Next-generation 2024 Toyota C-HR powers up

The second-generation Toyota C-HR is expected to arrive in Australia in March or April 2024 armed with a new 145kW petrol-electric hybrid flagship drivetrain and a pricing challenge.

While the original C-HR was built for Australia in Japan, the new generation – which made its world premiere in June will come from Turkey, meaning the imposition of a five per cent import tariff as well as increased shipping costs.

“Don’t worry about that, it’s my worry,” Toyota Australia sales and marketing director Sean Hanley deflected when asked about C-HR pricing by carsales.

“We always try to bring the car at the most competitive price.”

Hanley was speaking to media at a preview of a new model showcase for dealers and Toyota Australian employees this week in Melbourne, which also featured the new Prado, the new four-cylinder LandCruiser 70 Series and the HiLux EV concept that was sprung being shipped into Australia from Thailand earlier this month.

Hanley was much happier to spruik the features of the new C-HR range, which will include a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain for the flagship GR Sport, which will also upgrade from front- to all-wheel drive.

The other new C-HR variant confirmed at the showcase, the Koba, will continue with the 1.8-litre hybrid drivetrain and front-wheel drive. Hanley said “most of the range” would retain this drivetrain combination.

The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine offered with the current C-HR will no longer be available.

The current C-HR range is priced from $31,715-$37,965, but new Toyota model introductions have brought with them significant price increases in recent years.

In his introduction to the new C-HR, Hanley said it was an example of “Toyota’s diverse options that give customers affordable and practical options to accelerate the pace of CO2 reduction”.

However, a plug-in hybrid C-HR that will be offered overseas with the capability of extended zero emissions is not expected to be offered here any time soon.

“It’s not on our radar right now but we’ve never ruled it [PHEV] out,” said Hanley.

In Europe, the 1.8-litre hybrid C-HR drivetrain is rated at 103kW, the 2.0-litre hybrid 145kW and the front-wheel drive PHEV 164kW.

The current 1.8-litre hybrid C-HR, which is now in run-out in Australia, makes 90kW and the 1.2 85kW.

“Designed, engineered and built in Europe, the new C-HR will set a striking visual contrast to conventional SUVs,” said Hanley.

“Importantly the new model introduces greater use of recycled and animal-free materials while weight-saving measures and new production processes help reduce overall carbon emissions.

“Compared to its predecessor the new car has double the content of recycled plastics used in more than 100 different parts.”

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