Toyota Kirloskar launches Fortuner

New Delhi: Toyota Kirloskar Motor today launched its premium sports utility vehicle Fortuner in India. The SUV, which is priced at Rs18.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) comes with a 3.0 litre D-4D diesel engine with five speed manual transmission.

Toyota Motor Corporation's senior managing director, Akira Okabe, said, ''Globally, Fortuner has already sold over 2.5 lakh units in more than 60 countries since its launch in 2005.''

According to Sandeep Singh, Toyota Kiloskar Motor's deputy managing director (marketing), the launch of the Fortuner will expand the mid SUV market in India which has been seeing extensive growth due to launches in the mid and premium SUV segment.

According to the company, the 'Fortuner not only offers unshakeable sturdiness with high ground clearance, long wheelbase, full-time 4WD and excellent drivability on all terrains, but is also loaded with comfort features like climate control AC, Optitron meter, multi-information display, steering control switches, space-up type 3rd row seats and leather interiors.

The company said the Fortuner's exquisite bodyline and sporty exteriors of are further accentuated by attractive roof rails, rear spoiler, side steps & bonnet scoop. The spacious and comfortable interiors give the 'Fortuner'an unparalleled edge over other SUVs in its segment.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor's managing director Hiroshi Nakagawa said sales in the second half of the year would be better than in the first six months due to higher demand for the Innova multipurpose vehicle. Overall it expects to sell 52,000 units this year, compared with 51,800 units sold in 2008.