TOYOTA Fortuner

The new Fortuner is not all about going under the knife and getting a fancy plastic surgery. After tasting a lot of success and praise at this segment, the Japanese car maker has decided to get into some serious business by launching two more Fortuner variants- the 4x2 manual and 4x2 automatic. We first got our hands on the handsfree 4-speed automatic Fortuner. One has to keep in mind that this variant has been specifically made for over coming hurdles in the urban—the jam packed traffic. So when you push the pedal to the metal it whines a lot and slowly picks up pace. You have to get used to the waiting game even when you are revving engine in the region of 2500 rpm. Frustrating? Yes a bit especially when you want to over take in the city limits. You have to wait, watch and calculate the time you have to let the engine increase its jogging pace. The three-speed manual is a far cry from the manual Fortuner gear box. But yes one has to admit that in manual mode the SUV is slightly more agile but it always lets you know that this vehicle’s two-tonne weight which is a let down. The automatic feels like its 3-litre heart has been put on child lock as it just throws tantrums and whines as it is deprived of power gushing 168bhp. More than the lag is the engine howling with no go is the ultimate kill joy.

It was a completely different story when it came to the Fortuner 4x2 manual. First thing that grabs your attention and impresses you is the quick shifting gear stick which doesn’t feel heavy or a bit laborious while changing gears like in the 4x4 manual. Also with the gear ratio not being set too tall, surge of power is instantaneously felt. This avatar is definitely is the king of rollicking times. Step on the accelerator and the 4x2 manual is quick on its heels and refuses to let the engine lag, felt in the automatic, play the spoil sport. This variant lets the torque monster come out all roaring with power. But with all the positives the new variants retain old niggling problems like the ride quality which remains bumpy and with stiff suspensions you end up feeling the road more than you would like especially in high speed. Another Achilles heel has been the spongy brakes as, believe it or not, the Fortuner still doesn’t get rear disc brakes.