New Toyota C-HR hybrid revealed, Australian release date set for early 2024

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Toyota this evening revealed its second-generation C-HR small SUV, with an Australian release date fixed for the first half of 2024.

This time around, the Toyota C-HR will be offered locally only with hybrid engines – with Aussie buyers scoring a choice of 103kW 1.8-litre or 145kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder, petrol-electric hybrid drivetrains.

Later, the C-HR is widely tipped to be joined in Toyota Australia’s SUV lineup by a BZ Compact SUV model that will be slightly bigger than the hybrid C-HR – which is very similar in size to the outgoing model at 4360mm in length.

The addition of a second, more powerful and AWD-equipped hybrid engine – exclusively for the range-topping C-HR GR Sport grade – could herald a new strategy for Toyota where multiple hybrids of varying output are offered in single model grades.

It could, for instance, foreshadow the current Corolla small car lineup receiving the C-HR’s uprated 2.0-litre hybrid – as it does in Europe – to supplement the 1.8-litre hybrid shared by the two small cars.

On the C-HR front, the second-gen car evolves the lines of, but remains true to, the fastback design theme of the original model that arrived on Australian shores in 2016.

The decision to drop non-electrified, petrol-only engines was motivated by customer demand, the Japanese brand said.

“Our customers are demanding more and more hybrid models and this all-new C-HR is the first Toyota in Australia to be offered with hybrid-only powertrains,” said Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley.

The front-wheel drive (FWD) 103kW 1.8-litre hybrid will serve as the engine for the entry-level GXL and premium Koba grades. Tech changes have seen power increased from 90kW in the outgoing car, but the basic engine is the same.

Meanwhile, the C-HR GR Sport has all-wheel drive (AWD), and steps up to the same 2.0-litre hybrid found in the Corolla Cross. In C-HR application, the dual-motor hybrid system makes 145kW of combined power.

Outside, wheel sizes of up to 19 inches in diameter will be offered, while an infrared-reducing panoramic sunroof will be available. Bi-tone paint colours will be optional.

Cabin tech will include wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto presented on a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Detailed specs, fuel economy claims and prices will be released later.