Articles by Jack Quick

GAC to launch with feature-packed small SUV

Toyota has released more details about the coming all-electric HiLux BEV ahead of its Australian launch in the first half of 2026.

Toyota has locked in yet another battery electric vehicle (BEV) for Australia.The Japanese carmaker has confirmed it’ll launch the new C-HR+ during 2027.No further details have been confirmed just yet.This forthcoming addition to the local Toyota BEV line-up follows the announcement of the HiLux BEV dual-cab ute, which is set to arrive locally in the first half of 2026.The C-HR+ will also follow after the introduction of the updated bZ4X which is due in December 2025, and the larger bZ4X Touring due in the first half of 2026.This new electric C-HR+ will sit alongside the existing C-HR hybrid line-up, offering people who want a smaller Toyota SUV an electric offering.The Toyota C-HR+ was first revealed in Europe in March 2025. It’s built on the same e-TNGA platform as the bZ4X and bZ4X Touring, as well as the Subaru Solterra and Lexus RZ, among others.There is a Subaru version of the C-HR+ called the Uncharted. At this stage this car hasn’t been locked in for an Australian launch.The C-HR+ measures in at 4520mm long, 1870mm wide and 1595mm tall, with a 2750mm wheelbase. This makes it around 160mm longer than the C-HR hybrid, despite the two SUVs sharing similar designs.Globally there are two electric powertrain configurations and two batteries available.The entry-level model has a single, front-mounted electric motor that produces 123kW and is fed by a 57.7kWh battery pack.There’s also a larger 77kWh battery pack available in the front-wheel drive version, which bumps the power output up to 165kW.At the top of the line-up is a dual-motor, all-wheel drive set-up with a total system output of 252kW. Toyota claims this model can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds.Depending on the trim level, the C-HR+ has a claimed electric range of up to 600km, according to WLTP testing.11kW AC charging is available as standard on most models, however 22kW AC charging is available on certain higher-trim models. 150kW DC fast-charging is offered across the line-up.

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