extensive changes have been made to the car's style and prestige, to meet the evolving demands of customers. Designed with the sense of 'Tough and Cool' in mind, the distinctive exterior exudes sophistication and strength.

Key design features include the radiator grille with thick slanted grille accents, auto bi-beam LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch aluminium rims.

There is also a new Fortuner iconic side design, which three lines - the first running from the top of the fender and along the roof, the secong emphasising the strong rear fender flare, the third a chiseled line below the doors - culminate in a striking and unique presence. 

The interior of the new Fortuner exudes comfort and prestige. Designed to be more spacious than before, shoulder, head, leg and knee room have been enhanced, and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin evoke a deep sense of luxury. The cabin space is also easily configurable - the third row of seats feature a one-touch space-up function which creates a fully-flat sotrage space.

To offer class leading cabin quietness, noise insulators and soundproofing materials have been extensively used throughout the vehicle to provide exceptional noise barrier and noise insulation performance. The Fortuner also comes equipped with the latest 8.0-inch InTouch infortainment system.

To deliver on its positioning statement of 'Commanding Presence', the Fortuner has been developed to offer improved handling, stability and durability. The newly developed frame structure, with stronger cross members, side rails and suspension towers, have signifcantly increased the torsional and bending rigidity of the frame, improving safety, ride comfort, drive quality and durability. Larger shock absorbers also ensures better handling response, offering quick short stroke performance. 

Power is proffered by a 2.7-litre Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligence (VVT-i) engine, outputting 163bhp and 245Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission that uses Toyota's AI-shift control to automatically performance gear shift operations according to road conditions. High-speed Gear Effective Utilisation Control is adopted for the first time, which evaluates the use of higher gears in real time and based on driving conditions, and selects the right high-speed gear to achieve the ideal balance between driving power and fuel efficiency. 

The new Fortuner also comes packed with extensive active and passive safety features for absolute security. These include Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Trailer Sway Control, Hill-start Assist Control, and automatic emergency brake signal.

Price as of press time (including COE)

Toyota Fortuner 2.7 (A) - $188,888