Toyota has launched the new 48V hybrid version of its popular SUV Fortuner in India. It has been introduced in two variants - Fortuner Neo Drive 48V and Legender Neo Drive 48V. Their ex-showroom prices have been kept at around Rs 45 lakh and around Rs 50 lakh respectively. An advanced 48-volt system has been installed in these new variants, which has been brought with the aim of improving mileage, making driving smoother and making the journey more comfortable.

Booking and delivery started.

Booking of these new Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants has started from June 2, 2025, and their delivery will start from the third week of June. Toyota Vice President, of Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Varinder Wadhwa said that as the SUV market is growing in India, customers now want something different not only in power but also in advanced features and styling. He said, "This variant not only fulfills our promise of better vehicles but is another step towards Toyota's carbon-neutral future."

New engine and hybrid technology
The new Fortuner Neo Drive 48V has the same 2.8 liter, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that was available earlier. The only difference is that now a 48-volt hybrid system has also been added to it. It includes a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. The company claims that with this new technology, the vehicle's pickup and low-speed performance have become much smoother, the engine noise has also been reduced and mileage has also improved.

The special thing about this hybrid system is that when the vehicle slows down or brakes, that energy is not wasted but is used to charge the battery. This also improves braking. Apart from this, it also has a smart idle start-stop feature that automatically shuts down the engine at traffic signals or standstill, thereby saving fuel and reducing pollution. It also has a multi-terrain select system that adjusts throttle, braking, and traction control according to different roads.

PC Social media