Toyota's Mini Fortuner Debut Next Month - New Land Cruiser FJ?

It is no secret that Toyota is developing an all-new 3-row SUV, which will be positioned below the Fortuner in its product line-up. The mini Fortuner will be a rugged SUV and is set to enter series production by November this year. Rumoured to be called the FJ Cruiser or Land Cruiser FJ, the new rugged SUV is expected to be launched in Thailand first. 

The new Toyota mini Fortuner SUV will be based on the modified version of the IMV platform, which also underpins the Hilux, Fortuner, and Innova Crysta. Called the IMV O, this platform already underpins the Hilux Champ lifestyle pick-up for Thailand. This platform supports both short and long wheelbase versions along with petrol and diesel engine options. 

The new Toyota rugged SUV likely to offer seat for 3 adults and will be offered with petrol and diesel engine options. It will come with an all-new design with boxy styling and chunky wheel arches. The SUV will have a wheelbase of around 2,750mm, which is similar to the Fortuner and the Innova Crysta. However, the new SUV will measure around 4500mm in length that's good 300mm shorter than the Fortuner (4,795mm long). 

The new SUV is likely to be offered with either a 2.4-litre or 2.8-litre diesel engines. Similar to Hilux, the SUV could come with the diesel engine with a micro-hybrid system. The engine setup consists of a 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine coupled to a belt-driven electric motor/generator, a small lithium battery and a convertor. This hybrid setup claims to offer an improved efficiency of up to 10 percent. It also helps in reducing NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels. Combined power and torque output stands at 204bhp and 499Nm, respectively.

The new Land Cruiser FJ 3-row SUV is also likely to receive a 2.7-litre petrol engine that produces 166bhp. It could also receive an electric derivative in near future. The SUV will have an automatic gearbox and 4x4 drivetrain with different modes. 

The new Toyota SUV will be introduced in markets where Corolla Cross is not on sale. While the Corolla Cross is based on the FWD monocoque platform, the 3-row SUV will be built on a body-on-frame chassis. Toyota Bharat is yet to confirm the launch of the new rugged SUV in our market. 

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