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2020 Toyota C-HR: Hybrid confirmed for December

Toyota has revealed the refreshed C-HR crossover for the 2020 model year.


The local division has confirmed both a hybrid option and a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available in Australia before the end of the year.

Scheduled to arrive in local showrooms in December, the updated C-HR sports new LED headlights and tail-lights, and a 'new-generation' 8.0-inch multimedia head unit with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, features that have previously been unavailable for our market since the C-HR's 2016 launch.

Unlike the Corolla and Camry, which pretty much offer a hybrid option for every trim level, the C-HR Hybrid in Australia will be limited to the top-spec Koba grade, and will be exclusively front-wheel drive. The company is still yet to confirm pricing, though we expect the electrified variant will command a $1500-2000 premium compared to the current petrol only Koba 2WD (from $33,290).

According to Toyota Australia, the front-driven C-HR Koba makes up "nearly half of all C-HR sales" in Australia, hence the decision to prioritise that trim level. It's also worth noting that Toyota has been dealing with supply issues for its boldly-styled crossover since launch, which may have also contributed to this.

The powertrain in question is a 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid system that's familiar from both the Corolla and Prius, which makes a combined 91kW of power – Toyota tends to not quote system torque figures for its hybrid models.

According to Toyota, the C-HR Koba hybrid will use just 4.3L/100km on the combined cycle, with a CVT automatic fitted as standard. By comparison, the 1.2-litre turbo petrol model claims to use 6.4L/100km.

"We now offer hybrid power in some of our most popular models including Camry, Corolla hatch, Prius and RAV4, and its addition to C-HR will further broaden its appeal," said Sean Hanley, vice president for sales and marketing at Toyota Australia.

"Our customers are demanding an alternative powertrain that delivers strong performance, refinement and low fuel consumption, and hybrid answers that need."

"And clearly it's something our customers appreciate with hybrid accounting for nearly 45 per cent of Camry sales, 40 per cent of Corolla hatch sales and nearly 40 per cent of new RAV4 sales over the past three months," Hanley added.

Rounding out the 2020 changes are the aforementioned LED headlight and tail-light units, along with new alloy wheel designs.

The wider C-HR range in Australia will continue to be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which makes 85kW at 5600rpm and 185Nm between 1500 and 4000rpm. Drive is sent to the front or all four wheels via a standard CVT automatic – it appears the price-leading six-speed manual option will be dropped with the upgraded range.

Sales for the Toyota C-HR are already on the rise in Australia, with VFACTS figures showing 10.8 per cent growth in August 2019 (to 855 units) and 2.0 per cent year-to-date (to 6327 units) as of the end of the same month.

Full pricing and specifications for the 2020 Toyota C-HR line-up will be released closer to its December launch. 

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