TOYOTA Australia has confirmed the second-generation C-HR small SUV will probably be provided completely with a hybrid powertrain when the mannequin goes on sale domestically within the first half of 2024.
Turning into Toyota’s first hybrid-only mannequin in Australia since its pioneering Prius was axed from this market virtually a 12 months in the past, the new-generation compact crossover is not going to carry over the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine provided in present Australian-market C-HR variants.
The Japanese importer says the choice displays its dedication to decreasing the carbon footprint of its autos whereas additionally reacting to an ever-increasing stage of buyer demand for hybrid-powered fashions.
In 2022, Australian prospects bought a report 72,815 electrified Toyota autos, representing 31.5 per cent of the model’s general gross sales. That proportion is predicted to hit 50 per cent by 2025, Toyota says.
Nevertheless, it isn’t as if Toyota’s Australian outpost has a alternative; globally, the C-HR will probably be provided completely with petrol-electric hybrid energy, with a plug-in hybrid electrical variant additionally out there in markets exterior of Australia. Toyota has stated it is not going to provide the PHEV variant domestically.
Toyota’s daringly styled C-HR is known to intently mimic the design cues of the not too long ago outed Prologue idea (pictured). Toyota stated beforehand that its new small-segment SUV will probably be extra spacious than earlier than, the longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs maximising cabin house to assist tackle criticism of the outgoing model’s claustrophobic cabin.
Manufacturing of the C-HR is once more tipped to happen in China, Japan, Thailand and Turkey.
Talking on the idea mannequin’s latest debut, Toyota Australia vp of gross sales, advertising and marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, stated Toyota stays dedicated to promoting the brand new C-HR alongside the not too long ago launched and extra conservatively styled Corolla Cross.
“The present C-HR was embraced by prospects for its daring styling and distinctive small SUV packaging, and the idea imaginative and prescient for the following technology C-HR takes that to a good larger stage,” he stated.
“We’re trying ahead to the reveal of the ultimate manufacturing model and introducing it to the Australian market within the coming years.”
The present C-HR – priced from $30,915 plus on-road prices – has been one of many extra common entrants within the 22-strong sub-$40K small SUV phase.
Yr-to-date figures revealed by the FCAI present Toyota has offered 733 examples of the C-HR to the tip of February (for a 3.8 per cent phase share), seeing it place exterior the all-important prime 10.
The class during which the C-HR competes is presently topped by the Chinese language-made MG ZS with 3889 unit gross sales and a 20.4 per cent phase share.
MG’s ZS sits atop the Mitsubishi ASX (1738 items), GWM Haval Jolion (1688 items), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (1394 items), Hyundai Kona (1280 items), Nissan Qashqai (1253 items), Subaru XV (1160 items), Mazda CX-30 (1142 items), Kia Seltos (1079 items) and Toyota Corolla Cross (1039 items).
Toyota says extra particulars in regards to the new-generation C-HR will probably be revealed nearer to its native introduction within the first half of 2024.
