A new version of Toyota’s C-HR small SUV arrives in showrooms early next year with some big changes.
The new line-up will come exclusively with hybrid power.
Built and designed in Europe, the new C-HR is much more expensive than before with a starting price of $42,990 (plus on-road costs), which is $11,000 dearer than the current cheapest C-HR.
The swoopy looking SUV will be sold alongside the more conventionally styled Corolla Cross small SUV in the brand’s local line-up. The slightly bigger and more practical Corolla Cross Hybrid is considerably cheaper starting at about $40,000 drive-away.
Toyota Australia’s head of sales and marketing Sean Hanley says the new C-HR is a more premium small SUV.
“The new C-HR brings a new level of premium luxury to the small SUV segment, blending dynamic design and strong technology with a high level of specification and low fuel consumption,” he says.
The new C-HR line-up will consist of three model grades, including the base GXL, $49,990 Koba and $54,990 GR Sport.
GXL and Koba variants use a 1.8-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to make 103kW sent to the front wheels. Toyota doesn’t quote torque figures for its hybrid systems.
The pricier GR Sport adds a bigger 2.0-litre petrol engine and a second electric motor to deliver 145kW sent to all four wheels.
Toyota says a new lithium-ion battery increases power output and reduces weight.
Inside the C-HR has all the mod cons such as a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, satnav and digital radio.
Koba and GR Sport variants have a fully digital driver’s display while the GXL grade has a mix of analog dials and a small digital information screen.
The GXL also misses out on a nine-speaker JBL stereo found in the other variants and makes do with 17-inch alloy wheels instead of 19-inch units.
Koba and GR Sport grades have a wireless device charger, power tailgate and ambient interior lighting.
The GR Sport ups the ante with faux leather and suede upholstery compared to cloth and faux suede in the Koba and cloth in the GXL.
Toyota will reveal full local specification closer to the vehicle’s launch.