The Japanese automaker recently conducted a successful demo run of the Hilux MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) concept at Kasarani during the 7th round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Kenya. The concept was driven by Juha Kankkunen from Finland, who is a four-time WRC champion and former Toyota world title winner, and the renowned Kenyan media personality, Jimmi Gathu, was in the co-driver seat. Toyota’s 48-volt mild hybrid technology will be offered only on the higher Hilux variants from 2024.
The diesel mild hybrid setup includes a 48V battery, a small electric motor, and a 2.8L turbo diesel engine. The four-cylinder, 1GD-FTV series oil burner is paired with an AC60F 6-speed automatic gearbox. Toyota’s new mild hybrid tech is claimed to offer 10% better fuel efficiency. What’s interesting here is that the same powertrain will be offered on the new-generation Toyota Fortuner, which is due for 2024. While its diesel mild hybrid powertrain will be borrowed from the new Hilux MHEV, the SUV’s design will be inspired by the new Tacoma pickup truck.
The 2024 Toyota Fortuner will be designed on an all-new platform, and it is reported to come with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) tech. The suite will include features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking assist, lane departure assist, blind spot detection, and forward collision warning. With the generation change, the Fortuner will have more features as well. Rumor has it that it will receive vehicle stability control and hydraulic steering wheel.
All the aforementioned upgrades (expected) will surely make the new 2024 Toyota Fortuner a slightly more expensive deal. The SUV’s current generation model lineup is available in 7 variants, which are priced from Rs 32.59 lakh to Rs 50.34 lakh (ex-showroom). Besides the all-new Fortuner, Toyota will bring in the Maruti Fronx-based compact crossover and Corolla Cross-based 7-seater SUV in the near future.
