By Khulekani Dumisa

It is trite that the Fortuner has been a runaway success for Toyota. The popular SUV dominates its segment 24/7-365. This is due to the great offering that the Fortuner is as well as the overt actions taken by Toyota to keep the evergreen Fortuner top of mind for the buyer. One such obvious move is the limited edition Fortuner example and we spent time with it recently.

Toyota Fortuner Epic Black

Toyota Fortuner Epic Black which is based on the 2.8-litre GD-6 model. What’s “epic” about it? The Toyota Fortuner Epic Black models feature a bi-tone design with black roof, black roof rails, black side-view mirror caps, branded nudge-bar and tow bar, and unique, all-black 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Epic Black is offered in Glacier White paintwork to simply underscore the black coated extras. Not much change happens in the interior with just metal scuff plates and Epic-branded carpet set added.

Spending time with the Fortuner Epic

The Toyota Fortuner formula is one that works and that’s why the car dominates its segment. It ticks many boxes – practicality, family friendly and adventure ready. It didn’t disappoint in any of these areas in our time with it although the connectivity department could be more modern. Do the “Epic” derivatives add that much to the formula? Probably not. Is it the one we’d go for? Also probably not. Notwithstanding this, there are owners who want to stand out and if Toyota won’t do it, they’ll pursue aftermarket options. Toyota is probably trying to appeal to those owners and also make the Fortuner stand out more which this package allows it to with the prominent black finishes.

We’d preferred a boost in power but the enhanced looks do make the car stand out more.

Pricing

Pricing for the Fortuner Epic is as follows:

Fortuner 2.8 RB Epic 6AT                  –  R660,000

Fortuner 2.8 Epic Black 6AT              – R670,100

Fortuner 2.8 4X4 Epic 6AT                 – R729,000

Fortuner 2.8 4X4 Epic Black 6AT       – R739,100

All Fortuner models are sold with a 6-services/90,000 km service plan and 3-year/100,000 km warranty.