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After months of build-up and anticipation, finally the big day had dawned on the four contestants selected to compete in the Toyota Fortuner 4×4 Challenge. The Challenge entailed four public participants (obtained through the four media partners; Media 24, Ramsay Media, Red Bull Media and Tiso Blackstar) teaming up with four celebrities (or heroes in ‘challenge’ speak), who are then tasked to compete in pairs alongside their trusty Toyota Fortuner steeds in a range of tasks.

Now in its second installment, this year’s challenge saw the heat being turned up on the tasks – requiring a greater level of teamwork, testing the contestants’ physical and mental capabilities and putting their nerve to the test.

What The Challenge entailed

A gloomy Knysna provided the perfect backdrop as the contenders had to participate in a host of tasks which included golfing, Garmin orienteering, Pezula flamemaster braai challenge, Fortuner car shuffle, kayaking, trail running and obstacle course challenges.

The old railway bridge across the Knysna lagoon played host to arguably the most thrilling task – the Salomon trail run and obstacle course – where hero and contestant had to work closely together to complete the obstacle course in the minimum amount of time. This task included a trail run, paddling, a suspended-tyre swing, rope climb and the infamous rope net.

The final challenge on the second day was the gruelling Specialized Mountain Bike task, where the contestants had to navigate through the Knysna forest on state-of-the-art Specialized mountain bikes, accompanied by their hero-partner at the wheel of the Toyota Fortuner.

The awards dinner provided a space to relax, refuel and reflect on the day’s proceedings, whilst the four contestants were undoubtedly filled with anticipation. Following a brief address and synopsis by Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors, it was time to announce the all-important winner.

Overall winner 

In the end Byron Coetsee (teamed up with racing legend Giniel de Villiers) was crowned Fortuner 4×4 Challenge champion for 2017. A calm, level-headed demeanor and strong performances on virtually all of the tasks, saw him oust the competition and earn the keys to a brand new Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4×4 6AT.

Toyota South Africa Motors would like to thank the following sponsors and partners who contributed to another hugely successful Fortuner 4×4 Challenge campaign:

Media Partners

• Media24
• Ramsay Media
• Red Bull Media
• Tiso Blackstar

Sponsors

• Garmin
• Specialized
• Salomon
• Conrad Pezula

Heroes

• Bianca Haw
• Giniel de Villiers
• Hanneke Dannhauser
• Oupa Mohojé

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