Review:
Looks & Impressions
Definitely a stunner... a class above and ahead-Looks almost Lexus like as per the design language.
Modern sleek yet aggressively tall with all the road a luxury SUV can pose.
Those headlamps with Drls are so mean to look at plus the side chrome accent line which travels all the way till the tail end.
The front bumper is a bit too up and doesn't cover the tall character of Fortuner front... looks incomplete otherwise chromes and paint job is almost flawless except the black plastics over wheel arches.
Interior and Options
Leather quality & colour is very rich and so does the stitch. Bruno Cross feels plus new land cruiser 2016 like dash design language.
Seats are curvy and gives good lumber support & grip but could have been more plush soft to be luxurious.
Front Seats are excellent and drive position is commanding way more than Prado. Second Row space is good and adequate but not as roomy like Prado to give more space at the very back where its required for luggage storage which Prado lacks after its 3rd row open.
3rd row seating is spacious and more comfortable than Prado as there is no space in between the back seats and is recline able.
Head roam is seriously less in Fortuner and literally cramps you up if you are 6ft tall or plus specially in the 2nd & 3rd row as the rood line is low adding aerodynamics but compromising on cabin volume.
Gadgetry is well equipped- the iMid, the optitron meter cluster and Navigation unit is simply superb with 8" beautiful display and butter smooth capacitive touch having all connectivity option from usb Bluetooth to hdmi and miracast to Dvr etc. Steering controls are solid like or better than Revo.
Air conditioning is above mark being Dual and auto climate control with controls in the rear and the most powerful airflow blower in any vehicle cabin you have ever come across. Main AC Controls are on the downside are located a bit to low on dash hindered by the Gearnob too making a bit of a concern for the driver to access with ease while driving.
Adequate smart storages spaces allover in the cabin. Doors are solid and heavy which feels premium as you shut them. Auto Tail gate and push start are the 2 must features compromised by Indus.
Overall a very stylish latest looking and premium feel up Market interior way better & practical than top spec Prado.
Super quite cabin with almost negligible engine noise .
Drive Dynamics
Engine:
Same 2TR 2700cc engine like that of Prado with added Dual Vvti boosting 6hp 3nm more while adding Fuel economy.
Gearbox:
6 speed auto with command shift gearnob & paddle shifters improves acceleration + fuel economy + reduced engine noise at high speeds.
Suspension:
Though sturdy, robust and composed for better road grip on highways its not as bouncy/ comfortable as Prado over rough roads . Steering is well weighed at high speeds and drive is much more confident/stable as compared to Prado. Will recommend 265/65/18 instead of stock 265/60/18 which will lessen the stiffness and be a bit bouncy over rough roads if one travels mostly over broken rural roads. The Prado was also a bit more comfortable due to the fact that it was riding on 265/65/17. Both have double wishbones im front and multi link coil spring at the back.
4. Fuel Economy/ Acceleration:
Will share after a month of trial but its smooth and stong puller till 130km/hr as tested...if not wrong my guess is its a 9 sec vehicle & feels considerably fast than that of 2700cc Prado 150 due better gearbox and lighter body weight. Got 12.8 ltrs/ 100km in short city drive.
5. Verdict/ Buying Advice :
At 55 lacs approx mark + Registration... there isn't anything near the price range being a proper tall 4x4
a full 7 seater and a brand new 2017 manufactured SUV. It looks good ,it feels good inside, it has all the new tech and connectivity, its a potent off roader yet got the sophisticated zing to attract attention every where it goes.
Its a hit already as its a package priced well and value worth alot more. It booking time has gone to May 2017 already... its a hit as for Feb deliveries the ON money offerings has surged over 4 lacs already and expected to surpass 5 lacs mark once on road.
Its a Toyota and Its Brand New covered under warranty a head turner-a top choice of Executive class family adventurers who want peace of mind reliability, prestige and a robust adventurer which can go from Kokharapar Thar to Saifulmalook lake in style to deosai plains.
