Toyota’s Fortuner is the best selling SUV in the South African car market, and the Japanese car maker is looking to keep it that way via the introduction of a new range, dubbed the Fortuner LTD Edition, which goes on sale this month.

The Fortuner LTD Edition vehicles are available in 4 x 2 as well as 4 x 4 variants, and are powered by either a 3.0 D-4D turbodiesel (120 kW; 343 Nm of torque) or 4.0 V6 petrol engine (175 kW; 376 Nm). This limited edition series will be  manufactured at Toyota’s Prospecton Plant in Durban from July until September.

Included on the list of standard equipment for the LTD Edition series are full leather upholstery, stability control (VSC), and touchscreen-based audio system with reverse monitor function. In addition, buyers receive Bluetooth phone connectivity, automatic climate control, auto headlights, as well as iPod connectivity as standard features.

On the outside, the new LTD Edition series can be identified by a range of exterior styling enhancements over the standard Fortuner including:

·   Stainless steel nudge bar with unique branded, cutout ‘LTD Edition’ badging

·   Stainless steel side steps with unique branded, cutout ‘LTD Edition’ badging

·   Tow bar with matt black finish

·   Rear sill protector

·   Smokey grey 17" alloy wheels

·   Chrome side mirrors

Pricing (incl VAT)

·                Fortuner 3.0 D-4D RB LTD Edition                  -           R434 700

·                Fortuner 3.0 D-4D RB AT LTD Edition             -           R446 700

·                Fortuner 4.0 V6 RB AT LTD Edition                 -           R463 900

·                Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4x4 LTD Edition                 -           R482 700

·                Fortuner 3.0 D-4D 4x4 AT LTD Edition            -           R494 900

·                Fortuner 4.0 V6 4x4 AT LTD Edition               -           R511 700

According to Kerry Roodt, Toyota South Africa’s GM of Marketing Communications: “The new LTD Edition focuses on style and functionality while at the same time offering a proposition that represents sheer value for money.

“For just a small premium over the standard model, customers get features that would cost a whole lot more if individually fitted to the vehicle as extra cost options. I am sure this will be of interest to many new and existing Fortuner customers,” Roodt concluded.

In other motoring related news, Mercedes-Benz recently made its SLK range more appealing to buyers for whom a sporty appearance and handling rates high on the reasons-to-buy list via the new SLK AMG Sport line.