THE Toyota Fortuner – South Africa’s top-selling SUV – is a name that needs no introduction. Built on the rocksteady foundation of its Hilux stablemate, this seven-seater SUV has proven that its blend of style, off-road competency and people-hauling ability, perfectly suits the South African lifestyle.
For 2020, Toyota has bestowed the Fortuner with a host of exterior additions and created the latest iteration – the new Fortuner Epic.
Two versions
Two variants of Epic are on offer, both based on the 2.8-litre GD-6 derivatives: the standard Fortuner Epic and Fortuner Epic Black. As the name implies, the Epic Black utilises black accents to up the ante visually.
The Epic package will be applied to 100% of Fortuner 2.8 models, thereby offering customers enhanced value.
Epic exterior
The exterior (and utility) has been enhanced with the fitment of a branded nudge-bar and tow bar. Epic Black models feature a bi-tone design with black roof, black roof rails, black side-view mirrors and unique, all-black 18-inch alloy wheels.
These high-contrast elements are exclusively combined with Glacier White paintwork on the Epic Black to create a bespoke model that is certain to make an impression on both bush and boulevard clientele.
Epic variants can be had in Glacier White, Chromium Silver, Graphite Grey or Avant-Garde Bronze.
Interior additions
A touch of class is added with metal scuff plates and Epic-branded carpet set. The usual Fortuner luxuries apply here, such as the leather interior and soft-touch dashboard trim. The interior layout remains as per current, with elevated second and fold-up third row seating.
Standard specification
The usual array of 2.8 Fortuner specification items apply, including dual-zone climate control, smart entry and push start, touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, reverse camera, TFT multi-information display, blue Optitron instrumentation, cruise control, steering switches, power-adjustable driver seat and power back door.
Driver-aid systems
All Fortuner models are equipped with ABS, TRC, VSC, BAS, EBD and hill start assist.
The four-wheel drive models additionally feature Toyota’s A-TRAC off-road traction control logic and downhill assist control, to make navigating obstacles a breeze. ‘On-the-fly’ selectable 2WD/4WD/4WD Lo modes further add to overlanding convenience.
Model range and pricing
Fortuner 2.8 RB Epic 6AT – R660 000
Fortuner 2.8 Epic Black 6AT – R670 100
Fortuner 2.8 4X4 Epic 6AT – R729 000
Fortuner 2.8 4X4 Epic Black 6AT – R739 100
The 2.4 GD-6 and 2.7 VVTi Fortuner models continue unaltered.
The 4.0 V6 model has been discontinued. The manual transmission Fortuner models have been deleted from the line-up.
Peace of mind
All Fortuner models are sold with a six-services/90 000km service plan and three-year/ 100 000km warranty.
Service intervals for the diesel models are 10 000km, while the petrol model is set at 15 000km.
