Next-gen Toyota Fortuner India heading for launch

A recent report suggests that the next-gen Toyota Fortuner will be launched in India by November. The Fortuner’s monthly sales figure started showing a downward trend since December 2015 and hit its lowest in August 2016 at 481 units.

The anticipation created by the next gen model and introduction of the all-new Ford Endeavour could be the reasons for the downfall.

Anyway, it seems Toyota Kirloskar Motor is planning to field the latest iteration at the earliest. Their new Innova Crysta has hit the sweetest possible note as far as sales in India are concerned.

Like the family MPV, the new-gen SUV is underpinned by the second gen IMV platform which employs a more rigid ladder frame chassis which is made of high tensile steel. The new downsized 2.4- and 2.8-litre GD diesel engines replace the 2.5- and 3.0-litre diesel motors respectively. If the specifications of the Innova are anything to go by, the smaller engine will be available only with a 5-speed MT while the bigger engine gets the 6-speed AT. The premium SUV will be available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.

The design is in line with Toyota’s latest global direction. The interior too has been uplifted by several notches.

This article first appeared on Rushlane.com