Toyota has been working on a mild hybrid technology for its diesel engines for quite some time. This setup made its debut in the updated Hilux in Europe a few months ago and now Toyota has introduced this tech in the Fortuner as well. The Japanese auto giant has launched the updated Fortuner with a 48V mild-hybrid setup in South Africa.
The updated Fortuner is soon expected to make its way to other international markets as well. Visually, the South Africa-spec Fortuner is in line with the India-spec Legender. From the looks of it, there aren’t many changes made to the exterior or interior of the SUV, except for the fact that the Fortuner in South Africa receives more colour options.
Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid: Added performance, more frugal
Like the Hilux mild-hybrid, the Fortuner mild-hybrid is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine which is now assisted with mild-hybrid tech featuring a 48V battery and an electric starter generator. The engine develops the same 201 bhp and 500 Nm of peak torque while the mild-hybrid tech offers an additional boost of 16 bhp and 42 Nm.
The South-African spec model gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox as standard. This iteration of the SUV is offered in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive versions. Not only performance, but Toyota says the new mild-hybrid tech offers better fuel economy as well with a claimed improvement of 5%. In the standard model, the diesel-powered Fortuner offers a claimed fuel efficiency of around 14 kmpl.
Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid: New features
Toyota has added a new engine idle start/stop feature that aids improved fuel efficiency, better throttle response, and a smoother engine restart. Besides, Toyota has also enhanced the safety package in Fortuner with features like a 360-degree camera, and Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite comprising features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, etc.
Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid: Expected India launch
There is no official word from Toyota yet on the expected India launch of the Fortner mild-hybrid. However, with diesels being on the line of fire constantly, it makes sense for the company to bring the greener Fortuner to India. We expect Toyota to introduce the Fortuner mild-hybrid in India sometime later this year.