Toyota launches new Fortuner, Hilux

MANILA, Philippines - When Toyota unveils a new model, people everywhere sit up and take notice. More so if it’s two of its most popular models.

Which is exactly what happened – and is still happening – with last Thursday’s unveiling of the new Fortuner and Hilux.

The local motoring and business media – and the general public over the weekend – descended on to the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City to be among the first to see Toyota’s much-awaited new SUV and pickup.

Making the twin launches even more special was the occasion of Toyota Motor Philippines’s (TMP) 23rd anniversary, which was celebrated with a grand tent event which started on the day of the unveiling and which ended only yesterday.

And while the 2011 Fortuner is not exactly “all new,” it does sport a generous array of changes to make it look distinctly bolder and even more upscale.

It has a completely new front end, which also required changing the front fenders and hood instead of just the usual new grille, headlamps and bumper. The new visage, particularly in the new grille and headlamp treatments, has hints of Toyota’s flagship SUV, the Land Cruiser.

The new Fortuner now sports HID projector-type headlamps with auto leveling, auto light control and headlamp washers.

There are also new fender flares and alloy wheels and for the rear end, new taillights and bumpers.

In addition to this, the vehicle’s interior underwent significant changes to project an ambience of elegance and sportiness. To this end, a host of comfort and convenience features was added.

Lastly, performance enhancements were applied to the vehicle to achieve a more comfortable ride without sacrificing its ruggedness. (Expect a STAR test drive soon.)

“We are very excited about the new Fortuner. We have made a lot of improvements and, more importantly, made its prices more affordable for more people to enjoy,” said TMP Executive Vice President Yuji Goto said in statement.

As for the new Toyota Hilux, the bestselling pickup underwent similar changes with its exterior design with new front bumpers, front fenders, hood, grille, headlamp, and new optional 17-inch alloy wheels for the G-grade variant.

The twin IMV models’ interiors also now boast a new instrument panel cluster design and two-tone door trim, as well as Bluetooth (G-Grade only) and USB connectivity (G and E-Grades).

“With these new models, we offer our customers better products, with significantly improved riding comfort, handling and style,” TMP president Michinobu Sugata said in a statement.

“Another striking benefit is the very competitive pricing of all Fortuners and some Hilux variants. We remain true to Toyota’s Sure Advantage of great value with vehicles that offer both high quality and great affordability,” Sugata added.

The new four-variant Fortuner line-up starts at P1.330M for the 2.5 G Diesel 4x2 M/T entry-level model and tops out at P1.719M for the 3.0 Diesel 4x4 A/T flagship (a P1.343M 4x2 2.7 G Gas A/T midrange model is still available), while the five-model all-diesel Hilux line-up has retail prices ranging from P838,000 (2.5 J 4x2 M/T) to P1.433M (3.0 G 4x4 A/T).