Toyota Fortuner is one of the top-selling SUVs in the Indian market as well as international markets. Recently, facelifted version of the SUV was launched in Thailand with India launch possibly during early 2021. The ASEAN NCAP crash tests conducted recently revealed a lot about the safety potential of the Fortuner SUV. It was awarded the highest 5-star safety rating in crash tests by ASEAN NCAP. The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia, or known as ASEAN NCAP, is an automobile safety rating program. It conducts regular crash testing of vehicles in order to raise awareness among consumers and increase vehicle safety standards in the ASEAN region. The recognition by the safety board speaks volumes about the Thailand-spec Toyota Fortuner's crash handling capacity. The updated SUV scored 87.46 points out of 90.
ASEAN NCAP didn’t test Toyota Fortuner but derived the results on the equivalent Hilux pick up truck as both models share the same platform and engines. Toyota Fortuner facelift bagged 34.03 points out of maximum 36 in terms of occupant protection (AOP). In the child occupant protection (COP), the SUV claimed 43.38 points out of 49. Moving on to the safety assist technologies (SATs) category, it took home 13 points out of 18. With impressive scores, Fortuner SUV secured 5 stars in the 2020 crash testing undertaken by the ASEAN NCAP.
The Thailand-spec SUV comes packed with safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning and autonomous emergency braking. The current Fortuner model retailing in the Indian market doesn’t offer such features. With the arrival of MG Gloster, Toyota could also offer advanced features in the upcoming 2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift, which is expected to launch early next year in the country.
Toyota Fortuner facelift will continue to be powered by the BS6 compliant petrol and diesel engines seen in the current model. The 2.4-litre, four-cylinder diesel unit will continue to deliver 150 bhp of maximum power output and 400 Nm of peak torque. The 2.8-litre diesel engine currently offered in India with the Fortuner will now churn out 205 bhp of maximum power output and 500 Nm of peak torque. This is a jump of 27bhp and 50Nm in comparison to the present model of Fortuner automatic. The transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed sequential automatic unit.
We need to see whether the updated diesel engine is brought to our shores or not. The Fortuner facelift will have to compete with Ford Endeavour, MG Gloster and Mahindra Alturas G4 in the Indian market.
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