The next-generation Toyota Fortuner has just broken cover online after a few teaser images hit the Web recently. Let’s take a look at the next version of this popular seven-seat SUV in South Africa. While this article is primarily about the Australian-spec 2016 Toyota Fortuner, our market is not too dissimilar and we would be very surprised if the South African-spec Toyota Fortuners are radically different.

The new seven-seat 2016 Toyota Fortuner will be hitting its first market in October 2015. Australia will be one of the first countries to receive the Fortuner and South Africa is expected to receive its stock towards the end of the year.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said at the world premiere,“Fortuner’s strength and refinement ensures it is equally at home on the school run as on the toughest off-road trails found in Australia.Fortuner shares the rugged underpinnings of the ‘unbreakable’ Hilux, allowing owners to travel to – and return from – places many other SUVs simply can’t go.At the same time, Fortuner’s unique design suits the advanced tastes of modern SUV buyers while being equipped with a comprehensive list of features appreciated by families and business owners.”

Specification and Offroad Ability

For the Australian market, the 2016 Toyota Fortuner will be offered in three spec options– GX, GXL and Crusade. All models are powered by the new 2.8-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that has 450Nm of torque. There’s also a six-speed manual gearbox which cleverly matches engine speed to gearbox speed, resulting in smoother shifts. There will be a six-speed auto available too. Trailer sway control, which is designed to assist if a towed vehicle is affectedby crosswinds, bumpy roads or sharp turns of the steering wheel, will be fitted. The maximum towing capacity is rated at three tons for the manual and 2.8 tons for the automatic. At the touch of a button, full 4×4 capability with high and low range is available. There will be a rear differential lock fitted too.

The suspension has been tweaked by Australian engineers for their specific harsh conditions and it comprises ofdouble wishbones at the front and a five-link, coil-spring configuration at the rear, which gives it impressive handling stability and ride comfort on all surfaces.

In terms of specification, a reversing camera is standard across the range, as are seven airbags, hill-start assist control and an emergency stop signal. Toyota said it is expecting the new Fortuner to achieve afive-star safety rating. All models will receivefront and rear air-conditioning, large touchscreen audio displays, Toyota Link connected mobility, side steps, 17 or 18-inch wheels, disc brakes front and rear, and an air-conditioned compartment to keep drinks and food warm or cold.Other featuresinclude a tablet-inspired multimedia, touchscreen display, a Smart Entry & Start system, and second-row seats with one-touch operation for ease of folding. The third row seats are fittedwith a fixed hook attachment for simple and convenient stowage. There are no lessthan 15 storage areas in the new 2016 Toyota Fortuner.

The two top-spec modelsare fitted with roof rails, fog lamps, reverse parking sensors, keyless smart entry and start, and downhill assist control, with the flagship featuringbi-LED headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, a power back door and 18-inch alloys with highway tyres. There will be a number of Toyota Genuine accessories available too.

Engine and Powerplant

The 2016 Toyota Fortuner will be powered by a new 2.8-litre direct-injection turbodiesel engine. It’s called the 1GD and is claimed to be highly efficient. Torque will be available from as little as 1600rpm in the automatic gearbox and has an output of 450Nm. Manual gearbox-equipped Fortuners will have 420Nm.Maximum power is rated at130kW with the peak at3400rpm while the power curve below 3000rpm supports low-to-mid-range performance. The engine is said to comply withEuro 5 emissions standards and fuel consumption is rated at 8L/100km.

2016 Toyota Fortuner in South Africa?

We had a brief chat to one of Toyota SA’s representatives about the 2016 Toyota Fortuner. At this stage, we’re likely to see the South African Toyota Fortuners arrive two months after the Toyota Hilux, which is around February 2016. We’re going to get more engine variants than the Australians too, which is great. Best news is that the 2016 Toyota Fortuner will be built in South Africa at Toyota’s plant in Durban.