Toyota has taken the automotive world by surprise once again with a fresh new SUV that combines all-terrain ruggedness with the easy manoeuvrability of a compact, plus the surprise of an appealing price tag.
Dubbed as the “Mini Fortuner” by enthusiasts and fans as well as by motoring journalists, the all-new SUV promises the same go-anywhere attitude and upmarket feel that the larger Fortuner brings to the table albeit in a much more urban-centric, cost-effective package.
Although Toyota has not dubbed it a Mini Fortuner, the car clearly has very strong design language and driving DNA from the higher segment. It has a muscular look with an aggressive front end, sharp LED lighting, high roofline, and tall ground clearance that grabs attention on the road.
Bold and Modern Exterior Design
The very first impression that it gives off is through its design.The design, is what pops though. Featuring a broad front grille flanked by muscular wheel arches, sculpted body lines, and high-placed LED DRLs, the car appears like it’s ready to take on the urban road and country trail.
The sculpted headlamps, chunky bumpers, and fake skid plates enhance its rugged appearance. At certain angels, particularly when viewed from the side and from behind, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the mighty Fortuner hence the nickname.
The car gets dual-tone shade options, roof trails and alloy-wheels which add a dash of crossover/SUV flavour to the automobile. The Mini Fortuner is a compact/mid-size SUV, but looks aggressive with a large footprint that’s much more imposing that what you’d expect when you see it in person.
Comfortable and Feature-Rich Cabin
So you step inside, and the Mini Fortuner doesn’t disappoint. Rooted in an interior of comfort and luxury. The two-tone dashboard has soft-touch materials and metallic touches giving it a premium touch. The seating position is commanding, as befits a proper SUV, and the high roofline means there’s plenty of headroom for passengers in both rows.
The infotainment is a large touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and depending on the variant is accompanied by a colour digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control and keyless push-button start. There’s ambient lighting, rear AC vents and wireless charging (higher trims) to provide extra convenience and a contemporary feel to the package.
Engine and Performance of Toyota Mini Fortuner
Powering the vehicle will be a grunty petrol engine, with Toyota likely to err towards a reasonably high performance engine which provides an excellent level of economy too. Powered by a 1.5L or 1.0L turbo-petrol engine, the engine is available with manual and automatic transmission option.
Toyota could also offer a mild hybrid version for those focused on fuel economy. The engine options are more city and highway-friendly than for hardcore off-roading, however, with high ground clearance and a sorted suspension setup, it can easily tackle rough patches and broken roads.
It should be a smooth driving experience with light steering for easy maneuvering in the city, and enough punch to make highway cruising a pleasant experience. Toyota’s craftsmanship and its level of refinement is reflected in how the car dampens noise, vibration and harshness.
Safety and Tech Offerings of Toyota Mini Fortuner
Toyota’s record for safety is well known, and the Mini Fortuner is no exception either. It will also get dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, one to two additional airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, and rear-view camera. Higher models may also be equipped with ADAS systems like the lane departure warning, the adaptive cruise control and the emergency braking assist.
A tech-savvy audience will anticipate voice commands and cloud-connected features as part of the car’s infotainment system through Toyota’s connected car technology. Along with tracking the vehicle remotely, geo-fencing and vehicle diagnostic can also be provided as a part of the deal.
Mileage and Efficiency of Toyota Mini Fortuner
Then, of course, the fuel economy is a big pro of the Toyota Mini Fortuner. With the help of Toyota’s engineering and similar hybrid tech it could provide as high as of 18-22 km in a litre of diesel depending on the engine and the driving conditions. This makes it an attractive option for city dwellers and those who do a lot of commuting.
Expected Price and Market Positioning
The most surprising part to me has got to be the price. With full-size SUVs of the same like the Fortuner costing much beyond the INR 35 lakh mark, the Mini Fortuner is anticipated to be introduced for a starting price of only INR 9 lakh, which could go up to INR 14-15 lakh for the top-of-the-range model (ex-showroom). This aggressive pricing is all set to stir up the Indian SUV segment as many have a liking for the Fortuner but are not in a position to afford it.
Sitting above the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor and against rivals such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and Honda Elevate, the Mini Fortuner intends to fill the gap that offers compact practicality with a big-SUV feel.
Conclusion
“With the Toyota Mini Fortuner, you’re going to have the best of the both world a big SUV-like appearance but it remains a practical, city-friendly size. It serves the SUV desirability Indian customers lust after with none of the exorbitant tag that comes along with this sort of styling and street presence. As an added bonus Toyota SUV reviews are almost always a love fest for a vehicle that’s rugged and dependable, beautiful and capable and well-priced.
If you’re looking for something that can offer a bit more, the Mini Fortuner looks to have it all; whether you need a fashionable commuter for the city, or am SUV that can manage the occasional weekend trip. There’s one SUV that really does live up to all the hype, and it may well redefine our perception of “affordable luxury” in the Indian market.