NEW WHEELS
South Africa’s favourite SUV just got even more attractive, reports Cyril Klopper.
TOYOTA FORTUNER EPIC
The Toyota Fortuner has been a top seller among South Africans since 2004 and therefore needs no introduction. Originally developed in Taiwan, Toyota Australia took over with the second-generation Fortuner in 2015.
Toyota South Africa has recently updated the Fortuner’s exterior to create this latest version, the Toyota Fortuner Epic.
What do we have here?
The Epic is available in two finishes: Epic and Epic Black. Both versions use Toyota’s trusty 2.8 GD-6 engine, which has been on our roads for a number of years. As you can probably guess, the Black suffix indicates a higher spec level, while the regular Epic doesn’t differ that much from the standard Fortuner.
The Fortuner Epic range can be further divided into four models: two rear-wheel drive 2.8s (Epic and Epic Black) and two parttime 4x4 models (Epic 4x4 and Epic Black 4x4). The prices for the four models are as follows: R660 000 for the base model Epic, R670 100 for the Epic Black, R729 000 for the Epic 4x4, and the flagship Epic Black 4x4 will cost you R739 100.
Toyota’s 2.4 GD-6 and 2.7 VVTi models remain unchanged and there are currently no plans to make Epic versions of them. Production of the 4.0 V6 model has been discontinued and all manual gearboxes have been abandoned, so nowadays you can only get a new Fortuner in automatic.
It doesn’t seem as though Toyota’s two biggest rivals in South Africa, Isuzu and Ford, are that interested in making special versions of their SUVs. There is no such thing as a muX-Rider or an Everest Raptor, for example. Mitsubishi does offer a Pajero Sport Shogun that has more gadgets than its standard Pajero Sport, but we don’t think Toyota are all that concerned about the Shogun as a serious competition.
On the outside
The Toyota Fortuner Epic gets a black nudge bar over the front bumper with a metal Epic name plate. There’s a tow bar at the back, also in black, with a hitch and a tail light socket. An Epic emblem is affixed to the left below the model name.
The Epic Black model has a two-tone design with a black roof, black roof rails, black side-view mirrors and black 18” alloy wheel rims. The Epic Black’s body paint is limited to one colour, Glacier White, which contrasts well with the black elements. With the standard Epic, you get a choice between the same glacial white or chrome silver, graphite
gray or bronze – but then you lose the stylish black roof and mirrors.
On the inside
The name Fortuner is etched on the scuff plates and the word Epic is embroidered in silver on the carpets. Other than that, the interior of the Epic doesn’t differ from the standard Fortuner. You still get the dualzone climate control, keyless entry, starter button, touch screen with satellite navigation,
camera, cruise control, steering switches, electrically adjustable seats and a myriad of buttons on the steering wheel.
The electronic aids also remain unchanged with ABS brakes, traction and stability control, brake traction, brake-force distribution and hill-start assist. The 4x4 models get extra aids including Toyota’s A-Trac off-road system and downhill control. The rotary knob that switches between rear wheel, four-wheel drive and low range also remains unchanged.