Toyota has officially launched the long-awaited mild hybrid (MHEV) versions of two of its most popular vehicles – the Hilux and the Fortuner.
The Fortuner has a total of eight MHEV derivatives with prices starting at R834,800, while the Hilux has six units starting at R774,800.
Powertrain
The Hilux and Fortuner MHEVs are equipped with the brand’s 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine working in tandem with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and an electric motor generator to produce a total of 150kW and 500Nm.
The engine drives the motor using a belt system, which in turn charges the battery. Like Toyota’s other hybrids, this battery is also topped up during deceleration thanks to regenerative braking capabilities.
The battery itself only weighs 7.6kg and is mounted underneath the rear seats to minimize its impact on cabin space.
When the cell is charged, it provides an additional 12kW and 65Nm directly to the motor to enhance acceleration, power, and efficiency.
In an urban setting, the 48V system improves the throttle response for smoother acceleration, while the regenerative brakes provide a more natural deceleration feeling, according to Toyota.
The vehicles also feature an improved stop-start function that allows the engine to remain off for longer intervals, and the result of all these factors is that the MHEVs achieve 5% better fuel economy than their non-electrified counterparts.
Another benefit of the system is that the start-up process is much quieter, as the generator is constantly connected to the engine and does not rely on the starter motor.
The hybrid powertrain also has its advantages off-road, as the generator and regenerative brakes allow for more precise inputs over rough terrain and when descending a hill, while the engine idle speed is reduced from 720rpm to 600rpm for greater control at low speeds.
The 48V system is waterproofed so that it doesn’t hamper the the Fortuner and Hilux’s maximum water-wading depth of 700mm, and both feature a Multi-terrain Select system that allows the driver to adjust the vehicle stability control settings to suit the situation at hand.
Every MHEV is fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox, which connects to either the front wheels or all four, depending on the model chosen.
Regarding the bakkie’s practical capabilities, the 4×2 units can tow 2,750kg and carry 850kg in the back, while the 4×4 units can tow 3,500kg and support a payload of 790kg.
Features
Regardless of whether you go for the bakkie or SUV, each Toyota comes standard with automatic LED headlights, keyless entry and start, fabric seats, a leather multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker stereo, an infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, hill-assist control, hill-descent control, ABS, and seven airbags.
The Hilux Raider starts with 17-inch alloy rims which are upgraded to 18-inch ones on the Legend variants, while the Fortuner features 18-inch alloys across the range.
The Hilux Legend also features side steps, leather seats, a nine-speaker JBL stereo, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert, while the flagship Legend RS takes one step further with an automatic roller shutter over the rubberized load bed, a rear styling bar, tailgate assist, and a dust defence kit that closes the gaps of the tailgate edge to stop dust from penetrating the load bay.
The Fortuner VX units, meanwhile, have access to heated seats, an 11-speaker JBL sound system, a panoramic-view camera system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Pricing
The pricing and model line-up for the Toyota Fortuner MHEV is as follows:
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 RB 6AT MHEV – R834,800
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 RB 6AT MHEV BT – R845,300
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 RB VX 6AT MHEV – R879,300
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 RB VX 6AT MHEV BT – R889,800
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4X4 6AT MHEV – R918,600
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4X4 6AT MHEV BT – R929,100
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 VX 6AT MHEV – R961,800
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 VX 6AT MHEV BT – R972,300
The pricing and model line-up for the Toyota Hilux MHEV is as follows:
- Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 RB Raider 6AT MHEV – R774,800
- Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 4X4 Raider 6AT MHEV – R866,000
- Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 RB Legend 6AT MHEV – R869,100
- Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 4X4 Legend 6AT MHEV – R921,800
- Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 RB Legend RS 6AT MHEV – R967,500
- Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 4X4 Legend RS 6AT MHEV – R1,023,400
Each purchase carries a 3-year/100,000km warranty and 9-services/90,000km service plan.
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