TOYOTA UNVEILS ALL-NEW PREMIUM C-HR SUV

Toyota has taken the wraps off the all-new stylish, premium C-HR SUV ahead of its Australian launch in the first half of 2024.

The all-new model builds on the original 1st generation C-HR with its bold, sophisticated styling, new generation hybrid powertrains, high levels of safety, Connected Services and convenience features, and improved driving characteristics, set to broaden its appeal.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the all-new C-HR had taken a significant step up in terms of its standout styling, performance, hybrid powertrains and premium features.

"The C-HR has drawn a loyal following among Australian buyers looking for a sharply-styled medium SUV and this all-new model takes its dynamic good looks, performance and features to a premium level befitting its European origins," Mr Hanley 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. At the same time, it also delivers the extensive safety, distinctive style and premium features they want from a contemporary SUV," he said.

The new C-HR is marginally shorter and wider than the current model giving it a striking, sporty and planted stance on the road, that 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.

The sophisticated theme of interlocking shapes is prominent in the diamond-cut character lines along the side of the vehicle, while 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 new 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 lineup.

As the range-leader, its 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain - with front and rear electric motors - generates a combined maximum power of 145kW1.

The 2WD GXL and Koba models will be powered by the latest generation 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain that provides a significant power increase compared to the current hybrid C-HR.

With a combined maximum power output of 103kW1, the new 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain offers almost 15 per cent more power than the current version.

Both these latest fifth generation hybrid powertrains benefit from redesigned key components to reduce size and weight.

These include a new transaxle and power control unit (PCU) and a more powerful high-voltage battery to provide an optimal balance of performance and fuel economy.

While the new powertrains are designed to help improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 tailpipe emissions, 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, 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), Android Auto2 and wireless Apple CarPlay3 via a 12.3inch MM unit with the latest generation multimedia system.

Along with its premium features, the new C-HR has been designed to offer greater customer personalisation with advanced Connected Services functionality, together with more advanced safety technologies for greater peace of mind.

Further details and Australian specifications will be released closer to the launch of the new Toyota C-HR.