Toyota Introduces The Fortuner Epic

Kerry Roodt, General Manager of Marketing Communications for Toyota SA Motors explains about the crowd-pleasing Fortuner in general, “It’s the consummate all-rounder, suitable for use in a number of different conditions, from urban highways and rocky mountain passes to sand dunes and the bushveld. This ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything… and Do it in Style’ character of the Fortuner perfectly complements the lifestyle of outdoor-loving South Africans who need the dual-purpose capability of a ‘bush and boulevard’ cruiser. If ever there was an apt tag line then the Fortuner’s got it – “Freedom is indeed beautiful’.”

Changes to the Fortuner Epic are essentially cosmetic including a redesigned front-end with new headlights and black-out detail. Other surface changes are the teardrop-shaped chromed bezels surrounding the front fog lights. Poudly on deiplay up front is the unique edition chromed nudge bar with “Epic” branding All outer mirrors are now chromed as opposed to colour-coded. Bringing up the rear are new tail lamps, once again with black-out detail, mirroring the front units. Additionally “Epic” models get a towbar as well as a rear sill protector. Dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels provide further visual differentiation.

In 4x4 guise, the Fortuner features full-time 4WD with low range and a Torsen Limited Slip Centre Differential (LSD) with lock. 4x2 versions are likewise well equipped to go bundu bashing courtesy of a rear differential lock. They also share the same heavy-duty yet sophisticated suspension system with their 4x4 brethren comprising a double wishbone, high-mount set-up up front and a four-link, lateral control rod system at the rear.

Standard on all Fortuner’s is a 30 degree approach angle and 25 degree departure angle, 220 mm ground clearance and a 700 mm wading depth.

Don’t expect very exclusive club of Epic owners. Toyota SA reckon the Epic makeover will be applied to 50% of all Fortuner D4-D and V6 derivative over a two month period.

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