Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) took a giant step in sustainability as it launched the smart hybrid version of the Fortuner and Legender. Equipped with a 48 Volt system or as Toyota calls it Neo Drive, the Fortuner Neo Drive 48V is priced at Rs 44.72 lakh and Legender Neo Drive 48V at Rs 50.09 lakh, ex-showroom. The Neo Drive versions cost around Rs 2 lakh more than the standard trims. The Fortuner and the Legender become the third and fourth vehicles to sport the Neo Drive Badge after the Hyryder and Glanza. The Japanese manufacturer has announced that the bookings for both full-sized SUVs are now open, but the deliveries begin in the third week of June.
Toyota mild hybrid Fortuner, Legender: 48V Mild Hybrid: Explained
According to Toyota, Neo Drive system or the mild hybrid system offers diesel performance and efficiency. At its heart is a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, featuring a belt-driven starter-generator and lithium-ion battery. It has an output of 205 bhp and 500 Nm, but, Toyota claims, the mild hybrid system makes the SUVs 5% more fuel efficient.
Toyota says this delivers instant torque for smoother acceleration while reducing engine noise for a quieter ride. The diesel mild-hybrid tech is the first in this segment.
One of its stand-out features is energy recovery. The battery recharges during braking, turning wasted kinetic energy into usable power. The Smart Idle Start-Stop function further boosts efficiency by shutting off the engine at stops, cutting fuel consumption and emissions. The Neo Drive SUVs retain the Multi-Terrain Select system for payload capacity, and off-road prowess with traction control.
Toyota mild hybrid Fortuner, Legender: Safety and Ownership
The Neo Drive Fortuner and Legender come packed with safety features like seven airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, Hill Assist Control, Traction Control System, Child Restraint System, Front Row Seatbelts with Pre-Tensioner + Force Limiter, Speed Auto Lock with Emergency Unlock amongst a host of other functions.
The mild hybrid Fortuner and Legender get five years of complimentary roadside assistance and a standard 3-year / 100,000 km warranty that is extendable up to 5 years / 220,000 km.
