New sourcing point for second generation of popular compact crossover.

FOUR grades, two electric-assisted drivetrain choices, the more powerful of those in all-wheel-drive while the rest are front-drive …. pricing from $45,990 to $56,990.

That’s the Toyota New Zealand gameplay revealed today in respect to the second-generation C-HR small compact crossover.

Formatting in GX, GXL, Limited (pictured) and GR Sport provisions, the model builds on predecessor that has been with us since 2017 by delivering more radical styling and more advanced technology.

However, in respect to drivetrain development, the switch to hybrid-only power is not as advanced as has occurred elsewhere. 

In the primary right-hook export market, the United Kingdom, the mild - aka self-recharging - hybrids here are topped by a mains-feeding plug-in petrol-electric choice.

Don’t hit the showroom yet in expectation of a close inspection. Though the new model unveiled internationally in June, first units are not set to get here in the first quarter of next year. 

While Japan was the production point for the outgoing car, the newcomer has a lot further to travel, as Toyota has determined a plant in Turkey will be the primary maker. 

That’s a new sourcing point for Toyota New Zealand, which is steers clear of pinpointing - saying just that the car is “designed and built in Europe.” It has taken cars from Germany, France and the United Kingdom before.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey has been operating since 1994, with Corolla/Auris being its primary product before now. It is one of Toyota’s biggest plants in Europe and, with an annual product of 280,000 units, is also one of Turkey’s bigger manufacturing sites. 

The cheapest choice is the GX, with the GXL siting $4000 higher, followed by the C-HR Limited for $52,990. All of those run a 1.8 litre hybrid with front wheel drive.

The GR Sport, with a 2-litre hybrid powertrain and AWD, is priced at $55,990; two tone paint is a $1000 option on this derivative and the Limited.

The smaller capacity unit is a four-cylinder that develops developing 72kW/142Nm in isolation. The electric motor presents an optimal 70kW/185Nm. Overall power output is claimed to be 103kW. 

The GR Sport marries a 112kW/190Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (112kW/190Nm) and two electric motors (83kW front, 30kW rear), driving all four wheels and producing up to 145kW combined.

Commenting in his last days before retirement, TNZ vice president Steve Prangnell has suggested the Limited is “the most luxurious new passenger vehicle available from Toyota in New Zealand.”

“The interior has been completely redesigned with a European look and feel that takes the C-HR up and above its rivals,” he says.

The car presents a frontal styling that will also come to Toyota’s first full electric, the bZ4X, that is set to land early next year. The GR Sport has performance-themed styling enhancements, but done lite - a sports steering wheel, some special seat trims, red stitching and some logos.

The new C-HR is marginally shorter and wider than the current model and runs 17, 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels. It can tow, but only light loads: 725kg braked or unbraked.

In addition to low CO2 outputs, the exact levels yet to be shared,. the car runs more recycled plastics than its predecessor. These are used in more than 100 different parts.

The model Toyota Safety Sense system adds motorcycle detection to the pre-collision system as well as a driver monitor camera. Automatic high beam is present on the GX, upgrading to adaptive high-beam for all other grades. 

Toyota is doing all it can to inhibit drivers making poor reversing decisions. ’Toyota teammate’ - what the brand calls a parking assist - panoramic view monitor, parking support brake with rear-cross traffic auto braking are included on all grades. A blind spot monitor with safe exit assist is also added.