The GR-S treatment is like the VW R-Line treatment but with some mechanical enhancements and now the Fortuner has received this, is it worth looking at if you are in the market for an SUV?
Toyota has avoided just putting a GR-S sticker on a Fortuner but they have made some design changes to the already mature design. In addition to the LED headlights with daytime running lights, there is the prominent Toyota logo on the grille.
There is a new front bumper and reworked lower grille. The aggressive black front spoiler, new fog lamp bezels complete the redesign.
The Fortuner rides on 18-inch GR alloy wheels in black. There are wheel arch surround design accents for that added width look. Privacy glass, side steps are retained whilst there is a GR-S badge on the front door. The rear also gets a redesigned bumper, a streamlined rear diffuser whilst LED tail lights and spoiler are retained. The GR-S Fortuner comes in two colours, Attitude Black and Platinum Pearl White.
The Fortuner GR-S offers a motorsport-inspired look with black-and-red interior theme complemented by smoke silver metallic and matte carbon trims. GR sports seats, upholstered in perforated leather and suede with red stitching also get GR-branding on headrests.
The GR-badged steering wheel features a red centre mark, and the GR-start button serves as a reminder to the buyer as to which Fortuner they have. Completing the sporty interior, aluminium sport pedals come standard. The Fortuner GR-S retains the 7 seat arrangement with folding rear seats and side folding 3rd row.
The Fortuner GR-S gets a 2.8 GD-6 diesel engine, delivering 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox, making this the most powerful Fortuner variant to date. The GR-S is equipped with a monotube shock absorber system, claimed to deliver added ride comfort and handling. Whether tackling off-road trails or cruising on the highway, the GR-S is claimed to strike the perfect balance between power and performance.
The Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 GR Sport is competitively priced at R999 000. It also comes standard with 9-services/90 000km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km) and a 3-year/100 000km warranty.