Toyota launches new model in move into growing sector

By Gerry Murphy

Toyota are entering the growing C crossover segment and have released details of their new C-HR. They believe that it gives the brand a powerful new model intended to spearhead a new movement within its segment.

Designed to stand out both within the Toyota line-up and in its segment, the new C-HR – or Coupé High-Rider – with its coupe-like lines has been created to stand-out in the Toyota range, and to establish a new direction amongst mid-sized crossovers.

Pre-sales will begin throughout Europe in September, with the first deliveries to customers before the end of the year. Positioned between the Auris TS and the RAV4, C-HR targets upwards of 100,000 annual European sales.

A new departure for Toyota, the interior styling reflects a warm, welcoming ambiance of an airy, expansive cabin space was created by the seamless layered architecture of the instrument panel that continues through to the door trim with a stylish ornamentation and a piano black panel. It offers a contrast between sensual surfacing and crisp lines to deliver a fresh, yet comfortable environment.

All operating switchgear, and an 8” display audio touch-screen featuring a redesigned and improved HMI (Human Machine Interface) with Toyota’s Multi-Media ’16 navigation platform and enhanced connected services are slightly oriented towards the driver an a unique new two-tiered front seat design combines a slender, sporting upper section with a more strongly bolstered and supportive lower area.

Toyota also tell us that the C-HR can be equipped with a wide variety of features and advanced safety equipment, such as Toyota Safety Sense standard across the range. The system includes a Pre-Collision System (including Pedestrian Recognition), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with steering control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist (Road Sign Assist is not available on the entry grade).

Fitted with the latest-generation hybrid power plant, the C-HR generates CO2 emissions as low as 85 g/km – a figure unrivalled within its segment – and returns combined fuel consumption of only 3.7 l/100 km.

The C-HR will also be available with a new 1.2 litre turbo engine, which debuted in the Auris. Delivering 85 kW/116 DIN hp and 185 Nm of torque, this unit generates CO2 emission from 128 g/km and returns combined fuel consumption of from 5.7 l/100 km. It may be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a Continuously Variable Transmission. CVT equipped versions are available with either front- or all-wheel drive.