Need a vehicle that can seat seven comfortably, is fitted with the latest specs and luxuries, and is capable of going further than many other vehicles? If so, you are definitely after the Toyota Fortuner!
It's easy to see why the Fortuner is so loved in South Africa. Highly capable off-road, practical enough for the entire family, and comfortable enough to take on a long journey, the Toyota Fortuner is a true all-rounder.
Unveiled in 2004, the Toyota Fortuner (also called the Toyota Hilux SW4) was slotted in between the automaker's RAV4 and Land Cruiser models, both of which were designed for off-roading purposes. Built using the same platform and design as the Hilux bakkie, the Fortuner was aimed at customers who wanted the best of both commercial and SUV vehicles.
When it launched in South Africa, the Fortuner quickly became the best-selling SUV in the country and it's held the title ever since. Throughout the years, Toyota has introduced updated models and editions to the Fortuner, but the winning recipe has always remained the same.
Toyota released facelifted models in 2009, 2011, and 2013, with the latter 2018 having the most significant changes in the series.
The Fortuner comes with an array of features that make life behind the wheel a pleasure. Bluetooth comes standard and an intuitive, high-definition 7" touchscreen infotainment system is available on selected models.
The Fortuner also has anti-lock braking system (ABS), vehicle stability control (VSC), and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) to enhance safety, while hill assist control (HAC) enables the vehicle to lock itself in position while on a hill, ensuring it doesn't roll when you set off again.
The 2.7 VVTi RB 6AT model produces 122kW and 245Nm of torque and emits 247 g/km of CO2. Fuel consumption is measured at 10.5 L/100 km.
The Fortuner is available with various engine and trim options at any of Toyota's 200 dealerships across the country.
The automaker offers their Toyota Financial Services Limited, an online financing tool where customers can build and price Toyota Fortuner models to fit their desired specs and budgets.
If you don't want to buy one outright but need a tough vehicle for short-term, commercial purposes, you can hire a Toyota Fortuner from most reputable car rental services across the country.
The Toyota Fortuner 2.7 VVTi RB 6AT retails from R477,600.
The Toyota Fortuner is backed by Toyota's Genuine Warranty, which offers a no-hassles claims process, a genuine parts guarantee, and roadside assistance. Their Genuine Pre-Owned Warranty offers an additional two years/250,000 km extension. Additional service plans are available as well.
The large-scale production and distribution of Toyota models, especially the Fortuner, ensures spare parts availability. This counts positively towards the cost of car insurance for a Fortuner model.
Toyota also offers their in-house MyToyota insurance policy. This policy covers against hail damage, accidental damage, and theft and hijacking. It also ensures repair work is done by a Toyota-accredited service agent and it includes roadside, legal, medical, and home assist.
Research conducted by Ctrack, the car tracking and recovery service operating in South Africa, reveals that Fortuner models are frequently stolen, making it one of the most high-risk vehicles in the country. This is bound to affect the cost of monthly insurance premiums on the vehicle. So before you commit, hippo it to make sure you find a car insurance quote for your Toyota Fortuner that fits your budget.
Sources: Toyota South Africa, Wikipedia, NAAMSA, Vehicle Theft Report
Information provided for informational purposes. Prices quoted correct at the time of publishing this article.
