Toyota Fortuner 4x4 AT: Test Driven


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Akash1886

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Friends,

Its never too late to fulfill a wish and for me the wish was to drive an automatic SUV. Whether my dad will permit me to buy it is another story but yes I can proudly say that today I fulfilled my wish of driving an automatic SUV. I called my friends in Toyota Dealership from which I began my corporate life for a Test Drive of the newly launched Fortuner AT. Since it was the top end model hence was kept by the dealer himself and it was difficult to arrange for a TD of the D4D giant. As I had promised to Vibhor 2-3 days back that I'll get a TD of the new Fortuner 4x4 AT so it was a matter of fulfilling a commitment in friendship. Then my dad came in and since he is very good friend of the owners of dealership finally the TD was arranged and the executive bought the vehicle to my house today afternoon at 1pm.

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The Toyota Fortuner 4x4 with AT was launched recently at INR 26.49 Lacs and honestly I would say this revamped version of Fortuner is definitely improved in terms of looks but a lot of things needs attention from Toyota.

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If I talk of the initial pick up, the Fortuner 4x4 AT needs a whole lot of improvement. The 360 Nm torque simply looks minuscule figure in front of such a humongous looking gigantic SUV. The SUV felt really sluggish and I felt as if it is making effort to gain speed. The response is not up to the mark I would say. This car does not increase in Torque and the 3.0 L engine with 170 PS power feels under-powered while driving. The executive admitted to the fact that this 3.0 L engine does lack the much needed pick-up power. He said, the D4D technology is designed on a flat torque basis so there is lot more to ask for in terms of torque delivery.

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If I talk about the transmission, its a 5 speed AT and quite simple to change and fuss-free. The other option is provided as 5 speed Manual. I feel the 5 speed transmission is unjustified for this Fortuner and nothing less than 6 speed auto box should be provided. Lack of a powerful transmission leaves a lot to desire in terms of the driving pleasure of the Fortuner AT. Even though there is a Cruise control but really without a enhanced transmission I felt it cant do much difference. Anyways, can be seen as a decent provision.

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Talking about the steering wheel, the steering integrates the audio controls and voice command controls. It is a 2 tone steering wheel with leather and gloss wood finish and silver accents. Though when driving, the steering feels a lot stiff in comparison to other power assisted steering. This is one of the major flaws I found in this SUV. The excitement of driving an SUV can surely be marred by this type stiffness.

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Coming to the seating, New Fortuner AT is all about space. Big spacious cabin with all Black interiors can seat 7 people with ease and as it is an SUV then the egress and ingress also is really comfortable and foot boards give much needed support.

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Tyres of the new Fortuner come with Dunlop rubber and smoked 12 spoke alloys which looks decent. The tyre specification of the new Fortuner is 265/65/R17 and tube-less.

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# Continued in next post

Regards

Akash
 
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Thread Starter #2

Akash1886

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Re: Toyota Fortuner 4x4 AT: Test Driven.

Things I liked in the 4x4 AT Fortuner​

* Cruise Control

* Interior Fabric of Decent Quality

* New designed Alloys

* Powerful AC

* Projector Headlamps

* Hill Drive Controller.

* AT transmission is a welcome move by Toyota.

* The MID Display with 7 types of displays.

* Dual tone interiors.

* Climate Control AC

* Driver Seat Electric seat adjustment.

* Rear Cooling

* Aux Option with 12 Volt Socket

* ABS and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

* Front Overhead Storage space with reading lamps.

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Things I felt can be Improved by Toyota

* Sluggish Pick Up.

* Under-powered Transmission.

* Just 2 Airbags for such a big and comparatively expensive SUV. At-least 4 Airbags are needed.

* No electric parking brake.

* Lack Luster Speedometer Console.

* Feeble Horn.

* Silver Finish Entertainment panel looks old fashioned.

* Manual Adjusting IRVM. This is a sheer disgrace for an SUV with a hefty price tag.

* NVH levels are a bit high and the car vibrates when accelerated on idle. The vibration can be felt as well.

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# Continued in next post.

Regards

Akash
 
Thread Starter #3

Akash1886

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Re: Toyota Fortuner 4x4 AT: Test Driven.

So, Friends overall my driving experience of the new Fortuner 4x4 AT was, If put in simple words, just average! One pays 25+ lacs for an SUV with only 2 airbags!! I feel Toyota's USP of engine is there but highly over-rated. I do not blame people who buy a Fortuner but if I am to buy this SUV then surely would think thrice before investing the money.

Some fun facts about the Fortuner AT 4x4​

* Suits my hulk personality. Being 6 feet with handle bar mustache I felt awesome standing on foot-board of this SUV.[lol]

* Got a fuel average of 21 km/L from my driving. In my own cars haven't got FE more than 14.5 km/L. I need a pat on the back guys!![glasses]

* You should have a proper parking to accommodate this big-fat giant of an SUV.[lol]

Some final clicks of the Fortuner AT 4x4.​

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So I hope this TD review is beneficial for all. Thank you all for reading it. All the pics are exclusively for T.A.I and re-publishing needs due credit for TAI.

Regards

Akash
 
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Re: Toyota Fortuner 4x4 AT: Test Driven.

* Interior Fabric of Decent Quality

* AT transmission is a welcome move by Toyota.

* Climate Control AC
Can you confirm this, "Interior Fabric of Decent Quality". My understanding, Fortuner is having high quality Leather Seats. My 4x2AT 2013 is having High Quality Leather seats.

Toyota Automatic Transmission(AT) is highly capable. Toyota is offering very good mileage with AT. They are offering 10.56kmpl for 4 Speed Automatic, and more with 5-Speed Automatic. Mileage drops in other vehicles having automatic transmission.

AT response is quick, no lag. I did not face any issues with turbo lag.
 
Thread Starter #5

Akash1886

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Re: Toyota Fortuner 4x4 AT: Test Driven.

"Interior Fabric of Decent Quality". My understanding, Fortuner is having high quality Leather Seats. My 4x2AT 2013 is having High Quality Leather seats.
This one buddy was decent enough only. The stitching and fabric both in 2015 AT Fortuner were OK but definitely not the quality which you may call as plush interiors.

Toyota Automatic Transmission(AT) is highly capable. Toyota is offering very good mileage with AT. They are offering 10.56kmpl for 4 Speed Automatic, and more with 5-Speed Automatic. Mileage drops in other vehicles having automatic transmission.AT response is quick, no lag. I did not face any issues with turbo lag.
I drove this 4x4 AT for 10 km and I did honestly feel that one needs a lot of improvisation in terms of torque delivery. I mean for such a big SUV and its lacking that quickness in pick-up. I am of the opinion that transmission and torque delivery in this particular 4x4 model can surely be improvised by Toyota.

Regards

Akash
 

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