sightings: Toyota Fortuner?

[greenlight]

Hi Guys,
I was planning on buying the 4x4 RAV4 but when I heard that Toyota will be launching the Fortuner, I decided to hold back on my decision.
Now that Toyota has announced the price, I feel lucky that I hold off my decision to buy the RAV4.

The 4x2 2.7 VVTi Fortuner (P1.2M) is cheaper than the 4x4 RAV4 (P1.28M). I am seriously deciding to get a Fortuner. The 3.0 D4D variant is above my budget so I would have to settle for the VVTi.

Questions to the experts out there and those who were able to test drive these beauties: How is the handling of the VVTi? Does the 2.7 VVTi engine have enough power to handle is bulky body? What do you think will be the gas consumption of this baby?

I am trying to schedule a test drive but medyo mahirap because the demo models are going around the different Toyota dealers.

I am so excited about the Fortuner. I plan to reserve one during the launch on Friday at Toyota Makati. The waiting list for the VVTi is already 15 just for Toyota Makati. The 4x4 even has a longer queue.

Hopefully, someone could answer my queries. So I can finalize my decision.

Thanks in advance.

[mazdamazda]

Questions to the experts out there and those who were able to test drive these beauties: How is the handling of the VVTi? Does the 2.7 VVTi engine have enough power to handle is bulky body? What do you think will be the gas consumption of this baby?

the rav4 is really light (1310 kg curb weight). the 4wd hi-lux in comparison weighs around 1860 kg. that's a 550 kg diff (or around 11 sacks of rice).

the rav4 will sprint to 100kph in around 10secs. the 2.7L fortuner will do that in around 11.5+ secs based on a website that I stumbled upon.

rav4's fuel consumption is around 8 km/L. expect lower figures for the heavier fortuner. if basing on displacement alone... the 2.7L will consume 35% more fuel which would be around 5.2 km/L. this is just a guestimate.

the rav4's handling is its forte. it can almost handle like a car with some assistance from its AWD system. in really sharp & fast corners, you can just feel the grip of the four tires.

but then again, the fortuner will give you more space, more passenger seats, higher ground clearance, new body, etc. it is just a matter of priorities.

[andre]

2.7 VVTi will be powerful enough for a big vehicle like fortuner. remember the gas version is lighter than diesel version by almost 200 kilos. its has more torque than the 2.4 liter camry or 2.4 liter crv. gas consumption would be around 5.5km to 6km per liter.

[katsudon_ph]

how true that the montero sports is 1997 version pa? tnx

[oldblue]

its true yun taga-mitsu sales mismo nagsabi sakin noon nag-canvass ako ng FB. pero 1999 naman sabi nya. kaya daw mahal kase japan lahat daw yan montero, d assembled d2.

niweys, medyo off-topic na. kelan daw pwede makita sa showrooms yan fortuner. I'm excited.

[nomorecrv]

My sources tell me that stocks are due to arrive at the dealers this weekend, with sales starting next week. But don't count on seeing any of those Fortuners in the showroom, at least for the next 2-3 months, because they're all sold out even before they get to the dealer's parking lot. I was lucky enough to see one up close at Toyota Bel-Air last Saturday. Pretty intimidating from the outside, but very refined inside. Still, just the basic features, but good enough.

[111prez]

i heard that toyota is only allocating 2 units per month to each dealer

is this true?

grabe siguro ang backlog ng orders niyan and the waiting time

not a good move for toyota

[vicoyski]

i heard that toyota is only allocating 2 units per month to each dealer

is this true?

grabe siguro ang backlog ng orders niyan and the waiting time

not a good move for toyota

This is not true! Malulugi ang Toyota sa shipping if they do this...

Maybe, what you actually heard is that Toyota is allocating 2 display units per dealer...

[danbuzz]

This is not true! Malulugi ang Toyota sa shipping if they do this...

Maybe, what you actually heard is that Toyota is allocating 2 display units per dealer...

yes thats true bro, its actually 2 display units per dealer in preparation for the public launch event this weekend. I think Toyota isnt dumb enough to allocate 2 units per month to its dealerships. I confirmed with one of the dealers that bulk of shipment will arrive this month mostly of the 3.0 D4D.

[nomorecrv]

Yes, 2 units per month doesn't sound logical. And if you take into consideration what Toyota has been saying in the news that they plan to sell 300 Fortuners per month, it works out to about 12 units per dealer (given that there are 25 dealers in the country). So depending on how far you are in the list, you could get your car as soon as this month, or after 4 months (latest). That's based on what I heard from Bel-Air that they have a reservation list up to 50 already. Some have even paid IN FULL!

[111prez]

whew! i really hope that what i heard is not true

one dealer i inquired from said that their reservation list is up to 60 already

kaya lang, marami doon sa lista na nakita ko ay hindi pa nag bayad ng reservation fee. hmmmm, looks like some are reserving just for speculation ata, hahahaha

what is the number of units (d4d and vvt-i) being shipped this month from thailand? would anybody here know?

[jds]

Benderbot,

I just came back from my bisnis trip from Bangkok, a friend of mine just got his Fortuner at THB1.1M. He told me, that he wanted to get a diesel engine na Fortuner, but he was told that he has to wait 3 - 4 months. So he bought a gas variant instead.

