KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Toyota Fortuner Mild-Hybrid debuts in South Africa
- Comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system
- Brand claims 5% more fuel efficiency; ADAS introduced
The Toyota Fortuner Mild-Hybrid has been revealed in South Africa and it now comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system for improved performance. Notably, this same version will be gradually rolled out across the global markets including India. Let's look at the key highlights and takeaways, but before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group community of petrolheads to never miss out on any updates from the automotive world.
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Fortuner Mild-Hybrid: The Mild-Hybrid Boost
The Toyota Fortuner's legendary 2.8-liter diesel engine gets a shot of electrification with the new mild hybrid system in South Africa. This adds 16 PS and 42 Nm on top of the existing 204 PS and 500 Nm, for a more responsive driving experience. A 6-speed automatic gearbox manages both 2WD and 4WD variants, while the 48V battery and electric motor generator seamlessly assist the engine.
Toyota claims a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the standard diesel, which can translate to significant savings over time. It now claims a milage of 13.15kmpl, which is higher than the earlier 12.66 kmpl on the non-hybrid version.
Safety: Robust With All The Tech
The Toyota Fortuner in South Africa gains more than just a hybrid powertrain. The MHEV variant steps up safety with a 360-degree camera for a complete surround view. Drivers will also benefit from the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite, featuring advanced technology like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Lane keep assist, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and forward collision warning are all included in this comprehensive safety package.
Notably, Fortuner's hybrid variant sticks to its familiar design. Notably, the South African Fortuner shares a closer resemblance to the Fortuner Legender available in India. However, unlike its Indian counterpart, the South African Fortuner boasts a wider palette of vibrant colors to choose from. Inside the hybrid variant, expect subtle cosmetic tweaks, though specifics remain under wraps.
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Indian Launch Soon
Currently, the Toyota Fortuner comes with non-hydro 2.7-litre petrol and a 2.8-litre diesel mill. The new mild-hybrid version is expected to eventually arrive here in India. Expect it to hit Indian shores by the first half of 2025.
Verdict
The Fortuner Mild-Hybrid is finally unveleid and its Indian launch is sometime away in the future. While it adds the much needed fuel effciiency, the 48V mild-hybrid with an electric motor adds its slight power punch as well. However, with or without this tech, Fortuner clocks a very good sales count in the country.
