Two hybrid systems available from launch, but one will pack warm-hatch power levels and come with AWD
The second-generation 2024 Toyota C-HR has officially broken cover after first images of the all-new compact SUV were leaked earlier today, and is now confirmed for the Australian market with the choice of two hybrid powertrains and three trim levels.
Due on sale here in the first half of year, the new Toyota C-HR looks almost identical to the Toyota Prologue concept seen late last year, albeit with physical wing mirrors, more traditional tail-lights and an even more lurid two-tone paint scheme for the top grade.
The new model is 30mm longer from end to end than its predecessor (4360mm versus 4390mm) but 35mm wider (1830mm v 1795mm) and rides on an identical 2640mm wheelbase.
The three grades on offer will be the familiar GXL, Koba and GR Sport trims, with the former two being motivated by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain good for a combined 103kW – marking a peak power increase of 13kW over the outgoing C-HR hybrid.
If that’s not good enough for you, the GR Sport will finally be able to back up its angrier looks and more athletic interior with more performance, thanks to its new 145kW 2.0-litre petrol-electric system pinched from the bigger and more conservatively-styled Corolla Cross.
The extra pep is provided by the combination of more capacity, a gutsier front motor and the addition of a secondary motor on the rear axle, which gifts the flagship variant with all-wheel drive – a first for the C-HR.
Both systems draw current from a 4.08Ah lithium-ion battery pack, but Toyota is yet to nominate a claimed fuel consumption or emissions figure for either.
Inside the cabin you’ll find a chunky new interior aesthetic headlined by a new 12.3-inch infotainment system sporting smartphone mirroring, a stubby new electronic gear selector, semi-segregated driver and passenger modules and, for the GR Sport at least, a digital instrument cluster.
The new model also features roughly double the amount of recycled plastics in its cabin compared to its forebearer, while the new panoramic roof – where applicable – features “infra-red reducing coatings” to negate the need of a sunshade and thereby improve headroom by 30mm.
Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations vice-president Sean Hanley said the C-HR had established a loyal following Down Under and that the new model stepped this up in just about every respect.
“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,” he said.
“At the same time, it also delivers the extensive safety, distinctive style and premium features they want from a contemporary SUV.”
More details of the extroverted Japanese high-rider will be revealed in the lead-up to its local launch next year, but it’s fair to assume there’ll be a considerable increase in the C-HR’s entry price given the omission of purely internal combustion powertrains.
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Keyword: All-new 2024 Toyota C-HR SUV breaks cover – officially