Mini Fortuner: The automotive rumor mill has been going crazy as Toyota gears up to disrupt the compact SUV space with what insiders have informally dubbed the “mini Fortuner” – a condensed version that will attempt to unpack the legendary Fortuner’s DNA into a modular and budget-friendly package.
The development of the vehicle, which should carry a different nameplate but still bear the unmistakable Fortuner design language, is at an advanced stage and industry sources suggest we could see it in India within the next couple of quarters.
Table of Contents
Mini Fortuner Strategic Market Positioning
Toyota’s strategy of coming up with a compact SUV following the Fortuner design language is a well thought out strategy as the Fortuner carries a massive brand equity that has been built over 15 years in the Indian market.
The Fortuner has been the standard bearer of the premium SUV space for Toyota and that reputation, and with it the aura of prestige, sturdiness and ability is the one it is hoping will translate down.
Industry analysts see this as Toyota’s answer to the boom in the couch-SUV segment, where several carmakers have launched contestants, whether they be local or imported competitors.
Using the coveted Fortuner as a launchpad, Toyota intends establishing an initial emotional bond with prospective customers who have long coveted the lifestyle SUV, but found it to be outside their financial means.
Language of Design: Old but New
Mini Fortuner Spy images doing the rounds on social media show a machine that wears the Fortuner-inspired design in no uncertain terms but on a scale that suits the concrete jungle better.
Up front, there\’s a dramatic hexagonal grille that combines well with slim LED headlamps and signature lights.
That should be more than enough to give the Ford Everest a good run for its money in the large SUV segment, and thankfully the new Fortuner has the same chunky lines that make the current model such an intimidating road presence.
From the side, the Mini Fortuner has a bit of a shrunken take on the silhouette of its bigger brother, with a less extended rear overhang, but the same characteristic kink in the window line around the C-pillar.
The squarelike wheel wells wrapping 17-inch alloy wheels give the car a planted look, and roof rails give it an adventurous image.
The back is fitted with vertically-arrayed taillamps that are held together by a chrome strip with the big Toyota logo − a not-so-subtle hat tip to the current Fortuner while still carrying some unique features to stamp its identity as a smaller model.
Interior: Compact Luxury
InteriorInside, Toyota seems to have worked on the cabin from the perspective of providing a premium feel even at the ground level price. And, apart from riding on Fortuner chassis, the interior design is inspired by both the Fortuner and other Toyota models from around the world with elements like a free-standing infotainment touchscreen, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and climate controls with metal-finished rotary dials.
For early prototype images, material quality looks promising with soft touch surfaces in many of the places you would touch and a decent synthetic leather upholstery.
Space management all seems pretty clever with a concentration on providing loads of rear legroom despite the compact external size – an important factor for the family-focussed market in India.
There are plenty of places to store things, too; the Crosstrek has numerous cubby holes, spacious door pockets and a center console with optional wireless charging. The planned panoramic sun roof would add to the cabin’s feeling of openness.
Powertrains: Balance of Efficiency and Power
Power under the hood, it is likely that the Mini Fortuner would have a choice of engines to cater to varied buyer tastes. The lower trims are more likely to get an updated 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine around the 160 hp and 250 Nm mark which would make it competitive in its segment.
Far more interesting is the rumoured 1.5-litre strong hybrid version that would use electric assistance at low speeds and supplement petrol power for a lower fuel consumption value without any compromise on performance.
This hybrid system, already a successful technology incorporated in Toyota’s global vehicles, would offer a substantial competitive advantage in a market increasingly sensitive to fuel prices.
There could also be something for diesel fans in the form of a 1.5-litre turbocharged oil burner, although regulations, as well as consumer tastes, have move on since, so it’s not as clear-cut as the petrol offerings.
Transmission options are likely to comprise a 6-speed manual as standard, with top-spec models getting a CVT for the petrol motor and a 6-speed torque converter automatic (if it does come to fruition) for the diesel.
While the mini Fortuner is not supposed to be an extreme off-roading vehicle like its bigger sibling, word is that this small 4×4 could be offered with an all-wheel drive system at the top of the line trims to set it apart from rivals.
Feature-Rich Package
Toyota seems set on providing a good number of features to justify the premium role they are signaling this product will be assuming. Likely equipment will be a 10.1-inch infotainment system with touchscreen operation and wireless smartphone integration, digital instrument cluster and ventilated front seats, plus power tailgate, wireless phone charging and premium sound system.
Potentially standard safety gear would carry six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and the 360-degree camera system at least – possibly also advanced driver aids such as lane-keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking on top versions.
Mini Fortuner Market Impact and Price Response
Industry watchers expect the Mini Fortuner to be slotted against the top-end trims of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the lower-end trims of the Jeep Compass and Volkswagen Taigun/Skoda Kusha. This could mean a price bracket of ₹12 lakh to ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and powertrain.
In such a position in the line up, the car could effectively fill the huge void between Toyota’s cheapest compact SUV on sale today – the Urban Cruiser Hyryder – and the full-fat Fortuner – forming more of an Instagram grid SUV family and catering to more price brackets.
Dealer sources claim that demand is already strong, informal waiting lists making the rounds even though no official launch or pricing information has been released – a measure of the pull of the Fortuner name.
As we inch closer to its arrival, the compact SUV status quo is looking to be rocked big time with Toyota looking to pull an ace up its sleeve with the company’s most revered SUV badge into a space where it hasn’t had a confident player.
For you the consumer, it no doubt bodes well for yet another exciting addition in the most exciting segment of the car industry in India.
