SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: Two new Toyota bZ electric cars revealed

Toyota has unveiled two new production-oriented EV concepts – the 2024 Toyota bZ Sport Crossover and bZ FlexSpace – at the Shanghai motor show this week, ahead of their launch in China next year.

There is no confirmation yet whether the new electric cars will be sold in other markets, including Australia, but the chances are good given Toyota’s recent shift into a higher gear for its global EV rollout.

The 2024 Toyota bZ Sport Crossover is an all-new SUV co-developed with Chinese car-maker BYD that’s primarily designed to appeal to younger Gen Z buyers.

Looking like a sleeker update of last year’s bZ Compact SUV concept, the bZ Sport Crossover features the same ‘hammerhead shark’ nose.

Inside, there’s a yoke steering wheel, thin digital instrument panel and a curved central touch-screen.

There’s also red leather upholstery and, by the looks of it, plenty of space.

Other headline items include automatic parking and the ability to receive over-the-air software updates to continually evolve the car’s driver assist safety systems.

No details have been released on what platform the new bZ Sport Crossover sits on, but the concept is believed to be close to production.

The bZ FlexSpace concept, meanwhile, has families in its sights.

Instead of partnering with BYD, Toyota has teamed up with Guangzhou Automotive Group (GAC) to develop the more spacious SUV.

The FlexSpace is said to offer plenty of room – with a “cosy home” feeling – as well as advanced safety systems and a “reliable” cruising range.

Instead of typical digital cluster, ahead of the driver is a clear see-through screen upon which information is projected.

There’s also touch-sensitive surfaces and another transparent screen for the infotainment system.

A yoke-style steering wheel is used, along with a pair of traditional pedals, which further points to its imminent production

Again, no details on either the powertrain or the platform underpinning he bZ FlexSpace have been shared.

Toyota Australia has previously announced that it is considering at least four ‘bZ’ battery-electric models that should follow the 2023 Toyota bZ4X due on sale here late this year.

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