Toyota has taken the wraps off the new, stylish, premium C-HR SUV ahead of its Australian launch in the first half of 2024. Building on the first generation, with its bold, sophisticated looks, and hybrid powertrains, the GR Sport variant becomes the range topping offering.
Marginally shorter and wider than the current model, giving it a striking, sporty and planted stance on the road, its look is further enhanced by its coupe-like profile, short overhangs and up to 19-inch alloy wheels.
Remaining true to the styling cues seen on the C-HR Prologue Concept, the bold front end presents a new face for Toyota SUVs, designed to deliver a strong emotive appeal. It features interlocking shapes and enhances the diamond-cut character lines along the car.
A “concealed tech” approach – including flush door handles, a first for Toyota – provides a smooth, seamless aesthetic and optimum aerodynamics. The new C-HR will be offered with a choice of three grades – GXL, Koba and top-of-the-range GR Sport.
The new GR Sport builds on the previous model and will be offered exclusively with all-wheel drive (AWD), making it the first time Toyota has had a hybrid AWD variant in the C-HR line-up.
As the range-leader, its 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain – with front and rear electric motors – generates a combined maximum power of 145kW. The 2WD GXL and Koba models will be powered by the latest generation 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain.
With a combined maximum power output of 103kW, the latter powertrain offers almost 15 per cent more power than the current version. Both fifth generation hybrid powertrains benefit from redesigned key components to reduce size and weight.
These include a new transaxle and PCU, and a more powerful high-voltage battery to provide an optimal balance of performance and fuel economy. The new C-HR also features a number of other innovations and measures to help reduce its carbon footprint.
Compared to its predecessor, the new generation C-HR has double the content of recycled plastics – used in more than 100 different parts – including a new fabric for the seat upholstery made from recycled PET bottles.
A new panoramic roof design featuring infra-red reducing coatings to help maintain the interior at more even temperatures means there is no need for a conventional sunshade either, saving 5kg in weight and improving headroom by 30mm.
Inside, the premium quality design provides supreme comfort and advanced technology, including a fully digital instrument cluster (depending on the grade), and Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay via a 12.3-inch multimedia unit.
Further details and Australian specifications will be released closer to the launch of the 2024 Toyota C-HR.
