The Toyota C-HR has exited South Africa after some 7 years on the market, with the 2nd-gen version of this coupé-style crossover not on the cards for a local introduction…
The Toyota C-HR has officially exited South Africa, with the Japanese giant’s local division furthermore confirming to Cars.co.za that the 2nd-generation version is not planned for Mzansi.
We recently noticed that the coupé-style crossover – which arrived in South Africa back in the opening quarter of 2017, complete with a sweeping, coupé-like roofline – was no longer listed on Toyota’s local website and asked the company for comment.
“Yes, we can confirm that the C-HR has been discontinued in South Africa. This is due to the new-generation C-HR being only available in HEV [hybrid electric vehicle] and offered at a slightly higher price point compared to the current-generation model,” Toyota SA Motors told Cars.co.za.
Interestingly, the firm’s local division furthermore hinted that were the new dual-powered C-HR to be introduced to the South African market, it would be competing against hybrid versions of the strong-selling, Prospecton-built Corolla Cross.
“Following its investment in the production of Corolla Cross, available in HEV, Toyota South Africa Motors believes that this model has enjoyed great success in its segment and is pivotal in supporting Toyota sales in the passenger category,” the company added.
As a reminder, the 2nd-generation C-HR – bearing the AX20 internal model designation – was revealed in June 2023. Overseas, it’s currently offered exclusively in electrified form, available either as a standard hybrid or as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
While 430 units of the C-HR were registered in South Africa in 2023, just 94 examples were sold locally over the opening 8 months of 2024. Indeed, sales slowed to just 7 units in June, before falling further to 5 units in each of July and August. We’re guessing Toyota SA Motors stopped importing stock a few months back (in fact, from what we understand, production ended towards the close of 2023).
Back in March 2017 – the nameplate’s first full month on sale – as many as 418 units were registered in Mzansi, seeing the C-HR off to a strong start. In August 2018, the range was expanded with a new flagship derivative, before a facelifted version of the boutique crossover touched down in February 2020.
In June 2021, the top-spec Luxury grade gained fresh aesthetic and safety upgrades, while August 2022 saw yet more updates, including redesigned alloy wheels for certain variants and new exterior paint colours.
Before its removal from Toyota SA Motors’ line-up, the C-HR portfolio had comprised 4 derivatives, each employing the Japanese firm’s 85 kW/185 Nm turbocharged 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The range ran from R487 500 to R612 000.
Find a used Toyota C-HR on Cars.co.za!
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