The love that Indians possess for the Toyota Fortuner is extremely high, and we all are aware of it. What we also know is that it has become extremely overpriced as well. At the moment, not every common man...
The love that Indians possess for the Toyota Fortuner is extremely high, and we all are aware of it. What we also know is that it has become extremely overpriced as well. At the moment, not every common man can buy a Rs 50 lakh Fortuner, but things are looking different for the future. Recently, the company has showcased its newest platform called the Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle (IMV 0) platform. It is a versatile and customizable architecture that, according to the company, can be used for a range of utility vehicles. One of these vehicles is being speculated to be a common man’s Toyota Fortuner.
Toyota’s new IMV 0 concept
Toyota Motor Corporation recently showcased the IMV 0, also known as the Rangga pickup truck. According to the company, it will be an extremely unique automobile in the world of utility vehicles. Toyota has stated that it can easily swap the body of this vehicle between a ute, commercial van, or personal wagon, while the cabin structure from the front doors forward will remain unchanged.
The IMV 0’s real-life concepts were recently showcased at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. The company showcased a rugged pickup with Land Cruiser-like design as well as an overlander variant equipped for off-road expeditions. The IMV 0 pickup truck shown at the show dimensionally measures 5,300mm in length, 1,785mm in width, and 1,740mm in height. These dimensions are similar to the outgoing Hilux.
Could this platform be used for a cheaper Fortuner?
At the moment, there are no concrete reports; however, it is believed that the company could utilize this newly showcased platform to create a more affordable Fortuner for India. Currently, the company has a substantial gap between Toyota’s Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the immensely popular Fortuner, which can be filled with a baby Fortuner. If the company does decide to create such a model, it can easily become a hit in the Indian market given the Fortuner is currently the most successful premium full-size ladder-on-frame chassis SUV in India.
The IMV 0 offers a ladder-frame underpinning and a leaf spring suspension at the rear axle. Both of these are shared with the existing Toyota HiLux. It is believed that this platform can serve as a strong base if the company does decide to create a common man’s Fortuner.
In terms of pricing, experts have suggested this common man’s Toyota Fortuner can become a middle ground between the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the original Fortuner. It could be launched with an estimated ex-showroom price of around 25 lakh; this SUV could strike the perfect balance, offering more features and capabilities than the Hyryder but at a significantly lower cost than the flagship Fortuner.
Toyota Fortuner’s success in India
Ever since its launch in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has ruled the Indian automotive market. No other SUV except the Ford Endeavour has ever managed to even come close to the Fortuner. Currently priced in the range of Rs 33.43 lakh and Rs 51.44 lakh, this SUV is out of the reach of a lot of people. However, an SUV based on the IMV 0 platform can become an even bigger hit as India loves capable SUVs on a budget.
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