SUV'S 2016 & 2017

WHICH IS TO BE PREFERRED AS THE BEST SUV IN 2016?

The current generation Toyota Fortuner, which was launched here way back in 2009, has attained almost a cult status and has been a great sales success. However, the Fortuner is fast inching close to the fag-end of its career and will be soon replaced by an all-new model that was unveiled in Thailand this year. The next generation Fortuner is features a much more flashy exterior styling, comfortable cabin and the bulletproof reliability that is a characteristic of every Toyota product. The upcoming model is likely to feature a host of new features and will be powered by a new-age diesel engine. Here, in this post, we’ve come up with all there’s to know about the next gen Fortuner.

The India-spec model of the SUV will be powered by an all-new ‘GD’ diesel engine lineup – a 160bhp, 2.4-litre and a 177bhp, 2.8-litre. Both the 2WD and 4WD drivetrain systems will be on offer. Similar to the Australian model, the India-bound model will be available in three trim levels – GX, GXL and Crusade – and two transmission options – a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. With premium styling, up-market interior and more efficient engines, the SUV’s new model will surely be a lot better product than the current model. Expected to be priced around Rs. 23 lakh – Rs. 25 lakh (ex-showroom), this premium SUV will take on the likes of New Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Exterior 

Based on the company’s all-new platform, the SUV’s new model is claimed to more robust and safer than the outgoing model. Referred as the FIRM (Frame with Integrated Rigidity Mechanism), this technology improves the front and side impact structure of the vehicle, and also aids to its handling and ride quality. The front fascia of the vehicle looks aggressive with elements like a slimmer twin slat front grille, dual projector headlamps with LED elements and daytime running lights, modified front bumper with integrated reflectors, prominent bonnet and chromed fog lamps.

While the top-end variant rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and highway tyres, the lower trims are equipped with 17-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tyres. The rear profile of the car features a wraparound rear windscreen, tail light clusters with LED elements and bumper with integrated reflectors. Though, the overall design and dimensions remain unchanged. The SUV’s new model will be offered in 6 color options. The overall length, width and height of the SUV measure 4,795mm, 1,855mm and 1,835mm respectively. It has a wheelbase of 2,745mm, and the ground clearance stands at 225mm. The SUV offers a fuel tank capacity of 80-litres.

Interior and Features

The interior of the Fortuner’s new model looks identical to the Corolla sedan and new-gen Hilux pickup. It’s more spacious and feature-rich than the existing model. The car gets dual-tone beige and black interior with several comfort and connectivity features such as 8-inch touchscreen entertainment system, a new instrument cluster with TFT screen for MID, leather-wrapped multi-function 3-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifter, audio controls and Bluetooth telephony, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable door mirrors with power folding function, rear AC vents and engine start/stop button coupled with Smart key entry.

The SUV also comes with a bunch of advanced safety equipment such as ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), ESC (electronic stability control), cruise control, etc.

Variant-Wise Features

GX: Dot-type MID (multi-information display), urethane steering wheel and gearshift knob, four-way adjustable seat for the front passenger, brown fabric seat upholstery, six-way adjustable driver seat, 17-inches steel wheels with all-terrain tyres, projector halogen headlamps and body-coloured door handles.

GXL (+ GX Features): A 4.2-inch multi-function coloured display, paddle shifters, an intelligent manual transmission (iMT), downhill assist control, keyless smart entry and start, 17-inches alloys wrapped with all-terrain tyres, rear door trims, privacy glass, chrome door handles, fog lamps and roof rails.

Crusade (+ GXL Features): 8-way electrically adjustable driver seat, an infotainment system with satellite navigation, woodgrian cabin trims, digital audio broadcasting and radio, 220V accessory socket, LED DRLs, tailgate with memory function, automatic LED projector headlamps with auto leveling feature and 18-inches alloy wheels with highway tyres.

Engine & Transmission :

For the Indian market, the Toyota Fortuner new model will be offered with an all-new ‘GD’ diesel engine lineup – a 2.4-litre and a 2.8-litre – that is equipped with Economy with Superior Thermal Efficient Combustion (ESTEC) and variable geometric turbocharger technologies. While the former churns out a maximum power of 160bhp and a peak torque of 400Nm, the latter offers 177bhp and 450Nm (MT) and 400Nm (AT). Power will be delivered to the wheels via a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The SUV will come with 2WD and 4WD drivetrain capabilities.

