After making us wait for a few years the Toyota management finally decided to not just bring in the Fortuner to India but also to assemble it here. This means it is not astronomically priced - although it's still not a steal! But the Fortuner - with its larger proportions, tougher build, ample power and true SUV credentials is certainly looking ominous for the competition. Yes sir, the CR-Vs and Outlanders are starting to look dwarfish! And even the other hulk - Ford's Endeavour - is not as well equipped or refined to stand up to the Toyota.

So all in all, Rs 18.45 lakh is looking like an attractive price tag for the Fortuner. All time 4 wheel drive, alloy wheels, beige leather interiors, an in-dash music system and steering controls are all standard. The interior specs are too typically Toyota though in terms of look and feel, so that means there's nothing slick or new about the way the Fortuner's insides look. But even so, it at least makes the cut on the segment requirements.

The Fortuner is a rugged and masculine, everything an SUV is meant to be. It is powered by a 3 litre common-rail diesel engine which churns out 168 bhp and 343 Nm of torque. The only transmission option is a 5 speed manual - Toyota says it may introduce the automatic a year down the line. Performance is not excellent, but is still pretty satisfying. Since this is a body-on-frame construction, you do get a bit of body roll on cornering, and so handling overall is not as sharp as a CR-V's. But still the vehicle delivers everything you would expect from it. The great ride height and the ample power are its USPs. The Endeavour does hold a tad more torque, but its bulk makes it feel a touch sluggish. The Fortuner on the other hand is not sluggish by any means.

Toyota says its already got at least 2000 bookings which dealers have been signing up even before the launch. And that means you might end up having to wait anywhere from 4-8 weeks to get one. I am also disappointed that the company has played it safe and is not offering any fiery reds or electric blues like it does in other countries. So the Fortuner is clad only in silver, black, grey, white and silver-blue.  I still believe the Fortuner will be a game changer, and might sell in excess of the planned 500/month target Toyota has set for it. Given its aggressive positioning it might send the competition scampering to innovate. And that just means better options on the road ahead for buyers.

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