We reported earlier that Toyota is developing the next-gen Fortuner SUV, which will come with significant changes in terms of styling, interior and mechanics. Now, Toyota South Africa has confirmed that the Fortuner and the Hilux pickup will come with a hybrid powertrain. Speaking to media, Leon Theron, senior vice president of sales & marketing at Toyota’s South Africa, confirmed that the two popular models will come with mild hybrid powertrains globally in 2024.
The current generation Fortuner and Hilux lifestyle pickup are based on the IMV platform that also underpins the Innova Crysta. The next-gen models will ride on a new TNGA-F that underpins multiple global cars including the Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX500d. In fact, the new Tacoma pickup will be based on the advanced TNGA-F platform. This platform is compatible with different body styles and multiple engine options including ICE and hybrid.
The new TNGA-F platform supports a wheelbase length of 2,850-4,180mm. The company is moving toward using a single base for the entire global SUV portfolio, which will help in reducing cost, development time and achieving considerable gains in economies of scale. The recent spy images of the Tacoma pickup preview the front styling of the next-gen Fortuner SUV.
Previous report claims that the all new Toyota Fortuner will come with a new diesel engine with mild hybrid system. It will get the 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre diesel engine with an integrated starter generator (ISG). The new Toyota’s mild hybrid diesel engine could be called the GD Hybrid. It is likely to offer higher fuel efficiency and added torque on demand. It will come with engine start/stop system. With the mild hybrid system, the new Fortuner collect Kinetic energy during braking or deceleration that can provide an additional torque under acceleration. The new model is expected to offer improved power and torque along with higher fuel efficiency.
The new Fortuner is also expected to receive a new 265bhp, 2.4L turbocharged petrol engine in the international markets. It could also get a 2.4L hybrid turbo petrol engine, which powers few global Lexus and Toyota models.
New Toyota Fortuner India Launch
The new Fortuner is expected to make its global debut sometime in early next year. We expect the new Fortuner to arrive in our market by mid-2024, before festive season Diwali. The new model will be locally developed and will carry a high price tag. The Japanese brand is also developing a new 7-seater SUV based on the TNGA-C platform that underpins the Corolla Cross and the new Innova Hycross. The new 7-seater SUV will rival the Jeep Meridian, Skoda Kushaq and higher variants of the Mahindra XUV700.
