Fresh-faced Fortuner can have our 'yes' vote

Until the last couple of days I have never really given my kidneys much consideration. Sure, we know they play a crucial role in keeping the body fit and healthy by filtering our blood and removing waste. And sitting in an abdominal cavity in the lower back, they are protected by glands, fat and a couple of ribs.

But after two days of navigating potholed roads and a challenging 4x4 trail to get to this picturesque lake-side dorp, I could swear my kidneys have performed a journey of their own, have grown and become situated just behind my eye sockets.

Now I'm not saying the roads of Zambia are all bad, but according to the locals the potholes sometimes get so big that when the summer rains finally arrive, they are transformed into "jacuzzis" in which the kids can spend many an hour swimming.

Now that's what you call taking advantage of all opportunities!

But this lovely part of Zambia also provided the ideal setting and conditions for the launch last week of the new generation Toyota Fortuner.

A success story in the Toyota stable, it has sold in excess of 50000 units since its introduction to the local market in 2006, but in keeping with the times, it was decided the range needed to be increased (we now get a 2.5 litre D-4D VNT version) and modifications made to enhance the vehicle's appearance.

So how different is this new Fortuner to its predecessor?

Well, it is no secret that the Fortuner shares many styling cues - and indeed the same platform - as its brother the Hilux, both produced at the Prospecton plant just outside Durban.

But the changes now introduced manage to give the Fortuner more of its own, personal identity.

The most visible changes come at the front of the vehicle. A new grille with a fair amount of chrome detailing has been introduced and the new clear headlight clusters feature design elements such as individually packaged driving and high beam lights and ribbed covering for the indicators.

They are also equipped with an auto lights-on sensor and appear to protrude slightly outward.

Giving the Fortuner a more aggressive look - and obviously wanting to enhance its image as a complete on-off road vehicle - we now have a new bonnet and squarer bumper.

While consumers had a choice in the past as to the size of wheel they wanted on their vehicle, the Fortuner now comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels on all seven models, with a full-sized spare wheel, which is securely locked to the rear of the vehicle.

Other features which are perhaps less noticeable are the integration of the side indicators into the side mirrors - which are now both retractable and colour-coded to the exterior colour.

Finishing off the exterior changes are a new rear bumper and a roof mounted spoiler with built-in stop light.

It's a well-worn cliche when it comes to travel pieces, but Zambia truly is a land of contrasts.

After picking up our vehicle at Lusaka International Airport, we slowly made our way out of this large city with more than two million inhabitants and headed in a southwesterly direction towards Siyavonga.

Our 237-kilometre route took us through remote villages where, without fail, we were greeted with smiles as wide as the majestic Lake Kariba upon which Siyavonga nestles, and a wave and greeting that only the innocence of childhood can provide.

The people appear to be poor but have a dignity to them that only comes from a lifetime of extremes and challenges.

It's dry in Zambia at present. The much anticipated summer rains are holding off and veld fires dot the landscape, while the smoke and ash provide a kind of cloud cover that offers minimum relief from the burning sun.

It was a sauna-like 39°C outside but the Fortuner kept us cool and comfortable, thanks to an excellent air-conditioning system - separately operated for backseat passengers - and a number of interior features.

For those familiar with the Fortuner's interior layout, the first thing you will notice in the cabin is the newly-designed instrument cluster while all models now house a USB/iPod jack and audio-in connector.

The display-audio system is touch-screen friendly and now plays home to the in-built reverse camera.

Other design changes to the interior include a dark wood grain highlights package on the centre console and doors and new bright accents on the gear knob, doors and parking brake, a redesigned overhead storage console and roof lining and electric seat adjustment for the driver on the 3.0 D-4D and 4.0 V6 models.

Many motorists looking at entering the SUV market do so because they are looking for space, and the new Fortuner duly obliges with all versions now coming with seven seats with the second and third rows easily folded down if desired.

Look under the bonnet of the upgraded Fortuner range and you will find the option of three engines and three gearboxes.

The new 2.5 D-4D VNT turbo-diesel engine delivers 106kW at 3400rpm and a strong 343Nm of torque and will only be available in five-speed manual.

The popular 3.0 D-4D turbo diesel will spew out 120kW at 3400rpm and 343Nm and will come with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Topping the range is the powerful 4.0 V6, which delivers a heady 175kW and a strong 376Nm and it will come with a five-speed automatic gearbox.

On the launch, I spent most of my time behind the wheel of the four-litre which, coupled with its 4x4 capabilities, provided a sure and comfortable drive.

Changing between 4x4 and 4x2 can be done with the vehicle in motion, and it easily handled the conditions it was presented with.

The thing I particularly like about the Fortuner is that it manages to cross over those on/off road boundaries with ease.

It handles well about town but take it off-road and you will find it is equally happy when you tackle some sand or rocky outcrops.

On Tuesday Zambia's general elections were held. The party flags were flying high, posters dotted the city streets and residents proudly wore pictures of their parties' candidates on their T-shirts.

And while I may be ineligible to participate in the Zambia elections, this new Fortuner - with its five year/90000km service plan - definitely does get my vote!