2016 Toyota Fortuner
2016 Toyota FortunerToyota

Rumours of the launch of the new Toyota Fortuner SUV are back again after the Supreme Court lifted the ban on the registration of diesel models in Delhi and NCR. While it was said earlier that Toyota had put on hold all the further investment plans in India due to the ban, the latest is that the company has relaxed its stand and might also launch the Fortuner.

Toyota has been testing the new Fortuner on Indian roads for a while now. The rumours that are doing the rounds on the internet say that Toyota will launch the new Fortuner in the country by the end of this year.

For the uninitiated, the new Fortuner measures 4,795mm in length, 1,855mm in width, 1,835mm in height and has 2,750mm wheelbase. In the international markets, the SUV is powered by 2.4-litre GD and 2.8-litre 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 is handled by a six-speed manual and automatic gearbox.

The new Fortuner is already being sold in a few international markets like Thailand, South Africa and Australia. In India, it will be manufactured at the company's plant in Karnataka and will rival Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Endeavour.