A plug-in hybrid places above the carryover, but pepped mild hybrid - there’s more tech and an eye-catching new look.

MILD hybrid is no longer enough for Toyota’s funky C-HR - the new generation unveiled internationally today is headed by a flagship that feeds off the mains.

The plug-in system marries a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery that can provide 66 kilometres of pure electric driving range and can fully recharge in 2.5 hours via a 7kW AC charger.

The cited output of 166kW makes this edition the most powerful version of the C-HR - shorthand for ‘compact high rider’ - but it’s delivering oomph with Green intent, with Toyota claiming CO2 emissions of 19g grams per kilometre on the WLTP cycle. Potential is that this drivetrain will restrict to he new-generation of the current GR Sport flagship.

Regular hybrid versions of the C-HR will continue. The range starts with a 1.8-litre version and a 70kW electric motor to provide a total output of 134kW.

That marks an increase in performance over the 1.8-litre hybrid familiar to Kiwis while reducing CO2 emissions. That unit use a 72kW/142Nm 1.8 litre petrol engine, and with a motor chiming in peak output is 90kW.

Alongside the 1.8 Hybrid, Toyota has a 2.0-litre version with a power output of 147kW while still matching the combined fuel consumption of the 1.8 Hybrid at 4.8-5.0 litres/100km. CO2 output lifts to 107g/km.

In some markets the 2.0-litre editions paired with an additional electric motor on the rear axle to create an all-wheel-drive transmission that Toyota calls AWD-i. The system provides added traction when pulling away and driving on slippery surfaces.

Under the all-new skin the suspension, steering and brakes have come in for a redesign and have been retuned to enhance the car's poise and ride comfort.

Interest starts with the styling drama, of course. The car clearly remains true to the C-HR Prologue concept unveiled last year and is also dimensionally similar to the current car; slightly shorter but with the same wheelbase.

The two-tone paint scheme seen on the prototype will carry intro production - if that doesn’t appeal, there are solid finishes as well - and the biggest wheel size is a whopping 20-incher.

Those distinctive C-shaped headlights link with the gloss black section that wraps around the lower bumper to frame the grille; it’s the same ‘hammerhead’ look shared with the latest latest Prius, but there’s no chance of showroom level confusion as the latter isn’t set for NZ sale.

The back end shape is defined by aerodynamics - hence why there’s rear window wiper. The airflow coming over the roof and through the spoiler is deemed enough to keep the rear glass free of rain.

A light bar spans almost the full width of the rear, with the central section containing the Toyota C-HR logo, illuminating in red when the car is unlocked.

Flush-fitting door handles pop out when the car is unlocked, and the front doors have a sharp triangular design in the sheet metal.

The interior goes big on digitalisation and uses ambient lighting. Thin illumination strips run across the dashboard fascia and into the doors, with 64 colours available. The ambient lighting also has a function, such as alerting occupants when opening the door if the sensors detect approaching cyclists or pedestrians, for example. In the case of the HEV, it can also show the car's charging status.

Most versions will feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with easy-to-read graphics.

Supplementing this unit is a head-up display that projects all of the essential information into the direct sight of the driver. On the centre stack will be either an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch (depending on specification grade) touchscreen infotainment system. Both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto avail, as will a wireless charging pad. There are still physical buttons and controls for the most frequently used functions.

A fixed panoramic glass roof avails, with low-emissive and infrared-reducing coatings to eliminate the need for a separate sunshade blind.

Toyota New Zealand has yet to offer comment, however the company website continues to show the current car as holding ongoing availability. Toyota in Australia is planning to release the model in the first half of 2024.