IT'S nice to be back behind the wheel after so many weeks off.

Time has flown by this year, it's hard to believe we're in June.

I've missed out on so many driving opportunities, but it's nice to finally catch up, and be spoiled with a new addition to the Toyota family too.

Enter the Fortuner: a new addition influenced and inspired by Toyota's iconic SUV and Unbreakable HiLux range.

Fortuner is the power seven-seater SUV designed to meet the demands of a busy family life while also being up to the challenge of your next adventure.

This vehicle boasts a proud and proven 4WD heritage.

It's muscled up exterior lines are complemented by a reinforced toughness that's been specially developed by Toyota's Technical Centre to take on the harshest of Australian conditions - in town or out on the open road.

I was fortunate enough to score the top-end model for a spin - the Fortuner Crusade.

This particular model boasts striking features including chrome grille and door trimmings, 18"alloy wheels, impressively comfortable leather accented seats, integrated LED daytime running lamps, climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation and eight-way-power adjustable driver's seat.

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At the centre of the cockpit, the driver is in full control of their surroundings (inside and out).

The interior has been designed following the latest in ergonomic development, playing everything just where it should be and delivering plenty of usable space.

The thick wood grain-look ornamentation on the Crusade is tastefully complemented by soft, quality upholstery and colour stitching used throughout the cabin.

The leather accented finishes are available in choice of two colour options: Fawn Leather or Dark Brown.

Conveniently placed cup and bottle holders are also placed perfectly throughout the cabin along with handy storage spaces for your belongings.

There's room for everyone inside with seven full-size seats and the third row quickly folds out of the way to transform Fortuner from a family transporter to a machine ready for 4WD action and to provide maximum storage space.

Best of all the Fortuner is quiet on the road, leaving you to enjoy conversations with friends and family through bluetooth or bask in your favourite tunes on the radio or smart phone through the premium sound system.

Under the hood the Toyota Fortuner has a 2.8 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine which delivers a grunty 450Nm of torque with an automatic transmission, turned exhaust and advanced engine noise suppression.

You will also enjoy outstanding fuel efficiency with electronic common-rail fuel injection helping deliver figures as low as 7.8L per 100km (on manual transmission).

From a safety perspective Toyota Fortuner boasts an abundance of passive and active features including reversing camera, seven SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle stability control, trailer sway control and hill-start assist.

Take the Toyota Fortuner for a test drive today. Visit the team at Ian Weigh Toyota.

For more information phone 4924 5200.