Here it is folks! Making its global debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Toyota has unveiled the long-awaited production car based on the C-HR Concept.
Showing the new face of Toyota, its dramatic styling looks like it is ready to make a powerful presence in the crossover market and since it’s a Toyota, we’re pretty sure it’s going to be a big hit when it arrives in Malaysia. UMW Toyota, please?
The production version C-HR retains similar attributes to the concept car that attracted so much public attention in Paris in 2014 and in Frankfurt in 2015. It features a body that is shaped like a diamond with wheel arches projecting prominently at all four corners to emphasise the new crossover’s strength and rigidity. The C-HR’s modulated structure combines the powerful lower body and raised ground clearance with the slim and sleek cabin profile of a coupe.
The Toyota C-HR will be available with 3 choices of powertrains including their latest-generation 1.8 hybrid power plant from the latest generation Toyota Prius. Delivering 122 hp, the new hybrid powertrain is more efficient and lighter, and offers sharper performance than the previous system. With CO2 emissions of less than 90g/km, Toyota says, the C-HR is “unrivalled within its segment”.
Alternatively, the Toyota C-HR is available with the new 115 hp 1.2 litre turbo engine, which debuted in the Auris. It comes with the choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a Continuously Variable automatic Transmission system, which is developed to meet expectations in response & direct feel for European people familiar with manual and automatic gearboxes. The CVT is available in front-wheel or 4-wheel drive versions.
And finally, a 2-litre CVT-only model will be available for certain markets.
With its low centre of gravity and multi-link rear suspension, the new TNGA-based platform has formed an ideal starting point from which to ensure that all of the features of the chassis could be designed to obtain an immediate and natural response to the driver’s actions.
In particular, steering has been designed to be perfectly linear which, together with the optimum limitation of rolling motion, gives the Toyota C-HR remarkable driving precision for a crossover. Limiting body movement, which generally affects tall cars in particular, also has a direct influence on comfort. Even on often battered roads, the car remains remarkably composed and accurate, adding to the confidence and joy of driving.
In terms of safety, the C-HR will be equipped with technology usually reserved for higher segments. The Toyota Safety Sense system that will be offered as standard on C-HR includes a Pre-Collision system, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist and Automatic Highbeam, as well as Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control.
The Toyota C-HR will be built at Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Turkey while the hybrid engine will be produced at Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Wales, UK.
