Latest news with #Legender
India Today
5 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
2025 Toyota Legender mild-hybrid review, first drive: Is this the most fuel-efficient Fortuner yet?
The Toyota Fortuner doesn't need an introduction. It's been India's default big SUV for nearly two decades. Simply put, it's tough, dependable, and immune to trends. While rivals have come and gone (some quietly, some not), the Fortuner has only grown stronger in numbers and street cred. But for all its dominance, there's one thing it's never been known for is efficiency. Until now. Spot the difference? No point, it's exactly the same as before. advertisementToyota has added a 48V mild-hybrid system to the Fortuner's 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine and slapped on the 'Neo Drive' tagname. It's not the kind of hybrid that lets you coast in silence or drive on electric power. This is more subtle. Think smoother engine starts, torque assist at low speeds, and marginally better fuel economy. So, is this mild-hybrid Fortuner the smarter choice? Or just a clever badge and a small bump in numbers?Does it look any different? Any new features?Not at all, honestly, you'll be hard-pressed to find any differences. The only thing that sets both the Legender and Fortuner apart is a badge that reads 'Neo Drive' at the back. That's it. The colours, alloy wheels, and design language are identical. The tired old cliche of 'if it ain't broken...', sits perfectly with the Fortuner. I'd say it's a poster child for it. The cabin layout remains the same, albeit with some minor changes. On the inside, there's now a wireless charger, which was missing from the Fortuner, but was already part of the Legender's feature list. There's also a 360-degree camera added to the mix, which will be extremely helpful given the dimensions. There's also the smart start-stop function, and there's an airbag indicator on the dash, which is also new. There are a total of six different settings to choose from that vary according to four-wheel-drive modes. One of the prominent changes on the inside is the multi-terrain modes, which differ according to the four-wheel drive modes. For example, L4 gets rock, mud, sand and auto. H4 gets deep snow, mud, sand, dirt and auto; while H2 has a choice between sport, normal and eco. However, Toyota has removed the ventilated seats, and there's still no sunroof in it feel different to drive?Before discussing the driving experience, it's essential to understand the components of the 48V infrastructure. Right up front, the alternator has been replaced with a 48V motor generator; essentially, it acts as an assist to the engine and generator to recover energy during deceleration. It also works as a starter motor during engine restart and is connected to the serpentine belt. Under the passenger seat sits the DC-DC converter, which is there to convert high-voltage DC 48V electricity to standard DC 12V electricity, which then supplies power to charge the 12V auxiliary battery. That brings us to the 48V lithium-ion battery, which sits between the second and third row, and stores electrical energy recovered during braking and deceleration or regenerative braking. It also supplies power to the motor generator during acceleration and start-stop operations. FYI, the motor power is rated 8.5kW or 11.5bhp, and the warranty of the 48V battery pack remains the same as the standard warranty of the car (three years/one lakh kilometres). That familiar display between the dials has a new addition for the 48V system. Net result? Acceleration from a standstill feels more spirited, and roll-ons also feel smoother. That distinct clatter of the diesel mill also feels more refined, and the whole experience made the Fortuner, or Legender in my case, more finely distilled. It's still a sledgehammer of a car, one that will do its job well, just like it before this update. But now, the sledgehammer's handle has a comfortable cover on it. There's a neat readout on the tiny LCD in the middle of the two analogue dials displaying the charge going back into the batteries when decelerating, and that does feel odd at first, coupled with this big, burly SUV. The smart start-stop system is also fairly aggressive. I must say, it works well, given the size of the motor. We didn't get a chance to test out the multiple terrain modes on offer, which differ between L4, H4 and H2. This is still the same Fortuner that many have come to love, just with a few mindful upgrades. advertisementAlthough Toyota officials claim that this 48V setup will aid off-roading to some extent. There's also no change to the water wading capacity, which still sits at 700mm. One thing that did feel a bit odd was the spongy feel from the brakes, but that could've been because of the brake testing at the track earlier. Most importantly, Toyota states that this new mild-hybrid variant will give 43km more than the standard equivalent variant. It's important to note that there are no changes to power or torque figures, and it still sits at 204bhp and 500Nm. In the long run, with that extra price that one pays, one should be able to recover that money. Overall, the driving experience isn't very different from Fortuner or Legender before this, but these subtle and mindful updates make an already well-rounded proper SUV even speak about price first. The Toyota Fortuner 4x4 AT Neo Drive costs Rs 44.72 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Legender costs Rs 50.09 lakh (ex-showroom). Also, these variants will replace the 4x4 AT variants available, and this will be the default choice. The price difference is about Rs 2 lakh, and that could feel like a lot. That 'Neo Drive' badge is the only change on the outside. advertisementTo me, the Fortuner is a kind of vehicle wherein people won't mind paying top dollar, simply because there's an understanding of the value Toyota brings to the table. I'd love to see a strong hybrid petrol version, and the mild-hybrid tech coming to the 4x2 variants as well. What's not to like about a more efficient Fortuner or Legender? Fuel savings FTW!Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
NDTV
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Toyota Records 5 Percent YoY Growth In June 2025 With 28,869 Unit Sales
