The Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport: 'Bold new look, great fuel consumption for a large SUV'

CapeTalk's Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined by motoring journalist Melinda Ferguson for Car Talk.

Toyota's Fortuner has certainly made its mark in South Africa, and the new Fortuner GR-Sport shows off refreshed styling and more raw power.

In the large SUV offroader segment, it's up against rivals like the Ford Everest, the Isuzu mu-X, and probably the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, says motoring journo Melinda Ferguson.

Inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing, the GR-Sport is infused with more brawn, and a more aggressive look.

Fortuner fans will be familiar with the trusty 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, but the GR-Sport delivers more with 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque,15kW and 50Nm more than the standard.

Ferguson also loved its range and fuel consumption - Toyota claims 8.4 litres/100 km, but Ferguson outdid this with 9.2 litres.

She further highlights 'excellent' suspension, a well-calibrated gearbox and enhanced safety features.

"On long journeys it's an absolute dream to drive."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

The refreshed Fortuner interior features perforated suede leather seats which add a luxurious feel, and the exterior gets a 'ferocious' look with 18-inch GR alloy wheels and a reworked grille treatment.

Toyota has been clever with its pricing says Ferguson, bringing the Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 GR Sport in at just under a million bucks - it will set you back R999 000.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to Ferguson's review