Toyota has unveiled a second generation of its famous sport utility vehicle, Fortuner, riding on the global success of the outgoing model.

The 2016 seven-seater family SUV was unveiled simultaneously last week in Australia and Thailand. No date has been fixed yet for its launch in other markets, including Nigeria.

Like its other Toyota siblings, the Fortuner has been rated well among its peers and enjoys a topnotch position in its segment.

Coming in the middle of the RAV4 and the Land Cruiser Prado (Lexus GX), the Fortuner is the Toyota’s challenger to the new Ford Everest, which is similarly based on the Ranger pickup, says a report by Autoblog.

The report describes the vehicle as all-new from the ground up, featuring an updated ladder-frame platform, new design, premium interior and a new range of engines.

The Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, Toyota Australia, Mr. Tony Cramb, says, “Fortuner shares the rugged underpinnings of the ‘unbreakable’ HiLux, allowing owners to travel to — and return from — places many other SUVs simply can’t go.

“Its strength and refinement ensure that the vehicle is equally at home on the school run as on the toughest off-road trails. At the same time, Fortuner’s unique design suits the advanced tastes of modern SUV buyers while being equipped with a comprehensive list of features appreciated by families and business owners.

“Fortuner provides a diesel alternative to the petrol-only Kluger range as the new entry point for customers looking to purchase a large Toyota diesel SUV.”

The Toyota Fortuner comes in two diesel engines and one petrol unit spread across four different variants. The diesel variants consist of the 2.4G 4×2 6MT, 2.4V 4×2 6AT, 2.8V 4×2 6AT, 2.8V 4×4 6AT, while the only petrol offering is the 2.7V 4×2 6AT.

Another report by Indianautoblog also presents the standard features in the new Fortuner. For instance, it says the vehicle comes equipped with smart key system with keyless entry, start/stop button, knee airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control system, Hill Assist Control, emergency light system.

Its other interesting detail divulged is that the dashboard panel looks different from the Hilux Revo.

The next generation Toyota Fortuner is expected to arrive from March 2016.

From a distance, the Fortuner shares the rugged look of the Toyota Hilux pickup.

The 2.7 litre petrol version of the vehicle is currently being distributed in Nigeria by Toyota Nigeria Limited.

A report obtained from the TNL’s website states that the Fortuner owns the moment creating a striking new look with its muscular yet stylish presence, redesigned bumpers, radiator grille, headlamps and rear combination lamps.

This is said to be further complemented by 17” alloy wheels, colour-coded exterior mirrors (electrically adjustable with integrated indicators), a chrome rear door garnish and a rear spoile with a high-mount stop lamp.

It presents its HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps as optimising visibility and keeping its occupants safe on the road.

Its newly adopted body-colored outer mirrors with side turns signal lamps accentuate the high-class look.

The redesigned aluminium side step is equipped with a black plastic cover, emphasising the intrepid look; just as its cover surface is grooved to prevent slipping when running the vehicle on muddy terrain.

In addition to the straight-line-themed sharp form, the use of a lamp configuration giving a sense of depth, and the cylindrical-shaped projector lamp located centrally on the vehicle, convey a high-class, advanced look.

While assimilating the boldly carved- out, inverted trapezoid theme,

The report says the new vehicle’s design has been modified to bring out its prestige and refinement.

It says, “The distinctive rear combination lamps sport two sets of round graphics. The complete lamp is changed to a clear lens configuration, giving a more clear-cut impression and advanced look.

“A high-class look is presented by using a three-dimensional design of substantial volume that matches the form of the licence plate. The vehicle’s name logo is placed in the centre of the garnish, fostering a clear rearview impression.”