At least that was Toyota’s version of the usual stories of long waiting lists that come out after every new vehicle launch. With Toyota, the long waiting list phenomenon is true. Although it could also be true Toyota ordered just a limited amount of vehicles.
But colleagues here in this paper were heard boasting they had ordered one even before the launch.
One correspondent ordered a Fortuner after seeing just the brochure and trusting the salesman’s words that the real product far looked better than the picture.
That certainly is true and the Fortuner again proves that Filipinos will buy a vehicle mainly because it’s "guwapo." Riding high on the ground (220mm ground clearance) on 265/70 R16 tires wrapped around 7JJ alloy wheels with center cap with large lights, grille and emblem, the Fortuner should win any Mr. Pogi or Body Beautiful contest for sport utility vehicles.
Toyota also packed a lot of goodies in the 4695mm x 1840mm x 1850mm Fortuner to add to its pogi-ness.
The Fortuner 4x4 comes standard with multi-reflector halogen fog lamps, side step with step cover, roof rail, chrome rear spoiler, rear window defogger and rear windshield wiper.
No cow was killed in the making of the Fortuner which can seat seven adults comfortably in moquette-upholstered seats. The second and third row seats can be configured to accommodate cargo of varying sizes.
There are at least 14 beverage holders hidden away in the dash, center consoles, side panels and doors. And at least 21 compartments for whatever is needed to be stored or put away. An overhead console provides hiding places for driving glasses or shades.
Dash and instrumentation feature Optitron meter gauges, a cool metal panel for the center instrument cluster, two-tone dashboard, multi-information display.
For entertainment, there’s a Fujitsu Ten- 2D in-dash CD/ MP3 player with radio tuner and six speakers.
Of course windows, doorlocks and rear view mirrors are electronically controlled with controls laid out by the gods of ergonomics. Dual climate controls provide cool air throughout the cabin.
There are two auxiliary power outlets for chargers and adaptors for mobile phones or laptops.
In the name of safety, Toyota outfitted the Fortuner with dual airbags, safety belts for seven passengers, child protection locks, high mount stop lamps, side door impact beams, collapsible steering column, anti-intrusion brake pedal and the Toyota Vehicle Security System.
The Fortuner is powered by a three-liter inline 4 diesel engine with direct injection common rail system, turbo and intercooler that generates a maximum of 163ps at 3400 rpm and 343 Nm of torque from 1400 to 3200 rpm.
We don’t know whether it’s a compliment or not but the Fortuner 4x4 and the Innova with a 2-liter gasoline engine with VVT-i had similar acceleration and responses to calls for more power.
The Fortuner 4x4 has a full-time 4x4 drivetrain with shift-on-the-fly capability from high to low gear and 4-speed automatic with ECT and gate-type shifter.
The suspension system features double wishbone with coil spring and stabilizer in front and 4-link with coils and lateral rod in the rear. Again, the Innova and the Fortuner had similar firm but stable ride.
Stopping power comes from front ventilated discs and rear lead-trailing drums with ABS which were responsive to light pressure on the brake pedal.
Is the Fortuner worth the wait? Well, it certainly is "pogi."