Dimensions :
Length – 4,795mm
Width – 1,855mm
Height – 1,835mm
Wheelbase – 2,745mm
Ground Clearance – 225mm
Fuel Tank Capacity – 80-litres

Suspension System
Front – Double wishbone, stabiliser bar
Rear – 5-link, coil springs, stabiliser bar

Key Features
• TFT Multi-information display
• DVD player with a touchscreen and Toyota Link connectivity, USB and AUX support
• 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat
• One-touch folding for second row seats
• Automatic AC
• A cooled glovebox
• Leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel
• New Optitron instrument cluster
• Paddle shifter
• Push button start
• Bi-Beam LED headlights
• 18-inch alloys
• LED taillights
• Electric tailgate

Safety Features
• 7 airbags
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Brake assist (BA)
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
• Traction control system (TCS)
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Reverse camera and parking sensors
• Hill Start Assist Control
• Smart key with an engine immobilizer system

All New Ford Endeavour 2016:

The India-spec Ford Endeavour new model is made available with two diesel engine options – a 158bhp, 2.2-litre TDCi and a 197bhp, 3.2-litre TDCi, combined with 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrain system. Transmission options on offer are a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. With significant exterior updates, the SUV looks more contemporary and rugged than the outgoing model.

Designed and engineered by Ford’s Australian team, the India-bound 2016 Endeavour model has achieved 5-star safety rating in Australian NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) with a total score of 35.38 out of 37 points, including 15.98 points in frontal offset test and 16 points in the side impact test. While the pedestrian safety is evaluated as ‘acceptable’, the whiplash protection is rated as ‘good’. What help the SUV scoring 5-star safety rating are its advanced safety features such as front airbags, side curtain airbags, driver knee airbags, electronic stability control (EBC), emergency brake assist (EBA), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and seat belt reminders.

Exterior Styling

Based on Ford’s Edge design philosophy, the new Ford Endeavour 2016 model looks more evolved and premium than the existing one. The SUV’s aggressive front fascia features a trapezoidal chrome grille, swept-back projector headlights, LED daytime-running lights, revised fog lamps, aluminum scuff plate and a style studded bumper. On the contrary, the side profile makes bold and stronger appeal with its prominent wheel arches, slightly inclined roofline, raked windows and a complementing body structure. The SUV is assembled with 18-inch alloy wheels and 265/60 R18 tubeless tyres. A sunroof is exclusively offered on the top-end variant of the vehicle.

The rear end, too, looks refreshing with new horizontal wraparound tail-lamps and large chrome bar with the license plate embossed. Coming to dimensions, the Ford Endeavour new model measures 4,892mm in length, 1,860mm in width and 1,837mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,850mm. The vehicle has a ground clearance of 225mm that further aids to its handling and on-and-off road capabilities. It has a fuel tank capacity of 80-litres. The SUV is offered with a choice of 6 exterior colors – Golden Bronze, Panther Black, Sunset Red, Smoke Grey, Diamond White and Moondust Silver.

New Ford Endeavour 2016 Interior and Features

On the inner end, its rough terrain abilities acquire next level with a new ladder frame chassis, an independent coil spring system on rear end, latest ‘Terrano Response’ AWD, adjustable traction control, and a bunch of hi-tech features. Though, the SUV is continued to feature the 7-seats configuration with 8-way adjustable driver seat, power adjustable third row seats (50:50) and second row with sliding and reclining function.

The SUV’s new model is also equipped with the Terrain Management System with four adjustment settings – Snow/ Mud/ Grass, Sand and Rock – for engine torque, four-wheel drive system, traction control and other driving systems. It also gets the Ford SYNC 2 system with voice control, 8-inch display screen and USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth connectivity.

Comfort and convenience features have been borrowed from F-150, a pickup truck. The list of highlighting features that take its appeal to next level include:

Comfort and Connectivity Features

• SYNC2 infotainment system with 8” display screen
• 8-way adjustable driver seat
• 10-speaker audio system
• Power adjustable third row seats
• Terrain management system (TMS) with pre-adjust settings
• Remote keyless entry and central locking
• One touch up/down with anti-pinch
• Rear parking sensors
• Leather upholstery and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob

New Ford Endeavour 2016 Safety Features

• Dual front airbags
• Driver knee, and side and curtain airbags (top-end model only)
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic stability program
• Traction control system
• Hill aaunch Assist and Hill descent control
• Ford MyKey and Emergency assistance
• Semi-auto parallel parking assist
• Engine immoblizer
• Front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera
• Driver & passenger seat belt reminder
• Seatbelt pre-tensioner
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Terrain management system

Engine and Transmission

The Ford Endeavour new model’s engine lineup includes two diesel powertrains – a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder TDCi and a 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder TDCi. While the former is coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox with 4X2 drivetrain system, the latter one gets a 6-speed automatic transmission with 4X4 configuration. The 2.2-litre diesel motor belts out a maximum power of 158bhp at 3,200rpm and a peak torque of 385Nm between 1,600rpm – 2,500rpm. Whereas, the 3.2-litre oil burner generates 197bhp of power at 3,000rpm and 470Nm of torque between 1,750rpm – 2,500rpm.

