Enthusiasts and potential buyers have eagerly awaited this moment. Toyota Kirloskar Motor has finally launched the mild-hybrid versions of its formidable SUVs, the Fortuner and the Legender, in the Indian market. These new iterations carry the ‘Neo Drive 48V’ badge. This signifies Toyota’s foray into mild-hybrid technology for these highly popular models. The company has officially opened bookings. Deliveries are slated to commence in the third week of June 2025. This launch marks a significant step for Toyota in the Indian SUV segment.
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Pricing Details: A Premium for Efficiency
The ex-showroom prices for these new mild-hybrid variants are as follows:
- Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive 48V: ₹ 44.72 lakh
- Toyota Legender Neo Drive 48V: ₹ 50.09 lakh
These prices reflect a premium of approximately ₹ 2 lakh over the existing non-hybrid 4×4 automatic variants of both the Fortuner and the Legender. This price difference accounts for the integration of the advanced 48V mild-hybrid system and the additional features it brings. Customers are now weighing the benefits of this new technology against the increased cost.
Decoding the Neo Drive 48V System: Enhanced Performance and Efficiency
The heart of these new variants lies in their ‘Neo Drive 48V’ mild-hybrid system. This technology enhances the driving experience. It also aims to improve fuel efficiency. The key components and features of this system include:
- 2.8-litre Turbo-Diesel Engine with 48V Mild-Hybrid Integration: The familiar and robust 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces a substantial 204 bhp of power and 500 Nm of torque, now works in conjunction with a 48V mild-hybrid system. This integration promises a more refined and efficient driving experience.
- Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BISG): The 48V system incorporates a BISG. This component serves multiple functions. Firstly, it acts as a starter motor, providing smoother and quicker engine starts. Secondly, it functions as a generator during deceleration and braking. This recuperates energy that would otherwise be lost.
- Lithium-ion Battery: A compact lithium-ion battery stores the energy regenerated by the BISG. This stored energy is then used to assist the engine during acceleration. It also powers the start-stop system.
- Regenerative Braking: Similar to full hybrid systems, the Neo Drive 48V system features regenerative braking. This technology captures kinetic energy during deceleration. It converts it into electrical energy. This energy then charges the lithium-ion battery. This process not only improves efficiency but also contributes to enhanced braking performance.
- Smart Idle Start-Stop Function: To further enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, the Neo Drive variants are equipped with a smart idle start-stop function. This system automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationary. It restarts it seamlessly when the driver releases the brake pedal.
- Neo Drive Boost Assist: The mild-hybrid system provides an additional boost of power during low-end acceleration. This results in a smoother and more responsive driving experience, particularly in urban traffic conditions.
Additional Features: Enhancements Beyond Hybridization
Beyond the mild-hybrid technology, Toyota has also introduced some additional features to the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants:
- 360-degree Panoramic Camera: A significant addition is the inclusion of a 360-degree panoramic camera. This feature provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings. It greatly assists during parking and maneuvering in tight spaces, a welcome addition considering the size of these SUVs.
- Wireless Smartphone Charger: For added convenience, both the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants now come equipped with a wireless smartphone charger. This allows occupants to easily charge their compatible devices without the hassle of cables.
- ‘Neo Drive’ Badging: To visually differentiate these mild-hybrid variants, Toyota has added a ‘Neo Drive’ badge to the tailgate of both the Fortuner and the Legender. This subtle yet distinct badging signifies the new technology under the hood.
Exterior and Interior Design: Familiar Yet Enhanced
In terms of exterior design, the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants largely retain the familiar and imposing aesthetics that have made them so popular. The Legender continues to sport its distinct dual-tone body colors, split LED headlamps, and sleeker front fascia. The Fortuner maintains its bold and purposeful appeal. Inside, both models offer a comfortable and premium experience with dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and ergonomic seating. The interiors remain largely unchanged, focusing on the added convenience features.
