Marque to boost SUV range
Toyota New Zealand has announced two new EVs are set to bolster its line-up in autumn – the new bZ4X Touring and an upgraded bZ4X.
The Touring variant has been designed with New Zealand lifestyles in mind and combines “rugged practicality with refined design”.
Meanwhile, the marque’s first battery-electric SUV, the bZ4X, has been re-engineered to deliver more than 100km extra range than the previous generation and additional power.
The bZ4X Touring is 140mm longer and 20mm taller than the standard model and offers an increase in cargo space.
Toyota has also maximised the space-saving potential of its BEV powertrain to avoid intrusion into the cabin or boot.
Inside, a new centre console makes it easy to use digital devices, complemented by a modern instrument panel and a 14-inch multimedia screen as standard.
Andrew Davis, Toyota NZ chief strategic officer, says the bZ4X Touring is ideal for the New Zealand market where AWD wagons and SUVs have proved popular over the years.
“Kiwi families love a spacious SUV that fits the kids, the dog, the sports gear – and everything else for a skiing weekend or summer holiday,” he adds.
“With more boot space than the bZ4X and an impressive battery range, the bZ4X Touring is built for the New Zealand family lifestyle.”
The new-generation bZ4X introduces a high-capacity 74.7kWh battery, boosting range up to 591km for the Pure grade and 517km for the Motion grade when tested under WLTP standards.
As for torque, the Pure grade now delivers 167kW and the Motion moves from 160kW in the previous model to 255kW.
The upgraded battery and power output increases the AWD Motion grade’s braked tow rating to 1,500kg, up from 750kg in the previous model.
Tatsuya Ishikawa, Toyota NZ chief executive, worked on the development of the bZ4X before moving to New Zealand and says the upgrades deliver valuable improvements for customers.
The exterior and interior of the car have also been improved “with sleeker, more cohesive design elements” to give the bZ4X a modern, premium look.
The Pure grade features 18-inch alloys with a black and grey metallic aero cover, while the Motion grade has 20-inch black and machine-finished alloys and a black metallic aero cover for added sophistication.
Pricing starts from $56,990.
