Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) on Monday announced the launch of the Fortuner and Legender in a new Neo Drive avatar, introducing a 48-Volt system aimed at improving fuel efficiency, performance, and driving comfort —both on urban roads and off-road terrains.
The newly introduced Neo Drive variants feature Toyota’s powerful 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, now integrated with a 48V system that includes a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. This setup ensures smoother acceleration, quieter operation, and better fuel economy, while also reducing emissions. The Smart Idle Start-Stop function further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary.
Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President – Sales, Service, and Used Car Business, said, “As the SUV market in India grows steadily, customers are seeking advanced features and differentiated styling. The Fortuner and Legender rise to meet these expectations with bold design, powerful performance, and comprehensive features.” He added that the Neo Drive 48V grade reaffirms Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, delivering practical, future-ready mobility solutions.
Despite the hybrid enhancements, the new variants retain their durability, off-road strength, and payload capacity. Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select system continues to offer optimized performance by intelligently adjusting throttle response, braking, and traction control for various terrains.
The new Fortuner continues to project its bold, rugged persona, suited for those venturing off-road. Meanwhile, the Legender offers a more dynamic and premium appearance, marked by dual-tone body colours, split LED headlamps, and a sleek fascia. Inside, both SUVs boast dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and ergonomically designed seats to enhance comfort on long journeys.
Safety Remains Paramount
Both the Fortuner and Legender are equipped with a wide array of safety features, reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to passenger protection. These include seven airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, Hill Assist Control, Traction Control System (TRC), WIL Concept Seats, Child Restraint System, Front Row Seatbelts with Pre-Tensioner and Force Limiter, and Speed Auto Lock with Emergency Unlock, among others.
With the introduction of the Neo Drive variants, Toyota continues to evolve its SUV lineup, offering Indian consumers cutting-edge technology, robust performance, and enhanced sustainability.
Meanwhile, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said its sales increased 22 per cent year-on-year to 30,864 units in May. The company’s wholesales to dealers in the domestic market stood at 29,280 units last month while exports were at 1,584 units.
In May 2024, TKM had sold a total of 25,273 units.
“With the onset of monsoon and forecasts indicating a normal to above-normal season, we remain optimistic about improved market sentiment in the coming months, particularly across rural and semi-urban regions,” Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, said in a statement.
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