Toyota appears to be close to confirming a release date for the BZ Compact SUV in Australia, with the fully-electric small SUV firming for a possible local launch in 2024.
The BZ Compact SUV, pictured in this article, is a small to midsize SUV that will use a dedicated EV platform. It is marginally larger than the next-generation C-HR small SUV that will has been partially revealed by way of a Prologue concept.
Toyota has confirmed that it is considering bringing the production version of the BZ Concept to Australia
Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the small SUV could become one of the three electric vehicles the brand has confirmed will launch in Australia by 2026.
“One of the EVs we expect to examine closely will be based on the stunning BZ Compact SUV concept revealed in November,” he said.
The first of the trio to arrive will be the RAV4-sized BZ4X crossover, which has been given a release date of Q4 2023.
The BZ Compact SUV you see here is a late stage prototype
Presently a late-stage concept, the BZ Compact SUV uses a different platform to the second-gen C-HR, but the two cars are likely to share very similar styling cues.
While the next C-HR is likely to be offered in petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the BZ Compact SUV would be fully-electric only.
The BZ Compact SUV concept measures 4538mm in length, making it similar in size to a Volkswagen Tiguan or Volvo XC40.
The BZ3 sedan could interest Australia’s many Camry buyers
What other EVs could come to Australia?
Toyota has confirmed that it will launch 30 EVs by 2030 for the global audience, giving the local division a wide variety of options to pick from for introduction.
Although currently reserved for China only, the Corolla-sedan-sized BZ3 could present an alluring option given the rampant local popularity of the Camry Hybrid.
Late last year, Toyota also unveiled an EV concept based on the Hilux, which could help fill a growing appetite for electric utes in Australia.