New Ford Endeavour 2016 Specifications, Dimensions, Colours & Features

Engine Details

2.2-litre, 4-cylinder TDCi
Power – 158bhp @ 3,200rpm
Torque – 385Nm @ 1,600rpm – 2,500rpm
Transmission – 6-speed automatic with 4X2 & 6-speed manual with 4X2 and 4X4

3.2-litre, 5-cylinder TDCi
Power – 197bhp @ 3,000rpm
Torque – 470Nm @ 1,750rpm – 2,500rpm
Transmission – 6-speed automatic with 4X4

Dimensions
Length – 4,892mm
Width – 1,860mm
Height – 1.837mm
Wheelbase – 2,850mm
Ground Clearance – 225mm
Fuel Tank Capacity – 80-litres

Suspension 

Front – Independent coil spring with anti-roll bar
Rear – Coil spring, Watts linkage type with anti-roll bar

Braking System
Front – Disc
Rear – Disc

Tyre Size
Front – 265/60 R18 alloy
Rear – 265/60 R18 alloy

Key Updates

Exterior
• Bi-Xenon automated projector headlights
• Skid plates with silver finish
• Panoramic sunroof
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED DRLs and LED taillights
• Rear view camera
• Wing mirrors with turn indicators

Interior
• 8-way adjustable driver seat
• Power adjustable third row seats (50:50)
• Second row with sliding and reclining function
• 10-speaker audio system
• Rear AC with ceiling vents for 2nd and 3rd row seats 

Design

The Trailblazer is a full-sized SUV that looks sufficiently modern and well proportioned. While the Trailblazer carries many design cues that are typical of Chevy trucks, it doesn’t have a sense of boxiness in its design. On the contrary, the Trailblazer oozes street cred and looks as muscular as the Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour. It will also get projector headlamps and LED tail lamps.

Interior

The India-spec Trailblazer comes with a beige-black theme, which is accentuated by piano-black trim on the centre console. The speedo console gets a MID and the highlight of the cabin would be the Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system. The car’s gear-lever also gets some chrome highlights.

Specification

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is available in most markets with two diesel engine options and a petrol motor. The entry-level diesel engine displaces 2.5-litres while the larger motor displaces 2.8-litres. The petrol engine is a V6 unit that displaces 3.6-litres. The India-spec model is available with only one engine option- the 2.8-litre Duramax DOHC turbodiesel engine that will belt out a maximum power of 197bhp and a peak torque of 500 Nm. The India-spec model will miss out on a 4wd system.

Length x Width x Height	4878x1902x1847 mm
Kerb Weight	2068 kg
Wheel Type and Size	265/60 R18 Alloys
Ground Clearance	231 mm
Engine Type/ Displacement	2776cc, 4-cyliner turbo-diesel
Power	197 bhp
Torque	500 Nm
Top Speed	-NA-
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	-NA-
Transmission (Gearbox)	6-speed Automatic
Mileage	-NA-
Air Conditioner Type	Automatic Climate Control
Airbags	6
ABS	Yes

Features

Here’s a list of some the features that are available on the India-spec Trailblazer –

• Hill Start Assist
• Hill-Descent Control
• Touchscreen infotainment system with CD/USB/aux/Bluetooth
• Keyless Entry and Start/Stop
• 6 Airbags
• Alloy Wheels
• Roof-rails
• Cruise control
• Leather seats

Chevrolet India plans to bring a range of new cars in India. This model onslaught will commence with the advent of the Trailblazer and will be followed by other products such as the new Beat, Spin MPV and more.

MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT:

Specs

The new 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport India could borrow its engines from the Triton pick-up sold internationally. We expect the SUV to be powered by a 2.4 litre, turbo charged diesel motor producing 178 bhp and 430 Nm of torque. There will be a four-wheel drive system on offer and transmission duties will be carried out by either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.

Features

• Radical new styling based on Mitsubishi’s new design language.
• LED daytime running lights with projector headlamps.
• New X-Shape grille.
• Vertical LED tail lamps.
• Touchscreen infotainment system with GPS navigation
• Dual Zone Climate control
• Keyless entry and push button start
• Roof mounted screen
• Electric parking brake
• Multifunction steering wheel.

ALL THE SUV'S WHICH GONNA SHOW THE CAPABILITY.