Toyota has confirmed a hybrid-powered version of its compact-SUV will be on sale in Australia by the year’s end.
Unveiled in Europe this week, the refreshed Toyota C-HR is set to hit Aussie showrooms by the end of the year, now offering a hybrid-powered option.
The hybrid tech will only be available on front-wheel drive Koba variants – which make up almost half of all C-HR sales – using a new 1.8-litre petrol-electric drivetrain that’s paired to a CVT transmission.
Power figures for the C-HR Koba hybrid are yet to be confirmed, however a combined fuel consumption rating of 4.3L/100km has been touted by Toyota Australia.
Aside from the hybrid option, the updated C-HR also gets new LED headlights (previously only available on flagship Koba models) and taillights, new alloy wheels and an updated infotainment unit to now include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a larger 8.0-inch display and improved functionality.
Since it launched in Australia in 2017, the small-SUV has been offered with one engine option – a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine – in a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
Toyota hopes the new powertrain will help boost C-HR sales as it falls behind the likes of the Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Kona – none of which offer a hybrid option.
Full pricing and specifications for the updated Toyota C-HR will be announced closer to its arrival in December.