‘Super coupe’ profile
Toyota NZ has unveiled the pricing of its the all-new C-HR, which has been designed and built in Europe.
It brings a higher level of refinement to the model, which has been a strong seller in the compact SUV market since first introduced.
In-line with customer preference and in keeping with the marque’s policy to cut tailpipe carbon emissions from its portfolio by 46 per cent by 2030, the new C-HR is only available in hybrid powertrains.
For performance enthusiasts, there will be an upgraded GR Sport version with a larger engine and E-Four all-wheel-drive system.
Pricing for the new C-HR starts at $45,990 for the GX 1.8-litre hybrid with front-wheel drive. The GXL will retail for $49,990, the C-HR Limited for $52,990 and the GR Sport with a two-litre hybrid powertrain starts at $55,990.
Steve Prangnell, Toyota NZ’s vice-president of new vehicles, says that in Limited guise, the new C-HR is arguably the most luxurious new passenger vehicle available from the marque in this country.
“It’s quite different from the first generation. It has sophisticated styling with coupe-like lines, which are accentuated by a sharp new two-tone paint option for the Limited and GR Sport. The interior has been redesigned with a European look.”
The C-HR first “broke the mould” of SUV design with its slanting rear and aggressive face in 2017. The new model is rendered more sharply with its “super coupe” profile.
The frontal treatment presents the new face for Toyota’s SUVs, also seen on the all-electric bZ4X due to arrive in early 2024.
The new model is marginally shorter and wider than the current one for a sporty and planted stance on the road, and that’s enhanced by its profile, short overhangs and alloys.
With a combined maximum power output of 103kW, the new 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain offers almost 15 per cent more power than the current hybrid version. All variants include a fifth-generation HEV system with a lithium-ion battery. The C-HR can tow 725kg braked or unbraked.
While the new powertrains help to improve fuel economy and reduce tailpipe emissions, the new C-HR also features other measures to help cut its carbon footprint. Compared to its predecessor, it has double the content of recycled plastics, which are used in more than 100 different parts.
The GR Sport version has received more power with its two-litre engine matched to the HEV system for a total of 145kW and sits on 19-inch gloss-black alloy. Inside, the GR Sport has synthetic leather and suede seat material with an embossed GR logo on front seat headrest and red stitching.
First stock units of the new C-HR will arrive in New Zealand in the first quarter of next year. Registrations of interest are now open.
