Toyota has been tinkering with a mild hybrid technology for its diesel engines. They first showed it off in the updated Hilux in Europe a few months ago, and now it’s in the Fortuner too. The Japanese car giant just launched the updated Fortuner in South Africa with this tech.
Expect to see this updated Fortuner in other countries soon. In South Africa, it looks like the India-spec Legender. The SUV doesn’t seem to have many changes on the outside or inside, except for more color choices in South Africa.
Toyota Fortuner Mild-Hybrid: More Power, Less Thirst
Similar to the Hilux, the Fortuner gets a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine with mild-hybrid technology. This includes a 48V battery and an electric starter generator. The engine still pumps out 201 bhp and 500 Nm of torque, but the mild-hybrid system adds 16 bhp and 42 Nm more.
The South African version comes with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox as standard. It’s available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. Besides improving performance, Toyota claims the new tech makes the Fortuner 5% more fuel-efficient. The regular Fortuner already boasts around 14 kmpl.
Toyota Fortuner Mild-Hybrid: Fresh Features
Toyota included an engine idle start/stop feature for better fuel efficiency, quicker throttle response, and smoother engine restarts. They’ve also upgraded safety with a 360-degree camera and the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite. This suite has adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and more.
Toyota Fortuner Mild-Hybrid: Coming to India?
Toyota hasn’t announced when the Fortuner mild-hybrid will hit Indian markets. But with diesel cars facing scrutiny, it’s likely Toyota will bring the eco-friendly version to India soon. We anticipate seeing the Fortuner mild-hybrid in India later this year.
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