Toyota recently launched the diesel mild hybrid version of the Fortuner in South Africa. Now, there are reports suggesting that Toyota might introduce the mild hybrid version of the Fortuner in the Indian market too. The diesel mild hybrid version of the Toyota Fortuner is expected to be launched later this year.
Internationally, the mild hybrid variant of the Fortuner is offered with the diesel automatic version. However, in India, Toyota could offer it in both manual and automatic versions. The 48V mild hybrid system is combined with the 2.8-liter turbocharged engine that produces 201 hp and 500 Nm of maximum torque. This mild hybrid technology will improve low-end torque and also improve the Fortuner’s fuel efficiency.
How does the mild hybrid system work?
Toyota even released a video on its official site showing how this system works. The hybrid version of the Fortuner is equipped with a 48V electric motor or generator that replaces the alternator in the vehicle. There is also a DC-DC converter and a 48V battery. The electric motor charges the battery while driving or even when the vehicle is braking.
When the battery is charged, it provides power to the motor. The power transferred to the engine is not large, but it is enough to support the engine at lower speeds and speeds. This improves driving behavior and also prevents the engine from being overloaded. Since the engine is always in a relaxed state at lower speeds, this reflects better fuel efficiency.
The electric motor in the Toyota Fortuner can deliver a power increase of 16 HP and a maximum torque of 65 Nm. The system also offers an idle start/stop function, which comes in handy when driving through heavy city traffic. The International version has a claimed fuel efficiency of 13.15 km/h, which is slightly higher than the non-hybrid version’s 12.66 km/h.
Both 2WD and 4×4 versions of the Fortuner are currently offered internationally with this mild hybrid technology. Mild hybrid technology was first introduced by Toyota in its popular Hilux pickup truck.
This is not the first time we have seen this technology in cars sold in India. Maruti Suzuki already offers the same technology on several models. Likewise, some Mahindra models also have an idle start-stop feature, which they call micro-hybrid technology.
In addition to the mild hybrid system, the Fortuner sold in South Africa also has features such as the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite, a 360-degree camera, slightly redesigned alloy wheels and so on. It remains to be seen whether Toyota will update the Indian version with these features or not.
With rumors of Ford re-entering the Indian market with the Everest and many other models, there is a possibility that the Japanese automaker could add more features to the SUV. The Toyota Fortuner is available with both petrol and diesel engines. However, only the diesel variant has an optional 4×4 drive. The price of a brand new Fortuner starts from Rs 33.43 lakh ex-showroom and goes up to Rs 51.44 lakh ex-showroom.
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