Toyota Motor Philippines seems to be going from strength to strength, relatively speaking, despite the current economic and health crisis. To fortify their lineup, Toyota is expected to launch or preview at least three new models in the second half of 2020:
TOYOTA FORTUNER
Toyota will be upgrading its best-selling Fortuner SUV, following the facelifted model’s release in Thailand. The exterior refresh includes a new grille (larger, of course) and bumper, restyled headlamps with LED units and LED daytime running lights. Taillights too are changed to light-guide LED type. New 18-inch alloys are fitted.
Thailand got a new variant called Fortuner Legender (so you get double the nonsensical names), with an emphasis on style and luxury. The headlights are upgraded to light-guide LEDs, and you get LED sequential turn signals. Fortuner Legender gets 20-inch alloy wheels and two-tone roof to set it apart from the base model.
Inside, the Fortuner gets an Apple CarPlay equipped touchscreen audio system, 360-degree exterior view camera, park sensors, and wireless phone charger. The power tailgate gains a kick sensor to allow touch-free access (so important these days).
The Fortuner’s 2.8-liter engine has been upgraded to produce 204ps, and a flat 500Nm from 1600 to 2800 rpm. There’s a sport mode to provide better acceleration feel. Balance shafts help quell the noise and vibration. For offroad use, the wheel position can be displayed on the instrument screen.
The Toyota Safety System will be installed for the first time in this vehicle class. This is comprised of dynamic cruise control, pre-collision system,and lane departure alert.
TOYOTA HILUX
Toyota’s workhorse is set to get a facelift as well, as the revised model has already been revealed. The facelift features new front and rear styling, with a massive black grille within the restyled bumper, and LED headlamps and taillights. There are new 18-inch alloy wheels as well. The Hilux is expected to be equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense system, as in the Fortuner. The 2.8-liter engine gets the same power and torque bump, to 204ps and 500Nm. The Hilux features a revised suspension system that reportedly improves grip while also providing a smoother ride.
TOYOTA VIOS
After the recent online launch of the facelifted Wigo hatchback, the next will be Toyota Philippines’ current best-selling car, the Vios sedan. The refreshed Vios gets a new front fascia complete with the now de-rigeur giant black maw for a bumper. The Vios evidently gets LED light-guide projector headlamps with daytime running lights as well. The available foglamps will likewise get upgraded to LED units. Side mirrors will have turn signal lights and will be electrically folding. Vios will ride on 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 50-series tires.
If we go by the model already launched within the ASEAN region, the interior gets a new head unit with improved phone connectivity and available standard-equipment dash cam. It will be a 7-inch touchscreen unit. Leather seats are expected to be available, and black trim for the gearshift lever and base surround.
The Vios’ 1.5-liter four-cylinder will generate 108ps and 140Nm. Traction control, vehicle stability control, ABS brakes and brake assist are expected to be the active safety features on board the Vios.
