2009:First Superb on T-bhp
2011:First W8 Xuv5OO on T-bhp
2012:First 4x4 Fortuner on T-bhp
First of all I would Like to thank the encyclopedia "Team-BHP" which is a bible for me and the other members.
Thank you GTO for a lovely and a detailed review of the new fortuner,the reason why I booked it without even Test driving it extensively.A very short test drive and I was sold to it.
Alternatives:
Ford Endeavour:The ride quality did not impress me
Pajero Sports:Loved the looks and features,but there was no test drive vehicle & moreover was reluctant because of its sparse service network.
Totoya Fortuner:A small test drive and I was bowled over
Dealership experience:
Lakozy Toyota were very friendly and professionals.They delivered the fortuner within 8 days after paying the booking amount.They had included useless toyota genuine accessories like the chrome door housing ,car cover worth Rs 25,000 .I refused to accept it and they refunded the cheque to me.
On road price:
The on Road price came to Rs 28,00,000/- since I registered it in my companies name.
There were no discounts offered to me.I was more than happy when I was promised the delivery on my daughters birthday.
Engine:
I have opted for a 4x4 manual transmission.This is the same engine used in previous generation Fortuner.It churns out humungous power and overtaking on the highways is a breeze.
Equipments:
The new fortuner is well equipped and justifies the price for me.
Auto Headlamps,
Xenon lamps,
Reverse Camera,
VSC only in 4x4,
Touch screen Dvd player,
Rear Ac switch,
I have so far covered 3700kms.My average running is 10kms in heavy traffic from Andheri West to Andheri East.The Fuel economy is around 7km/L in this dense bumper to bumper traffic.
Exterior styling & design:
The new fortuner comes with new headlamps and front chrome grill.Its similar styling to its elder siblings Prado and Land cruiser.
The rear tail lamps are changed and gets a chrome strip on the rear.
Interior design & quality:
The leather seats are very plush and of supreme quality.Fells very comfortable at the rear.Rest it is pretty much same as the pervious generation fortuner.
Gearshifts :
The gearshifts are very smooth and the response is phenomenal.The gear lever is also positioned at the right level unlike Xuv 500.
Suspension & ride quality:
I have driven the Innova,Xuv extensively.I can say the fortuner is a tad bouncy than the Innova,but certainly better than the Xuv 500.
Innova has the best suspension and rear seat comfort in Suv/Muv segment.
Handling, on-road behaviour and grip levels:
The fortuner is very easy to manouver in Mumbai traffic,thanks to the rear view camera,parking in tight space is cakewalk.The high seating in Fortuner gives a clear view of the road and other hatchbacks look like ants.The full time four wheel drive feels like tiger nails gripping any terrain.
Steering, braking, high speed stability:
The steering is new and chunky similar in the Altis.The power steering is very smooth and you feel like you are driving a sedan.Many people have said the braking is inadequate in the fortuner ,but for me I feel it is super effective.It would have been better if Toyota had given rear disc brakes instead of Drum brakes.When I travelled to Goa on NH4,I did 140km/hr but above that I did not push.I think it can easily do 170km/hr.
Likes:
The Rowdy butch exterior styling
Xenon Headlights
Ample of space
Fuel economy for its class and engine power.
Ground clearance is huge.
Toyota after sales and service is top notch.
Dislike:
No flip key
Horn is under powered
No auto roll up/down windows for all glasses.Only for driver
No rear disc brake
No remote with OEM music system
Problems or part replacements faced:
None so far
After-sales service :
The first service was done at 1000kms.I got a call from Toyota,fixed appointment and everything was as per the schedule.I did not have to pay anything for the first service.Will update when it goes for second service.
It is an absolute no nonsense Japanese Suv.It gives a good view from the driver seat,feels like you are on a battleship tank.
The tyres are meaty and huge,I personally like the old design of the Alloys.
The New OEM music system is good,navigating Ipod playlists is easy job.I have changed the Head unit to pioneer 8490.The reverse camera was successfully attached to the pioneer head unit,by making a custom adapter so that no wires are cut.I have added focal components,focal solid 4 amp and infinity bass link T.I have also added Mega audio dual screens at the rear.They are fabulous.It has an inbuilt dvd player,usb and card reader.It is independent system with a battery backup of 4 hours.
I did a Mumbai-Goa-Murdeshwar-Udupi trip last week,total 2100 Kms.The drive was very comfortable.I got an average of 10kmpl on highway.I did a full tank to tank method.
Experieced the 4WD for the first time and drove on the beach,took it on a very steep slope of a mountain.This Suv can go to any untamed terrain.So proud of 4WD.The extra moolah for 4WD is worth it.
I love the new steering,steering controls work with pioneer head unit with the help of a adapter.
The VIP number costed me 50,000Rs.I have the same number on my XUV500.I have an official receipt for it.No bribes were paid to any agent.I knew the PRO at RTO so went directly and paid for the number.They showed me the available numbers on their desktop.It is a pretty transparent procedure,its just that at times RTO officials say that numbers are sold out and then sell it at premium.Fellow bhp'ians can go and directly pay for their fancy number,no need of an agent.
I have installed CR70 film from 3m center on front windscreen and CR50 on other glasses.The difference is phenomenal after installing the CR films.Under body Coating.I got done a free paint protection program and all the scratches were gone.Also one free detailed interior cleaning with foam was done after the Goa trip.The total cost was about 22K.The AC is very effective in Mumbai heat.
I have put the following accessories so far:
Illuminated scuff plates locally for 6K,the same were for 12K in the showroom.
3D kagu mats which fits perfectly in fortuner.They are very easy to clean and the tray like design makes life easy.
Chrome scoop cover.
Thule carrier worth Rs 47,000 from the dealer.
Auto folding mirrors for 4.5K.The mirrors close automatically after I press the lock button on Key remote.
Happy to the core with the new fortuner,truly "Art Of Power"