New Toyota Fortuner opens for dealer-level bookings in India; expected to be launched in November

Toyota is expected to bring the new iteration of its SUV the Fortuner in India in November. Now ahead of its arrival in the country, unofficial pre-launch bookings of the new Fortuner are underway.

Although it was rumoured earlier that the launch of Toyota Fortuner in India is at stake as there was diesel ban in the country, the company is now believed to have relaxed its stand after the Supreme Court lifted the ban on the registration of diesel models in Delhi and NCR. According to Oncars.in, the new Toyota Fortuner is open for bookings at some of the dealers of the company in Delhi for a down-payment of Rs 1 lakh. Toyota is expected to bring the new Fortuner in the price range of Rs 25-30 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new Fortuner is already being sold in a few international markets like Thailand, South Africa and Australia. 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.

In India, it will be manufactured at the company's plant in Karnataka and will rival Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Endeavour. The new Fortuner measures 4,795mm in length, 1,855mm in width, 1,835mm in height and has 2,750mm wheelbase.