Design inspiration from the more exquisite Land Cruiser has helped shape most of the Fortuner's new fascia. It's now fitted with an even bigger chrome grill, piercing projector headlights, and (as if those weren't intimidating enough) a wide black wraparound lower jaw. The hood has also been given more curves and a larger air intake to match. Moreover, the addition of headlamp washers is a very nice touch. The view from the back though hasn't changed as much, besides the Lexus IS200-inspired tail lights that we're not so fond of.
As with the Hilux, the Fortuner's interior hasn't seen that much change except for a few refinements here and there; among which are a fresh steering wheel, virgin wood panels, and a more upbeat two-tone upholstery. And to bring it closer to today's tech-dependent population, Toyota's equipped it with Bluetooth connectivity and a 6.1-inch touch-screen GPS Navigator.
New to the 2012 Fortuner is a feature they call “Diamond Tech” that should give the D-4D engine better fuel economy and improved horsepower. This boosts the 2.5-liter diesel intercooler turbo's power output to 144 horses, but for some reason, the 3.0-liter version maintains the 163 horsepower from the previous version.
Already on sale in Thailand, the 2012 Toyota Fortuner should be available in the Philippines later this year. Although there's no telling if all of the latest gadgets will find its way into the local units, at least we know that we're getting the same handsome look. The only thing we're waiting for now is the launch of their last IMV sibling, the new Innova.
*UPDATE* Toyota Motors Philippines finally unveiled the arrival of the new Hilux, along with the Fortuner, last August 17, 2011 at the Toyota Tent Event. Read our full write up by clicking on the link.
