Welcome to MOR CAR, your premier destination for all information related to the world of motor vehicles! Here, we present the latest and most comprehensive content on various aspects of automotive, ranging from the latest news to in-depth reviews.
Welcome back to mor car. The Toyota Fortuner, a name synonymous with rugged reliability, is preparing for a transformation that could shape its future. Picture this: an SUV that's already proven in tough environments, now equipped with groundbreaking technology aimed at slashing fuel consumption. But here's the pressing question: will this innovation make its way to markets like Australia?
As anticipation builds, the automotive world is keeping a close eye on what could be a game-changer. This week, Toyota South Africa unveiled the Fortuner equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The new model combines a 48-volt battery and an electric motor generator with a 2.8 L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Together, this combination enhances fuel efficiency by up to 5%, a significant boost for a large SUV. This addition is part of Toyota's broader goal to offer more eco-friendly options in their lineup.
However, while this innovation is hitting the roads in South Africa, its arrival in Australia remains uncertain. In Australia, this hybrid technology has already appeared in Toyota's popular Hilux Ute and is set to feature in the upcoming 250 Series Land Cruiser Prado. Yet, when it comes to the Fortuner, Toyota Australia has not confirmed whether they will introduce this hybrid version.
One of the key reasons for this delay is that Australia sources its Fortuner and Hilux models from Thailand, where the production lines have not yet incorporated the mild hybrid system into the Fortuner. This leaves Australian buyers waiting to see if this fuel-saving technology will be available in their market anytime soon.
Since its introduction to the Australian market in 2015, the Fortuner has been a strong contender in the SUV segment. In 2020, it received a facelift and several technological upgrades. Interestingly, the design of the Fortuner in Australia differs from the South African model, particularly in the front and rear styling. Despite these differences, the new 48V Fortuner in South Africa offers performance similar to that of Australia's Hilux V6 Active. Both vehicles are powered by the same turbo diesel engine, delivering 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque.
One difference, however, is the transmission. While both the Fortuner and Hilux use a six-speed automatic transmission, the upcoming Land Cruiser Prado will feature an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is expected to provide even greater fuel efficiency. The addition of this mild hybrid technology does come with a price increase. In South Africa, the Fortuner 48V is priced at about 11,000 Rand more, equivalent to roughly $900. This price hike is slightly more than the increase seen with the Hilux V6 Active model in Australia.
Globally, the Toyota Fortuner is a respected name in the SUV world, but in Australia, it faces fierce competition. Rivals like the Ford Everest and even Toyota's own Prado have consistently outpaced the Fortuner in terms of sales. As fans of the Fortuner eagerly await news, the question lingers: will this more eco-conscious version of the Fortuner ever reach Australian shores? For now, the future of this highly anticipated model remains unclear, but the desire for a greener, more efficient SUV is only growing stronger.