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 launch of the diesel mild-hybrid version of the Toyota Fortuner is expected to happen sometime later this year.
Internationally, the mild-hybrid variant of the Fortuner is offered with the diesel automatic version. However, in India, Toyota might offer it with both manual and automatic versions. The 48V mild-hybrid system is paired with the 2.8-liter turbocharged engine that generates 201 PS and 500 Nm of peak torque. This mild-hybrid technology will improve the low-end torque and also enhance the fuel efficiency of the Fortuner.
How Does The Mild-Hybrid System Work?
Toyota has even shared a video on their official page to show how this system works. The hybrid version of the Fortuner comes with a 48V electric motor or generator, which replaces the alternator in the vehicle. Other than this, there is a DC-DC converter and a 48V battery pack. The electric motor charges the battery pack while the vehicle is in motion or even during deceleration.
When the battery pack is charged up, it provides power to the engine. The power sent to the engine is not much, but it is enough to assist the engine at lower RPMs and speeds. This improves the driveability and also prevents the engine from stressing too much. As the engine is always at a relaxed state in lower RPMs, it reflects better fuel economy.
The electric motor in the Toyota Fortuner can send a power boost of 16 PS and 65 Nm of peak torque. The system also offers an Idle Start/Stop feature, which comes in handy while driving through heavy city traffic conditions. The international version has a claimed fuel efficiency of 13.15 kmpl, which is slightly more than the 12.66 kmpl of the non-hybrid version.
At the moment, both 2WD and 4×4 versions of the Fortuner are offered with this mild-hybrid tech internationally. The mild-hybrid technology was first introduced by Toyota in their popular pickup truck, the Hilux.
This is not the first time we have seen this technology in cars sold in India. Maruti Suzuki already offers this same technology with several models. Similarly, some of the Mahindra models also offer an idle start/stop function, which they call Micro Hybrid technology.
Apart from the mild-hybrid system, the Fortuner sold in South Africa also gets features like the Toyota Safety Sense ADAS Suite, 360-degree camera, slightly redesigned alloy wheels, and so on. It needs 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, chances are that the Japanese car manufacturer might pack the SUV with more features. The Toyota Fortuner is available with both petrol and diesel engine options. However, only the diesel variant gets 4×4 as an option. The price for a brand new Fortuner starts at Rs 33.43 lakh, ex-showroom, and goes up to Rs 51.44 lakh, ex-showroom.
The post Toyota Fortuner Mild Hybrid Launching Soon: Here’s How The 48V Hybrid System Works [Video] first appeared on Cartoq.
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