Toyota Fortuner mild hybrid revealed
New Delhi: Toyota has unveiled an innovative addition to its lineup with the introduction of the Fortuner MHEV, a mild-hybrid variant of the acclaimed SUV, in South Africa. Drawing from the success of its counterpart, the Hilux MHEV, launched late last year, the Fortuner MHEV is poised to make waves in the market. Anticipated to extend its presence beyond South Africa, this SUV is primed for release in various international markets in the near future. Visually, the Fortuner MHEV in South Africa bears a striking resemblance to the Fortuner Legender available in India. However, the Indian market boasts a broader spectrum of exterior paint options compared to the limited dual-tone offering of white and black. Despite this discrepancy, the Fortuner MHEV stands out for its harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality.
Under the hood, the Fortuner MHEV is equipped with the renowned 2.8-liter diesel engine, complemented by a 48V mild-hybrid system. This hybrid synergy yields an impressive boost of 16hp and 42Nm, culminating in a total power output of 201hp and 500Nm of torque. Toyota’s engineering prowess shines through as they declare a notable 5 percent enhancement in fuel efficiency compared to the standard Fortuner 2.8 diesel, underscoring their commitment to sustainability. In terms of transmission, the Fortuner MHEV boasts a standard 6-speed automatic gearbox, catering to both 2WD and 4WD configurations, thereby ensuring adaptability to diverse driving conditions. Toyota further elevates the driving experience with the integration of an innovative idle start-stop feature, promising heightened throttle response and seamless engine restarts. Beyond its hybrid technology, the Fortuner receives a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite and a 360-degree camera, augmenting driver confidence on the road. Moreover, subtle interior cosmetic enhancements add a touch of sophistication to the cabin, enhancing the overall appeal of the vehicle. While the Fortuner MHEV and the Hilux MHEV are gradually making their international debut, India continues to uphold its preference for the regular Fortuner and Hilux models. However, with Toyota’s diverse range of offerings in the Indian market, including petrol, petrol-hybrid, petrol-CNG, and diesel variants, the potential introduction of diesel mild-hybrid technology remains an intriguing prospect for the future. Looking ahead, Toyota is poised to make significant strides in the Indian market with the impending launch of its first mass-market EV, slated for release next year. This forthcoming EV, positioned as a sister product to the Maruti eVX SUV, marks a significant milestone in Toyota’s journey towards electrification and underscores their unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The Toyota Fortuner MHEV epitomizes the convergence of performance, efficiency, and safety, setting new benchmarks in the realm of hybrid SUVs. With its cutting-edge technology and refined aesthetics, it heralds a new era of automotive excellence, promising an unparalleled driving experience for discerning enthusiasts worldwide.
