Toyota Fortuner BS6 production commences

Toyota has announced the start of production of the BS6-compliant Fortuner at its manufacturing facilities in Badadi, Karnataka. The updated model is expected to hit showroom floors in the coming weeks, with bookings already underway at authorised dealerships for a token amount of Rs 50,000.  

The rugged SUV will continue with its current range of petrol and diesel powertrains, albeit upgraded with cleaner technology to reduce emissions. In BS4 guise, the 2.7-litre petrol puts out 166hp and 245Nm of torque and the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel 177hp and 420Nm (manual)/450Nm (automatic) of torque. Though these figures are expected to be unchanged when the engines get updates, the effect on fuel economy remains to be seen.

There will be no changes in transmission options as well. Both engines will get the option of a 5-speed manual (petrol)/6-speed manual gearbox (diesel), and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. A rear-wheel-drive setup will be standard, with the diesel also extending the option of a four-wheel drive system.

No changes are expected in the features list, with seven airbags, ABS, brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill assist and hill descent control (4WD only) being standard. In terms of creature comforts, the 7-seat SUV will continue to sport leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, auto climate control, auto-dimming internal rear-view mirror, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and keyless entry/go.  

With the Fortuner production making the switch to BS6, Toyota’s plant has completed its transition to being a 100 percent BS6 manufacturing facility and all vehicles rolling off its production line now are compliant with the new emission norms. Launched in June last year, the Glanza premium hatchback (manufactured by Suzuki in Gujarat) was BS6 compliant from the outset. Toyota updated the Yaris midsize sedan to BS6 in December 2019, and the popular Innova Crysta MPV received the upgrade just earlier this month.

The company has clarified that deliveries of its BS6 diesel vehicles will begin in a phased manner, according to the availability of BS6 fuel. Currently, only a handful of cities like Delhi-NCR receive a supply of the cleaner fuel, with widespread availability only expected by end-March. Though operating a BS6 engine on BS4 fuel doesn’t present a big challenge for petrol mills, this is not the case with diesel engines. To better understand the switch to BS6 technology, click here.

Notably, the end of BS4 vehicle production at Toyota’s plant also signifies the end of the road for the Etios Liva hatchback, Etios sedan and the Corolla Altis executive sedan in our market. Owing to low volumes, the Japanese automaker has decided against making significant investments in upgrading these models to meet the BS6 norms.