India-Bound 2016 Toyota Fortuner SUV Leaked Ahead of World Debut

Toyota is busy testing the next-generation Fortuner, the Japanese brand’s flagship passenger SUV in many emerging markets of the world, including that in India. However, the final production edition of the vehicle has already been revealed to a select audience. The 2016 Toyota Fortuner SUV’s image has now leaked onto the interweb. The leaked image shows sharp styling, which is a big departure from the current version’s design. The image depicts that the new Fortuner will have an edgier design, and a pronounced kink on the window line ahead of the C-Pillar.

The butch cues will be retained though. The headlamps get narrower while the front bumper and air dam are more pronounced than before. The alloy wheel design is new and the vehicle continues to have a tall stance. The 2016 Fortuner, like the current generation version, will be based on the 8th generation Hilux pick up truck platform. The new SUV sits on the latest generation of the Toyota IMV platform, with extensive inputs from Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA) in the interest of cutting costs, and increasing parts and production facility sharing.

For the Indian car market, the 2016 Fortuner is expected to retain turbo diesel power, along with manual and automatic gearbox options. Rear wheel and four wheel drive layouts will be on offer, along with a ladder frame chassis, given the fact that the new SUV will be based on a 2015 Hilux pick up truck. In terms of features, expect a bunch of new additions, to keep pace with advancing competition. Globally, the new Fortuner is expected to be officially unveiled later this year, with an Auto Expo 2016 debut on the cards as far as the Indian car market is concerned.

Spyshot courtesy Fly-Wheel