Toyota introduces GR-S variant of the Fortuner at Rs 48.43 lakh

The Fortuner GR-S can only be had with the 2.8-litre diesel engine and the 6-speed automatic, along with 4x4 as standard.

Japanese carmaker Toyota has introduced a GR-S variant for its popular SUV Fortuner at a price of Rs 48.43 lakh (ex-showroom). For the uninitiated, GR stands for Gazoo Racing (Toyota’s racing division) and the S stands for Sport. The Fortuner GR-S gets added cosmetic updates, new features and a retuned suspension. Compared to the equivalent (powertrain-wise) Legender variant, the Fortuner GR-S is commanding a premium of Rs 3.80 lakh.

For all that money, the Fortuner GR-S gets a new front grille. No, that’s not all. Both bumpers have been redesigned as well and Toyota has peppered the outside of the Fortuner GR-S with ‘GR’ badges and the allow wheels are fully black. On the inside, the interior is all-black with contrasting red stitching. The GR badge is present on the steering wheel as well, there is a new instrument cluster, and the pedals are new as well. Toyota is yet to properly reveal what kind of feature upgrades the Fortuner GR-S has undergone, although we do know that the suspension has been re-tuned.

As far as the powertrain goes, there are no options there. The Fortuner GR-S can only be had with the 2.8-litre diesel engine that makes 201bhp and 500Nm (with the 6-speed automatic). The 4x4 system is standard as well.

The Toyota Fortuner rivals the likes of MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq and the upcoming Jeep Meridian. However, its prices have sky-rocketed in recent years and with the new Fortuner GR-S variant costing over Rs 50 lakh on-road, one has to ask, if the Toyota Fortuner has set its sights on German offerings like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.