Toyota Fortuner Test Drive Experience and Observations:
The front lights with DLRâs, Lexus style back lights, Body Contours, The chrome linings etc. are all very impressive. Not having an electric tail gate can be compromised but Lack of push start is a big letdown.
Cabin is more spacious than its predecessor, very well equipped and definitely gives it a look of a luxury car with its nice Optitron cluster with MID, climate control, paddle shifters and quite good infotainment system. Keeping in mind the maximum quality Indus Motors can give to their consumers in terms of material and not expecting a miracle from them, cabin overall looks and feels great. They have also provided a âNazar Battooâ in form of the cover over push start button.
The biggest disappointment in the cabin is second row seats while third row seats are surprisingly much more accommodating than expected. As for the second row seats, first of all you have to recline the 60/40 split exactly same from both ends to even make the second row look good. One can compromise on the hump on floor but Seats are BULGING out big time in the centre (both from back support and sitting area) making them the most uncomfortable for the third passenger. These seats are perfect for two passengers as leg room is really appreciable.
Indus could have done a lot better, had they introduced a new engine.
They have made it dual vvti as compared to vvti from previous model and changed the gear box from four speed to six speed Tiptronic. This has improved a drag in pick up a little bit but not to complete satisfaction. The power mode does little but nothing to improve this. The only way possible to get the power out is to use the combination of sports (Tiptronic) and power mode but this will bring the fuel economy to the lowest level. Option of making the vehicle part time 2WD/4WD is a big plus missing in last model. Even though the Rear Differential Lock provided in this model is not an alternate of Traction Control which is missing, it may be used instead in dire needs. Ride, though still bit stiff, has greatly improved. Hydraulic Steering is not as responsive as it should have been but I found the overall handling of the vehicle okay.
