A media report confirms that the Toyota Fortuner, one of India’s most popular full-sized SUVs, will soon debut with a diesel hybrid option. It will be the first vehicle in its segment, outside the luxury category, to offer this powertrain.
Toyota Fortuner diesel hybrid: What to expect?
The diesel market may be shrinking in the affordable segments, but buyers continue to prefer it in the SUV class, and this is the reason why Toyota will be introducing the Fortuner diesel MHEV (mild-hybrid electric vehicle) model. According to GaadiWaadi, the Japanese four-wheeler manufacturer will be launching the Fortuner diesel mild hybrid in June. Currently, this model is already available in markets like South Africa and Australia and will soon make its debut here in India.
The SUV will be powered by the 2.8-litre diesel unit with a 48v mild hybrid system with an output of 201 bhp at 3,000 rpm and 500 Nm at 1,600 rpm. It is only available with a 6-speed automatic torque converter transmission in both 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive models. According to Toyota, the Fortuner’s MHEV technology enhances fuel efficiency by around 10% with regenerative braking, improves performance, and ensures a smoother engine. The MHEV maintains the vehicle’s off-road prowess, retaining a 700 mm water-wading capacity.
Toyota Fortuner in India
Currently in India, Toyota is offering the Fortuner with two powertrain options — the 2.7-litre petrol and the 2.8-litre diesel. The former makes 164 bhp at 8700 rpm and 245 Nm at 6700 rpm, while the latter churns out 201 bhp, but the manual has a torque output of 420 Nm and 500 Nm for the automatic. The diesel automatic version gets a standard automatic Idling stop/start function. The Fortuner petrol and diesel start from Rs 35.37 lakh and Rs 36.33 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.