Toyota’s of the off-roading creed need no new introduction, being a staple on our South African roads, mainly in the guise of the Fortuner and Hilux, which has been amongst the top selling vehicles annually for the last 30 years. As with every brand, a refresher will be added to a model during their life cycle and often the more hardy models are left lagging. Not so with Toyota, at the end of August they launched the Limited (LTD) Edition Fortuner and now in October we have some upgrades arriving to both the Hilux and Fortuner models.
The Toyota Fortuner can be seen performing school runs or taking on the Rust de Winter 4×4 course, both with equal comfort and capability. The Toyota Fortuner sees sales in excess of 1 000 units per month and is one of the most privately purchased vehicles in South Africa. First introduced to the South African market in February 2006 and built at Toyota’s Prospection Plant in Durban, the Fortuner has undergone several upgrades since then.
The most notable being in September 2011 when it received a major facelift along with a new model to the line up, the entry-level 2.5-litre engine. The new variable nozzle turbo changes boost pressure and spreads torque over a wider range, mated to a 5-speed gearbox and aimed to make it a more affordable option to buyers who would’ve previously purchased a soft roader. Just over a year later in November 2012 and the 2.5l D-4D Automatic arrived, aimed this time at buyers looking for a more comfortable ride.
Fast forward 9 months to July 2013 and the Fortuner LTD Edition is available on the 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre D-4D models, aiming to add style and functionality whilst not breaking the bank. Building on the standard Fortuner models the LTD Edition will be adding a stainless steel nudge bar and side steps with branded cut out ‘LTD Edition’ badging, chrome side mirrors, ‘LTD Edition’ embroided upholstery and overlay carpet set, ‘LTD Edition’ rear badging, tow bar with matt black finish, rear sill protector and finishing it off with smokey grey 17-inch alloy wheels.
It’s not just the Toyota Fortuner that is getting some special treatment either. As of October 2013 both Hilux and Fortuner shall be getting spec upgrades to specified models. A new Multimedia system shall be adopted with the display screen upgraded to a higher resolution VGA display, offering a higher quality image, with the radio/CD unit receiving an upgrade from a 1-line to 3-line display.
The Hilux Xtra Cab and Double Cab SRX shall getting Bluetooth, and Fortuner 2.5 D-4D and Hilux Single Cab SRX models to get Bluetooth audio and hands free functionality. The Fortuner 3.0l D-4D, 4.0l V6 and Hilux Xtra Cab and Double Cab Raiders will now be able to play DVD’s as well as iPod videos. The Hilux Double Cab 3.0l D-4D and 4.0l V6 models shall know benefit from a reverse camera, so no more parking lot ‘oopsies’.
From the interior the Fortuner shall be getting a new colour. The dashboard, upholstery, carpets and trim items will change from chamois to black. The wood trim will change to match the leather colour. The upper instrument panel on the Hilux’s shall be shifting from dark grey to black.
Fortuner LTD Edition prices:
Fortuner 3.0 D-4D RB LTD Edition - R434 700
Fortuner 3.0 D-4D RB AT LTD Edition - R446 700
Fortuner 4.0 V6 RB AT LTD Edition - R463 900
Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4×4 LTD Edition - R482 700
Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4×4 AT LTD Edition - R494 900
Fortuner 4.0 V6 4×4 AT LTD Edition - R511 700
