First Pictures: new Toyota Fortuner 2.8VRZ Diesel

We got the scoop with photos of the new Toyota Fortuner before its official launch, 

The seven seater Toyota Fortuner pictured is the top-of-the-range diesel variant with the new 2.8-litre engine which produces 201bhp at 3400rpm and 500Nm between 1600 and 2800rpm. This replaces the 147bhp, 400Nm producing 2.4-litre diesel. The transmission is unchanged, a six-speed automatic. There are three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport so the driver gets the most enjoyment out of their drives.

Optional Extras
This particular vehicle has the optional Tech-Up Package that adds RM4580 to the tab: DVR for rear passengers, wireless charger in the centre console box, kick sensor, roof mounted DVD monitor.

Design Updates
The new Fortuner looks bolder, sleeker and more stylish from the design updates: restyled front and rear bumpers, large, mesh grille, new foglights and 18-inch rims. The new LED combination tail lamps also have sequential indicators.

Features Upgraded
Upgrades have been made to the headlights from bi-LED to quad-LEDs. The rear view mirror is now electrochromic mirror or simply, auto-dimming. The cabin light has been upgraded to LED. The remote key fob casing has been redesigned. The power outlet for the second row is now USB. Exclusive to the diesel are third row seats and USB points for the third row. Ambient lighting has been added.

Limited-slip differential and speed-variable steering responsiveness have also been added.

Improved Safety
Safety on the Fortuner has also been augmented with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), an integrated system of active safety features. TSS uses camera and radar to monitor and detect other vehicles, and take appropriate action to prevent an accident. The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ also comes with Pre-collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Yaw Assist Function.

PCS operates in all lighting conditions at speeds from 10 km/h to 180 km/h. The system detects other vehicles ahead with the millimetre-wave radar sensor in the grille and analyses the imagery captured by the camera on the top of the windscreen. When a vehicle is detected in close range, warnings are given and the system will provide additional braking assistance when action is taken by the driver. If the driver does not act and a collision is likely to occur, automatic braking will commence at full pressure to stop the car. In many cases, an accident can be prevented but if it cannot, the early braking will reduce the vehicle speed and can help to reduce damage from the impact.

LDA is useful in preventing accidents when a driver may be drowsy or lose concentration and the vehicle starts to stray from the lane. When the system detects this happening (eg moving out of the lane or crossing over an uncurbed road edge without activating the turn signal), the driver will be alerted through the MID by a blinking indicator lamp and buzzer sound.

The Fortuner also has a Yaw Assist Function. This activates when lane departure is detected and additional braking force applied to the inner wheels to direct the vehicle back into the proper lane position.

DRCC is a more advanced type of cruise control which ensures that there is a safe gap with the vehicle ahead. The system, available from 30 km/h, will adjust the set cruising speed when another vehicle is detected ahead, and maintain the lower speed until the vehicle is no longer there. Then the speed will gradually be increased to what was set by the driver. As with all cruise control systems, pressing the brake pedal will immediately deactivate the system or the driver can press a switch on the steering wheel.

Other safety features on the Fortuner are seven airbags, panoramic view monitor, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, vehicle stability control, active traction control and hill-start assist.

Other Highlights
The seats are combination leather black with red trim. The front seats have electronic adjustments. To maximise flexibility in the cabin space, the second row seats can be tumbled forward, slide and recline and have 60:40 split-fold access to the rear cargo area. The third row seats split 50:50 and flip up to the sides, leaving the floor area clear.

Overhead aircon vents circulate air to passengers in the second and third row. All seats have three-point seat belts.

The Toyota Fortuner 2.8 VRZ Diesel is RM203,183 with five years unlimited mileage warranty.