Toyota Fortuner
New Toyota Fortuner coming to India by Diwali. Pictured: 2016 Toyota Fortunernewsroom.toyota

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is reportedly planning to launch the new Fortuner by the end of this year. Although the previous reports had said that Toyota has pushed the launch of the Fortuner to 2017, Shifting Gears, citing sources close to the development, indicates that the launch could happen towards the end of 2016.

The all-new second generation Fortuner SUV, which would be manufactured at the company's plant in Karnataka, will be pitted against the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Endeavour. It was reported earlier that the new Fortuner would be launched around the festive season next year as the company needs more time before the arrival.

The SUV, which is already being sold in a few international markets, will be powered by 2.4-liter GD and 2.8-liter GD diesel engines. While the 2.4-litre 2GD-FTV diesel unit develops 148bhp and 400Nm of torque, the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV unit churns out 175bhp and 450Nm of torque. The transmission will be handled a six-speed manual and automatic gearbox. The new Fortuner will be available in 4WD (four-wheel drive) and 2WD (two-wheel drive) formats.

The 2016 Toyota Fortuner, which is built on a new ladder-frame platform, measures 4,795mm in length, 1,855mm in width, 1,835mm in height and 2,750mm in wheelbase. In the new SUV, while the height of the SUV has been reduced by 15mm, the overall length has been increased by 90mm. The width of the new Fortuner SUV has also been raised by 15mm.

The SUV comes packed with features like Bi-Xenon LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, Traction Control (TRC) system, electrically adjustable driver seat, Down Hill Assist Control system, cruise control and reverse parking camera.