Toyota has launched a refreshed version of its Fortuner SUV at a ceremony in Bangkok. The refreshed SUV has been launched for the Thailand market and the same could make it to India in early 2012.

The refreshed Fortuner has an all-new nose designed to appear wider and more aggressive. It has new headlamps that are slightly stretched, a restyled and sculpted bonnet with a larger scoop for the air-intake, a re-profiled bumper and a wider redesigned chrome grille that makes it resemble the Land Cruiser. The Fortuner gets new seats and darker wooden trim.

Toyota hasn’t changed the SUV’s side profile but the rear now gets new clear-lens tail-lamps that have a different profile from the current ones. The roof-rack and scuff plate, as seen in the picture, however, are likely to be optional, which may or may not come with this updated version.

The current Fortuner is powered by a 3.0-litre common-rail diesel motor that churns out a respectable 169bhp. This is the same motor that does duty in the Land Cruiser Prado as well, although the Prado gets more torque. The Fortuner may be given this step up as well for India. An automatic version is also likely.

Toyota has developed a latest “Diamond Tech” system that allows the 32-bit ECU to more precisely detect operating conditions within the injection system, improving fuel efficiency. New injectors feature a new “diamond-like” carbon coating that makes the process more efficient, as well as lengthening the life of the injectors and related combustion process components. The variable-geometry turbo also sees its relationship with the ECU improved, for a faster flow of more detailed information.

Toyota plans to increase the local content on the Fortuner and this facelift may provide the perfect opportunity.

Toyota Fortuner facelift unveiled