Upcoming Toyota Fortuner Challenger Can Go 1,200 Kms In A Single Tank Of Petrol: Tech Explained!
Toyota is one of the most popular SUVs in its segment. It wouldn’t be wrong to call the Toyota Fortuner the king of the segment. Over the years, many brands have tried to challenge the Fortuner’s position with their models, but most have failed. Now, we have another SUV preparing to enter this segment - the Jetour T2 from JSW. It is a plug-in hybrid SUV, which means it is extremely efficient and, on a single tank of petrol, it can potentially deliver a combined range of around 1,200 km.
JSW announced its entry into the Indian market this year as an independent car manufacturer and tied up with Chery for the same. One of the first models that JSW plans to launch in India is the Jetour T2. What makes this SUV different from the Fortuner is its plug-in hybrid technology.
The Jetour T2 is a boxy-looking SUV which, like many Chinese models, takes design inspiration from globally popular SUVs such as the Land Rover Defender. It features a large front grille with Jetour branding, while the smoked headlamps are neatly integrated into the grille.
The bumper has a rugged design with neon green-finished faux tow hooks. The SUV also gets thick cladding around the squared wheel arches, a 360-degree camera, LED tail lamps, and more. At the rear, it features faux external hinges and a soft-close tailgate.
In terms of dimensions, the Jetour T2 measures 4,785 mm in length, 2,006 mm in width, and 1,875 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,800 mm. Compared to the Fortuner, it is slightly shorter in length but wider and taller, with a longer wheelbase.
The Jetour T2 offers a premium-looking cabin with leatherette upholstery, ventilated seats, and more. It gets a chunky steering wheel, along with a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
The highlight is the massive 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Like many modern SUVs, several controls - including AC, panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, wireless charging, and ORVM adjustments - are integrated into the touchscreen.
The SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a hybrid system and a 3-speed hybrid transmission. Globally, this setup produces up to 600 PS and 910 Nm, while a lower-spec version generates around 380 PS and 610 Nm. India is likely to get the latter.
The impressive range comes from its plug-in hybrid system, which Chery calls i-DM (Intelligent Drive Model). This system seamlessly switches between internal combustion, electric-only, and hybrid modes to maximise efficiency and performance.
The SUV gets a 26.7 kWh battery pack that offers an electric-only range of around 140 km. In city driving, it can function largely as an EV, with the petrol engine acting as a generator. At higher speeds, both the engine and electric motor work together, improving efficiency and performance while reducing engine stress.
Being a PHEV, the battery can be charged using a DC fast charger, taking around 30 minutes to go from 30 to 80 percent. This intelligent setup is what enables the claimed 1,200 km combined range.
The Jetour T2 will be offered as a CKD unit and assembled at JSW’s Maharashtra plant. It is expected to be priced in the Rs 30–40 lakh range.
The Jetour T2 is not the only plug-in hybrid SUV headed to India. Brands like MG Motor are planning to launch models based on the Wuling Starlight 560, BYD may introduce the Sealion 6 and Leopard 8 PHEVs, and Nissan is also expected to bring the Terrano PHEV to the market.