EXCLUSIVE

Toyota is reportedly all set to add to its Fortuner SUV line-up. The carmaker will add the option of a smaller 2.5-litre diesel motor and automatic transmission for the top-of-the-line all-wheel drive version. Currently, the Toyota Fortuner SUV line-up offers a two-wheel drive base variant, a 2WD automatic middle variant and a manual four-wheel-drive range topper. The engine powering all three versions is a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel good for 168bhp.

Now, the smaller 142bhp 2.5-litre motor mated to a manual transmission will power the base, two-wheel drive variant. Toyota is expected to start the range from Rs 20.82 lakh, around Rs 1 lakh less than the current entry point (base 3.0-litre 2WD costs Rs 21.82 lakh). Although the carmaker doesn't expect this new base variant to do too well, it aims to draw in buyers with the lower entry-level price. It's the 3.0-litre motor-powered, automatic transmission-equipped all-wheel drive version that will sit on top of the range that's expected to be the more popular seller. This new range topper is expected to come with a price tag of around Rs 24 lakh, that's Rs 1 lakh more expensive than the current top-of-the-line manual model.

We expect the new Toyota Fortuner variants to be launched later in the year, just before the festive season.