Toyota Motor Philippines has launched upgraded versions of the Fortuner SUV and Hilux pickup. Key changes to the drivetrain are the variable nozzle turbocharger with intercooler, bumping up output in the 2.5-liter diesel models. That diesel now puts out 143bhp and 343Nm—equalling the torque of the 3.0-liter model. With a smaller displacement, expect a quieter interior and better fuel mileage. Unfortunately, the automatic transmission is still the old-school four-speed version, rather than the at least circa-2000s five-speed available in other markets such as Thailand. (All the more puzzling since Thailand also manufactures our Fortuners and Hiluxes.) Interior upgrades include a GPS navigation unit with 6.5” touchscreen for the Fortuner 4×4 V Diesel, 4X2 G Diesel Automatic and all Hilux 4×4 variants.
Here’s the news from Toyota: Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) improves its ever reliable Fortuner and Hilux models in September. With new engine specifications and interior entertainment improvements, both the Fortuner and Hilux prove to be a more road-worthy vehicle. Toyota aims to strengthen its SUV and Pick-up segment through its globally known International Innovative Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) line-up.
The improved Fortuner and Hilux will feature the advanced Variable Nozzle Turbocharger (VNT) Technology with intercooler which aims to improve fuel efficiency and produce additional engine power by 40% and increased torque by 30%. A variable nozzle vane has been incorporated on the circumference of the turbine to adjust the flow speed and pressure of the exhaust with the intention to improve fuel economy. Accordingly, the balance between the exhaust back pressure and boost pressure based on the engine demand has been optimized to induce responsive power. A Direct Current (DC) motor is used to operate the variable nozzle vane to help achieve outstanding engine performance. The VNT Technology is available for the 4X4 V and 4X2 G Diesel (Manual and Automatic) Fortuner. In the other hand, the Hilux also offers the VNT for its 4X4 G, 4X2 G and 4×2 E variants.
A new feature for the Fortuner 4×4 V Diesel, 4X2 G Diesel Automatic and all Hilux 4×4 variants will be a newly installed Audio system with Navigation Global Positioning System (GPS) which offers the most POIs (Point of Interests) available in the Philippines. This comes standard with a 6.5” Digital LCD with Touch screen function, built-in DVD Player, FM/AM Tuner, Ipod control and Video (Compatible with Iphone 3GS/4Gs and Ipod), Bluetooth capability, 50W X 4 Output amplifier and you may also plug in your favorite music player via the AUX or USB ports.
The improved Fortuner is available in both 4X4 and 4X2 drive trains. The 4X4 comes along with a 3.0-liter V diesel variant priced at P1,759,000. The 4X2 2.5-liter G diesel option on the other hand is priced at P1,484,000 for the Automatic Transmission and P 1,381,000 for the Manual Transmission. A 2.7-liter G gasoline option is also offered at P1,358,000. Available shades are Lithium, Silky Gold Mica Metallic, Dark Grey, Dark Steel Mica Metallic, Xtreme Black. A White Pearl color on all variants is now available for an additional P15,000.
Meanwhile, the improved Hilux is also available in both 4X4 and 4X2 drive trains, and offers automatic and manual transmissions. The top-of the-line G variant equipped with a 3.0-liter diesel engine is priced at P1,474,000 for the automatic transmission and P1,420,000 for the manual transmission. A 4X2 G manual transmission variant is also available for P1, 131,000. The 4X2 E variant, on the other hand has a 2.5-liter diesel option at P972,000 and a 2.5-liter J diesel variant option at P843,000. Available colors for the Hilux are Lithium, Silky Gold Mica Metallic, Dark Steel Mica Metallic, Xtreme Black. The Freedom White color is now made available for the G and E variants. Also introducing a new color for the Hilux is the Super Red only available for the G variant.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