If Toyota Thailand itself can't fill up the order for it's local market (esp. the diesel), much more siguro yung destined to other asian countries like Phils.

---

whew! i really hope that what i heard is not true

one dealer i inquired from said that their reservation list is up to 60 already

kaya lang, marami doon sa lista na nakita ko ay hindi pa nag bayad ng reservation fee. hmmmm, looks like some are reserving just for speculation ata, hahahaha

what is the number of units (d4d and vvt-i) being shipped this month from thailand? would anybody here know?

[wolfpack]

We test drove both fortuner and Hilux for a magazine last weekend off road/on road, if you guys think these vehicles are a dream to look at when you get to really push it you just mite do anything to get one............ it will be our cover story very soon...........

[nomorecrv]

There's going to be huge demand for the Fortuner, and I think they can quickly match sales of Hi-Lux in the Philippines (now at about 200 units per month since its launch just a few months ago). Can't believe Toyota sold 1,400 Innovas last March! But those are locally-assembled, while the Hi-Lux and Fortuner they have to ship from Thailand. At least the Fortuner won't be subject to the mercy of Toyota's labor union. I heard that workers started asking for higher pay when they noticed just how fast the Innovas were selling, so Toyota had no choice but to cut production (while many of its workers went on strike) that led to a shortage of units. My dad just got his 2 weeks ago after a month-long wait. He's very happy with the 2.5l D4D engine, and I found it extremely quiet myself. So a 3.0l D4D Fortuner will be just as quiet, and much stronger. Anyway, back to my point, if Toyota can manage to ship 200 Hi-Lux units from Thailand per month, there's no reason it shouldn't be able to do the same for the Fortuner.

[docSUVfan]

Mr. Greenlight, I drive a 2000 RAV4 2.0 li automatic AWD and a 2004 RAV4 2.0 li automatic AWD. They handle extremely well even when loaded with 5 adults even in wet uphill climbs. 4 adults in the 2nd row is pretty tight in shoulder room but adequate for knee and leg room (about 2 inches away the back of the front seats) if the rear back rests are reclined (I am 5 feet 8 in tall). I have tried to load it with 8 people, 2 riding at a modified bench sofa oriented longitudinally so they are facing the side windows when sitted. However, comfort leaves much to be desired esp. when you sit at the 2nd row and luggage areas. Flood-wise, they withstood up to waist-deep waters for 3 hours without stalling the engine and the carpet was dry without the slightest smell of floodwaters.

The Fortuner is definitely a dream SUV for me esp. the 3.0 D4D 4WD variant since the best fuel economy in our RAVs reaches up to 7-7.5 km/li. I hope to achieve at least 10-11 km/li with this vehicle. Moreover, the tire size 265/70 R16 with more generous coil spring free play vs. the RAVs 235/60 R16 with less than 1 foot coil spring free play would promise better ride comfort for 1 - 7 passengers.

Insider marketing info shows pics that Fortuner reacts better that the competition (similar to the RAV4) when driven around obstacle orange pylons vs. Honda CRV, Ford Escape, Nissan X-trail and Ford Everest in that order of handling prowess.

3rd row seats have adequate knee/leg room (provided the 2nd row passengers don't max out their leg room option) and generous shoulder room for 2 adults.

In this time of fuel conservation, I find loading 6-7 passengers using the Fortuner a better option than using 2 RAVs.

[nugundam93]

saw the fortuner in person kahapon, nakasabay namin edsa northbound from guadalupe area onwards. ampogi, grabe. black pa siya, and no tint.

*drool*

[greenlight]

I went to the launching of Fortuner last night at Toyota Makati. I love the looks of the Fortuner. They showcased the 3.0 D4D model color white. It really looks good.
Since the budget I have is only good for the gas model, this is what I am eyeing. They said that both models are the same, accessories and all, except for the engine, engine scoop and the 4x4 (I am not sure what to call this). I have scheduled a test drive tomorrow for the gas model to check it's handling. I can't wait.
If I am satisfied, I will make my reservations.
My only comment as against my gen2 pajero is the field of vision of the Fortuner is not as high as the pajero. The dashboard is a bit high or the seats are too low. For me it does not matter but for my wife, she has a hard time looking over the hood. But I think I got her convinced already.
I just hope the mileage is decent and not in the class of the Expedition where it is a gas guzzler.
For those who are interested, the sales rep at Toyota Makati said that they allow a test drive but make it discreet. So don't tell them that I leaked this out. I just want to share this with you guys. They told me that they will only allow this tomorrow am.
Still can't decide on the color. I would like the black but since this is supposed to be my wife's car, I will let her decide. I am just happy that she agreed to get the Fortuner.

[Forza]

Gold(grayish brown metallic) colored Fortuner parked near our parish for the Sunday am mass here at San Juan.

It did have Toyota Balintawak plates.

A very lucky fellow!

FORTUNER, The World Is Mine

[eX.hail]

i wish i had 1.5M

[mazdamazda]

kudos to Toyota Makati for letting consumers to test drive the Fortuner.