Performance and specifications

In overall performance terms this true off-roader has little to fault it, with perhaps its 7.6l/100km combined fuel consumption a high point, which when added to the new and enlarged 80-litre fuel tank, range is increased from 855 to 1052km.

Driving the Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4x4 with its manual transmission is also a safer proposition at Gauteng altitudes than an automatic, with the at-times dangerous and dreaded turbo lag duly overcome by riding the clutch at pull-off for those panic getaways at intersections, when needed.

Downside

A downside for this tough-hombre SUV must be the notchy gear-changes that seem as a result of too much free-play on the clutch pedal, while another is the deeply set clocks on the dash that at times are almost unreadable when glare comes at you.

In overall terms this tough urban/overland SUV must rank as one of the better buys around, for those seeking to traverse the most severe off-road conditions.

Specifications

Toyota Fotuner 3.0D-4D 4x4

Key: (c) = claimed, (g) = gauteng