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has announced its sales performance for the month of June, 2025. The brand recorded sales of 28,869 units in June 2025, including 26,453 in the domestic market, and 2416 units exported. which previously stood at 27,474 units in June 2024. Thus, witnessing a 5 percent YoY growth in the month. Also, Toyota recorded sales and exports of 1,74,885 units during H1 2025 (January-June 2025), which previously stood at 1,50,250 units in H1 2024, witnessing a 16 percent growth this year. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President of Toyota Kirloskar Motor's Sales-Service-Used Car Business, said- "TKM sales in the month of June 2025 was 5% higher than that of June 2024. We continue to strongly engage with our customers through after sales service support offerings and value-added offerings that are aimed at enriching their ownership experience at every step. As we move through the rest of the year, we will remain agile and focused on what our customers want and continue to serve the market effectively." Also Read: JSW MG Motor India Registers 21 Percent Sales Growth In June 2025 Also, June marked the introduction of the Fortuner and Legender in their new 'Neo Drive' avatars, featuring an advanced 48-Volt system that offers improved fuel efficiency, enhanced driving performance, and elevated comfort. The encouraging response to the new addition to our portfolio reaffirms our commitment to offering advanced mobility solutions that meet the evolving expectations of Indian consumers. To expand its offering further, TKM exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ohmium International, a leading PEM [Proton Exchange Membrane] hydrogen technology provider. Under this, both companies will assess the feasibility of integrated, Green hydrogen-driven power solutions such as the microgrid, which can be applied across diverse use cases like data centers, far-away locations sensitive to environmental restrictions, and more.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Toyota Kirloskar June sales rise 5% to 28,869 units; H1 2025 sales up 16%
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) continued its growth trajectory in June 2025, posting a 5 per cent year-on-year increase in total sales. The automaker sold 28,869 units during the month, up from 27,474 units in June 2024. This includes 26,453 units sold domestically and 2,416 units exported. For the first half of calendar year 2025, TKM recorded cumulative sales of 1,74,885 units, marking a strong 16 per cent growth compared to the 1,50,250 units sold during the same period in 2024. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President – Sales, Service & Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said 'TKM sales in June 2025 were 5 per cent higher than the same month last year. We continue to engage closely with our customers through robust after-sales support and value-added offerings designed to enrich the ownership experience. As we move ahead, our focus remains firmly on serving evolving customer needs.' A notable product milestone for the month was the introduction of the Fortuner and Legender in their new 'Neo Drive' avatars, equipped with an advanced 48-Volt system that improves fuel efficiency, driving performance, and comfort. On the corporate front, TKM also signed an MoU with Ohmium International to explore scalable green hydrogen solutions in India, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility and clean energy technologies.
India Today
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Toyota records 5% sales growth in June 2025, 16% surge in first half
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) announced a 5% growth in sales for June 2025, reaching 28,869 units compared to 27,474 units in June 2024. The growth includes 26,453 units sold domestically and 2,416 units exported. For the first half of 2025 (January–June), TKM recorded a 16% rise, with total sales of 174,885 units against 150,250 units in the same period last Wadhwa, Vice President of Sales-Service-Used Car Business at TKM, attributed the success to the company's focus on customer engagement. "TKM sales in the month of June 2025 was 5% higher than that of June 2024. We continue to strongly engage with our customers through after-sales service support offerings and value-added offerings that are aimed at enriching their ownership experience at every step. As we move through the rest of the year, we will remain agile and focused on what our customers want and continue to serve the market effectively," he said.A key highlight for June was the launch of the Fortuner and Legender in their new 'Neo Drive' variants, equipped with an advanced 48Volt system for better fuel efficiency, performance, and comfort. On the corporate front, TKM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ohmium International, a leading provider of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen technology. The partnership aims to explore scalable, green hydrogen-driven power solutions, such as microgrids, for applications like data centers and environmentally sensitive locations. More details are available at Toyota Bharat's news the safety front, the Toyota Innova Hycross has become the first MPV to receive a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP (BNCAP), the country's vehicle crash assessment programme. The Hycross also emerges as the safest three-row model tested under BNCAP to date, making it a safe choice in the MPV operates two manufacturing plants in Bidadi, Karnataka, with a combined production capacity of 342,000 units annually. The first plant, established in 1997, produces models like the Innova HyCross, Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and Legender, while the second, operational since 2010, manufactures the Camry Hybrid, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Hilux. Other models in TKM's portfolio include the Glanza, Rumion, and Urban Cruiser Taisor, with the Vellfire and LC 300 imported as Completely Built Units (CBU). Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
NDTV
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Toyota Fortuner, Legender Price Hiked For Selected Variants In India
Toyota Kirloskar Motor India has now increased the prices of two of its most popular SUVs in India- the Fortuner and the Legender. However, the price hike has been restricted to only a few variants. However, there has been no change in the equipment list and the feature pack, despite the silent price hike. The Fortuner 4x2 has received the highest hike in price. The prices of the Toyota Fortuner 4x2 have increased by Rs 68,000. Also, the Fortuner 4x2 diesel manual and automatic trims and the Fortuner 4x4 diesel manual have received a price hike of Rs 40,000. Talking about the other Toyota SUV, that is the Legender. The Legender 4x4 diesel manual and automatic trims have also received a price increase of Rs 40,000. Also Read: 2025 Audi A4 Signature Edition Launched In India At Rs 57.11 Lakh The Toyota Fortuner gets 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre diesel engines paired with six-speed manual and torque converter automatic transmissions. Also, after the price hike, the Toyota Fortuner is available at a starting price of Rs 36.05 lakh (ex-showroom) and extends up to Rs 52.34 lakh (ex-showroom). Recently, Toyota introduced the Fortuner and Legender in a new Neo Drive avatar. Equipped with an advanced 48-Volt system, the new Neo Drive Variants claim to offer improved fuel efficiency, enhanced driving performance, and a refined experience. Toyota Legender Hybrid The Toyota Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive get a 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine now paired with a 48-volt system, featuring a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. The brand claims that this hybrid assist delivers smoother low-end acceleration, quieter operation, and improved efficiency. The Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive 48V is available at Rs 44.72 lakh (ex-showroom), whereas the Legender Neo Drive 48V is priced at Rs 50.09 lakh (ex-showroom).
