New Toyota Fortuner - changing stereotypes in Vietnam

New body, new engine and added electronic balance help Fortuner operate more attractively.

Toyota focused on improving all the weaknesses that the old generation of Toyota encountered in Vietnam. First is the origin of Indonesia, which is considered to have a higher automobile industry. Next is the slim, modern and youthful figure. People at the age of 35 can go without fear of being criticized as old and outdated.Corresponding to the new exterior is a sleek, elegant interior with faux wood panels that evoke a sense of luxury.

Fortuner focuses on young people and competes directly with Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Ford Everest.

Fortuner also has not much to complain about in terms of options. The single-axle gasoline version is equipped with a touch screen, automatic air conditioning with a cooling system for the rear seats. Smart key, Bluetooth connection. Two running modes: Eco (fuel saving) and Power (powerful).

The Japanese car company also generously equipped automatic headlights, hill start assist and steering wheel-mounted gearshift levers so that drivers can experience the sportiness. Compared to competitors Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu mu-X, Fortuner is equivalent. But a bit inferior when placed next to Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento.

The most significant weakness of the old Fortuner is its sluggish and slow operation, unlike its sporty and muscular appearance. In the new generation, Toyota still uses a 2.7 petrol engine.liters but integrates Dual VVT-i variable valve control system instead of single VVT-i type. Thanks to that, cPower increased from 158 horsepower to 164 horsepower, maximum torque from 241 Nm to 245 Nm.

The theoretical numbers may not satisfy those who value driving experience. But in reality, Fortuner is much different, thanks to the use of a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a 4-speed with software adjustments suitable for operating conditions. There is no longer the feeling of wanting to "push" down when pressing the gas pedal. Each press of the gas pedal is executed exactly as desired. The engine noise is also much quieter when the engine does not have to strain to roar with each press of the gas pedal.

Tail with LED strip.

But those are just normal tasks like overtaking in the street or speeding out of a crowd.If you want to try something different, switch to Power mode (PWR). The car will immediately go down a gear, the engine speed will increase to over 2,000, as if inviting the driver to accelerate. The engine noise will be heard.

Press the gas, the whole car body vibrates noisily and moves quite smoothly. Going up to 100 or 120 is as easy as turning your hand. Compared to the Ford Everest, this feeling is nothing special, but Toyota fans have reason to be proud. Not every Toyota can do that.

An interesting detail of Fortuner is that the driver can downshift using the accelerator when in PWR mode. To overtake, do not press the accelerator all the way but press it quickly and release it, the car will automatically downshift one gear, the engine speed will increase, the engine will be in an extreme operating state. This mode is very useful for overtaking on the highway. However, everything will be jerky and a bit noisy for passengers.

The suspension is sturdy, not as soft as the Pajero Sport. The road noise insulation is not too excellent. The roar noise above 100 km/h is quite clear. The steering wheel is also a plus point when the power steering is lighter and more precise than the old version. Going at high speed, you don't have to be tired to keep from "flying".

The interior of the single-axle gasoline version is leather-wrapped and has an electric driver's seat.

Along with the operational changes, Fortuner also has safety equipment that was lacking in the old version. Both gasoline versions are equipped with electronic balance ESP, which Toyota calls VSC, and hill start assist. The highest-end 2.7AT 2WD version also has hill descent assist.

However, the best-selling version, the Fortuner diesel engine, does not have VSC but onlyAnti-lock braking system ABS, electronic brake force distribution EBD, emergency brake assist BA.

For the first time, Toyota Vietnam has announced a price for Fortuner that is "unimaginably" low compared to the predictions of its competitors. While Pajero Sport is over 1.4 billion, Ford Everest is up to 1.9 billion, the most expensive Fortuner is only 1.3 billion. All are imported, but Fortuner is only less than 10% higher than the old assembled version.

This moderate price makes the entire market focus on Toyota's model with sales in January, one month after its launch, reaching a record high of 1,300 units and far surpassing many other models. Toyota clearly has weaknesses in Vietnam, but when it is determined to change according to customer tastes, this company will still be one of the forces that is not easy to overcome.

According to VNE