Market Positioning: Joining Toyota’s Electrified Lineup
The introduction of the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive 48V variants marks the entry of these popular SUVs into Toyota’s growing portfolio of electrified vehicles in India. This lineup already includes models like the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the Glanza, which also feature mild-hybrid technology branded as ‘Neo Drive’. This move underscores Toyota’s commitment to a multi-pathway approach towards carbon neutrality. They aim to offer practical and future-ready mobility solutions to cater to evolving customer preferences and environmental concerns.
Booking and Delivery Details: Get Your Neo Drive Soon
Toyota has officially commenced bookings for both the Fortuner Neo Drive 48V and the Legender Neo Drive 48V variants starting today, June 2, 2025. Interested customers can place their bookings either online through the official Toyota Bharat website or by visiting their nearest authorized Toyota dealership across India. The company has announced that deliveries of these new mild-hybrid SUVs are scheduled to begin from the third week of June 2025. This relatively short waiting period will likely be welcomed by eager buyers.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Sustainable SUV Power
The launch of the Toyota Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive 48V variants represents a significant step for Toyota in the Indian SUV market. By integrating mild-hybrid technology, Toyota aims to offer a compelling combination of enhanced performance, improved fuel efficiency, and added convenience features. While commanding a premium over their non-hybrid counterparts, these new variants cater to a growing segment of buyers who are increasingly conscious of environmental impact without compromising on the power and presence that these SUVs are known for. The ‘Most Awaited Toyota Fortuner’ has indeed arrived with a touch of future-forward technology.
FAQ
Q: What is the “Neo Drive 48V” system in the new Fortuner and Legender?
A: The “Neo Drive 48V” is Toyota’s new mild-hybrid system that pairs the existing 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with a 48V belt-integrated starter generator and a lithium-ion battery to provide enhanced performance and fuel efficiency.
Q: What is the price difference between the Neo Drive 48V variants and the regular 4×4 automatic models?
A: The Neo Drive 48V variants are priced approximately ₹ 2 lakh higher than their corresponding non-hybrid 4×4 automatic trims.
Q: What are the key new features offered in the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive 48V models?
A: Key new features include the 48V mild-hybrid system, a 360-degree panoramic camera, and a wireless smartphone charger.
Q: Does the 48V mild-hybrid system significantly improve the fuel efficiency of the Fortuner and Legender?
A: While Toyota claims improved fuel efficiency, specific figures haven’t been detailed yet. Mild-hybrid systems typically offer a modest increase in fuel economy, primarily through regenerative braking and start-stop functionality.
Q: What is the power and torque output of the engine in the Neo Drive 48V variants?
A: The 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine continues to produce 204 bhp of power and 500 Nm of torque; the 48V system provides an additional boost during acceleration.
Q: When will the deliveries of the Toyota Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive 48V begin?
A: Deliveries for both the Toyota Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive 48V are expected to commence in the third week of June 2025.
Q: Are the exterior and interior designs of the Neo Drive 48V models different from the previous versions?
A: The exterior and interior designs largely remain the same, with the addition of a ‘Neo Drive’ badge on the tailgate and the new features mentioned.
Q: How can I book the new Toyota Fortuner or Legender Neo Drive 48V in India?
A: Bookings are now open and can be made online through the official Toyota Bharat website or by visiting an authorized Toyota dealership.
Q: Is the “Neo Drive 48V” system similar to a full hybrid system?
A: No, the “Neo Drive 48V” is a mild-hybrid system. It provides engine assist and regenerative braking but cannot power the vehicle on electric power alone, unlike a full hybrid.
Q: What are Toyota’s plans for further electrification in the Indian SUV market?
A: Toyota’s broader strategy involves a multi-pathway approach to electrification. While these are mild-hybrid versions, Toyota is likely to introduce more advanced hybrid or electric vehicles in the future, but specific plans for the SUV market haven’t been fully detailed.
