Toyota Fortuner GR Sport bows with 4WD and diesel power

Having revealed the Hilux GR Sport yesterday (25 August), Toyota, despite classifying the Fortuner GR Sport earlier this month as an Indonesian market only model, has revealed the Thai-spec versions slated to become available in South Africa at some stage.

Following the same principle as its Hilux stablemate, the Fortuner GR Sport is not simply a cosmetic makeover as the newcomer receives the same mono-tube shock absorbers and revised dampers to offer the ideal balance between on and off-road driving.

Boasting a ground clearance of 193 mm and upgraded brakes, the GR Sport’s prominent visual upgrades include 20-inch black GR alloy wheels, GR front and rear bumpers, side steps, an integrated bootlid spoiler, GR door sills and a black GR badged grille.

Like the Hilux GR Sport, the interior is only offered in black leather with additions comprising of red stitching on the seats, dashboard, gear lever, doors and handbrake, perforated GR sport seats trimmed in faux leather and suede, Smoked Silver inlays, imitation chrome detailing and a GR leather wrapped steering wheel with red 12 o’clock marking.

ALSO READ: Toyota Fortuner GR Sport revealed but…

Capping the interior changes off are GR branded floor mats, faux carbon fibre inserts at the base of the gear lever, alloy pedals, a GR graphic within the 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display, a GR starter button and an eleven-speaker JBL sound system as well as GR readouts on the nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

While final specification of the Thai model is likely to change once approved for South Africa, what is unlikely is the powertrain where the Fortuner GR Sport remains unchanged from the Hilux GR Sport and indeed its ‘standard’ sibling.

Compared to the Indonesian model though, the 2.7-litre petrol engine departs in favour of the upgraded 150kW/500Nm 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel mated to the six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Also different is the inclusion of four-wheel-drive rather than rear-wheel-drive with the low range transfer case remaining.

On sale in Thailand soon, the Fortuner GR Sport carries a sticker price of 1 879 000 baht (R859 492) or 1 899 000 baht (R868 640) should a contrasting black roof be specified with either of the three colours offered, they being Pearl White, Attitude Black and Emotional Red.

Like the Hilux GR Sport, no confirmation regarding local availability of the Fortuner GR Sport prevails, but expect an announcement before the end of the year.