Toyota is now gearing up for the release of its first hybrid C-crossover, the C-HR, which will hit Arnold Clark branches in January 2017.
The C-HR stunned attendees at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, where its aggressive styling and bold design simply couldn’t be ignored.
As we come ever closer to its official UK launch, we take a look at everything you can expect from this game-changing car.
Style that stands out
This C-HR gives a powerful visual statement with notable design accents such as muscular wheel arches, bi-tone roof, diamond-like design language, elongated headlights and pronounced rear lamp clusters.
From any angle, the C-HR commands attention.
SUV, coupé? Both?
‘With the Toyota C-HR, we are trying to introduce a new value into the C-crossover market. But we’re not trying to make an SUV that’s dynamic; rather, a dynamic vehicle with SUV-like properties.’ Kazuhiko Isawa, Chief Designer
The C-HR has all of the trademarks of an SUV – large wheels, powerful wheel arches and crossover rocker panel among others. However, its profile belies a coupé-like cabin.
With slim A-pillars, ‘floating roof’ design and hidden rear door handles, the C-HR keeps you guessing.
Boot space
Boot space in the C-HR is around 370 litres, depending on whether or not you opt for the spare wheel instead of a puncture sealant kit. The spare wheel will reduce some of your boot capacity, but it does give you a flat load lip, which makes moving items in and out much easier.
Interior features
Taking centre stage as you relax in the C-HR’s plush leather seats is the 8-inch infotainment screen, which is poised at a slightly jaunty angle amid a ribbon-like trim, which appears to be draped across the dash.
Toyota explains the placement of the infotainment screen in terms of improving driver visibility:
‘Because the touch-screen stands proud of the instrument panel rather than being enclosed by it, the depth of the upper dashboard is kept low, helping maintain good forward vision for the driver.’
Toyota describes the C-HR’s interior as a ‘new departure’ into ‘Sensual Tech’ design, which combines high-tech features with fashionable styling. This is most evident in the consistency between the exterior shape and the speaker grilles, tweeter shape and even the instrument dials, which all feature the same diamond cluster-like motif.
An audio haven
It would be unthinkable to drive a car as dramatic as the C-HR and not have a suitable soundtrack to match. But don’t worry – Toyota’s got you covered.
Toyota has teamed up with JBL to produce a powerful audio system that has been tailor-made for the C-HR.
Every single interior design element has been developed with achieving the utmost audio quality in mind, from the body structure to the placement of the sunroof and the choice of upholstery.
The set-up consists of a 576-watt stereo amplifier and nine speakers, including two horn tweeters.
Hybrid powertrain
The hybrid system used in the C-HR is completely new to Toyota.
In comparison with the previous system, the new one is lighter and smaller and also better positioned. All of these factors contribute to the car’s low centre of gravity.
Fitted with the latest hybrid power plant, you can enjoy best-in-class CO2 emissions.
Engine options
The C-HR offers two engine options, both of which balance performance and efficiency beautifully.
The range-topping option in the line-up is a UK-built full hybrid engine. This 1.8-litre petrol engine with electric motor delivers 114 bhp and generates CO2 emissions as low as 85 g/km while achieving 76.3 mpg.
If you’re not quite ready to take the hybrid plunge, the C-HR is also available with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, the very same as can be found in the new Auris. With 114bhp, this unit has CO2 emissions of 135 g/km, meaning it’ll cost £130 per year in road tax.
There is no diesel option for the C-HR.
Colours
There will be nine exterior colour options to choose from, although some are exclusive to certain trim levels or ‘grades’. These are: Tokyo Red, Nebula Blue, Eclipse Black, Tyrol Silver, Havana Brown, Solid White, White Pearl, Metal Stream and Decuma Grey.
You can choose from three colourways for the interior of your C-HR; grey, black/blue or black/brown.
Dimensions
- Length: 4350mm
- Width: 1795mm
- Height: 1565mm (hybrid = 1555)
- Wheelbase: 2640mm
- Turning circle: 1.4 metres
Price and availability
The exact price of the C-HR is still to be revealed, but the UK release date has been confirmed for January 2017.
We will be accepting pre-orders of the C-HR from 1st October 2016 at all of our Toyota branches.
If you’d like us to keep you up to date with all upcoming C-HR news, just fill out our enquiry form below.