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Australians have totally embraced SUVs as the family car of choice. The car brands are responding to our massive appetite by expanding their SUV ranges to cover all the important niches. One of the hottest of these niches right now is the off-roading seven-seater. These cars aren’t new to Australia—we’ve bought ute-based trucks in the past. Think of models like the old Mitsubishi Challenger or Nissan Pathfinder.
However, it’s the new crop of ute-platformed wagons that are reinventing the segment. The Toyota Fortuner is one of them. This 4×4 is a seven-seater based on the new eighth-generation HiLux—the two models share engines, cabin elements, and off-roading kit. The Fortuner name has been popular in Asia for years—and in the face of stiff new competition, Toyota are banking on moving plenty of them down under.
So what’s the stiff new competition? Well, this class of four-wheel-drive is expanding at a canter. There’s the new Ford Everest, which is based on their Ranger ute platform. There’s the new, Triton-based Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. And the existing Isuzu MU-X continues to kick on, previously enjoying a near-monopoly on this hard-edged section of the SUV market.
All of these cars are being marketed as more driver- and family-friendly than ever before. In the past, cars like these were horrendously uncomfortable, with primitive suspension setups and bad interiors. Now, the Toyota Fortuner aims to lead this pack, with a refined new diesel motor, a slick six-speed manual, and car-like dynamics: all while retaining the impressive off-roading prowess that these cars aim for.
Key specs (as tested)
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The estimate provided does not take into account your personal circumstances but is intended to give a general indication of the cost of insurance, in order to obtain a complete quote, please visit www.budgetdirect.com.au. Estimate includes 15%^ online discount.
^Conditions Apply
Budget Direct Insurance arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909(AGS) AFSL 241 411, for and on behalf of the insurer, Auto & General Insurance Company Limited(ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285 571).Because we don’t know your financial needs, we can’t advise you if this insurance will suit you. You should consider your needs and the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision to buy insurance. Terms and conditions apply.
Indicative quote based on assumptions including postcode , 40 year old male with no offences, licence suspensions or claims in the last 5 years, a NCD Rating 1 and no younger drivers listed. White car, driven up to 10,000kms a year, unfinanced, with no modifications, factory options and/or non-standard accessories, private use only and garaged at night.
^Online Discounts Terms & Conditions
1. Discounts apply to the premium paid for a new Budget Direct Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance, Third Party Property Only or Third Party Property, Fire & Theft Insurance policy initiated online on or after 29 March 2017. Discounts do not apply to optional Roadside Assistance.
2. Discounts do not apply to any renewal offer of insurance.
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