Toyota Global has been busy in recent months with back-to-back new model releases like the Prius, Grand Highlander, Tacoma, Lexus GS and Lexus LX. While most of the new generations are for full-size crossovers / SUVs, Toyota was also working and developing their entry-level compact utility vehicle, like a Toyota C-HR. Multiple explanations have been for the abbreviations C-HR, Compact High Rider, and sometimes Cross Hatch Run-about. The Toyota C-HR has been seen on Pakistani roads as well, obviously in the shape of an import.
Anyways, this sub-compact crossover utility vehicle was first introduced back in 2016, and it was available across various global markets. In December 2022, Toyota showcased a concept model and called it the C-HR Prologue concept, but today Toyota Europe officially revealed the production version. The 2nd generation is designed by the Toyota Europe Design Development team, which Toyota also calls ED², a facility with experts stationed in France. C-HR’s European success forced Toyota to keep the 2nd generation development in Europe.
Exterior
So, looking at the new version, it’s more of an evolutionary design based on the first generation and that was also evident from the concept before launch. The exterior of C-HR was always subjective, and the same applies to the new generation as it kept its radial styling, but this time, it’s more streamlined, smoother, and less angular.
The couple-like profile remains, although the front is following the new design language we also noticed for the new Prius, Crown, and Toyota’s EV model bz4X. There is a new frontal illumination with slim DRLs while implementing matric LED on the headlight.
On the side profile, multiple character lines can be seen with big wheel arches, and don’t be mistaken; even 20″ wheels are available on this compact vehicle. Flush door handles are also new, while the rear door handle is now moved to the more conventual door panel instead of the C-Pillar location as it was on the previous generation.
The rear end has also gone through an update with a new bumper and taillights, which, like most of the other new Toyota models, is a full-width slim enclosure. Overall, as per Toyota, the new model’s exterior is more aerodynamically efficient. The C-HR will be available with a basic single-color exterior or contrasting roof.
The Exact dimensions are unavailable, but it is believed to be 171.6″ long, 72″ wide, and has a wheelbase of 104″. This means the new model might be marginally bigger than the previous generation. The new model has a lower center of gravity and uses an improved TNGA-C platform, which it shares with models like the 12th-gen Corolla, the new Prius, Corolla Cross.
Interior of New Toyota CH-R
While the exterior might be an evolutionary approach, the interior is revolutionary for C-HR. The new layout gives a premium look with all sorts of features and equipment and higher quality of fit and finish. The top versions get a fully digital 12.3″ instrument panel, while another 12.3″ is an infotainment screen. Wireless smartphone charging and Apple car play or Android Auto are also standard. Basic versions will get an 8″ media screen.
Depending upon the version, a full panoramic roof is fixed and doesn’t open. The glass has a special coating to reduce infrared rays and keep the interior cabin cooler in the summer. There is no typical glass shade for panoramic glass, and instead, there will be an electro-chromatic glass system that can convert to opaque to stop the transfer of light.
This has been done to increase the headroom, which increases by a little over 1″, and saves around 5 kg of weight. As for seats, more modern and sportier looking with microfiber suede + partial leather upholstery is also an option. 64-color ambient lighting with programmable 24 shades, which changes automatically from day to night.
These ambient lightings are also dynamic and function alongside the Toyota safety sense, which alerts the driver with red blinking of ambient lighting in the Safe Exit Assist system, basically alerts the driver while opening the door if the system detects any cyclist or vehicle approaching from the rear. The new C-HR is also offered with a digital key, and a fully automatic parking function while you can also park with the help of your smartphone app.
C-HR will also be available with heads- up display as well as JBL premium sound system. The interior also uses more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Recycled plastic is used in more than 100 different parts, which includes the seating surface. An animal-free; leather material is also used for the steering wheel. The bumpers of C-HR also use a new resin material that is pre-colored and saves hundreds of tons of carbon footprint by eliminating the conventional paint process.
Mechanicals
As for mechanicals, the new C-HR has an all-new option and almost mimics the new Prius. There are 4 powertrains to choose from, and all are Hybrid, while Toyota’s E-CVT ( Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) is standard across the board.
The base model gets a 1.8L Hybrid with 138HP. Then there is a 2L hybrid making 194HP. The third variant is a 2L hybrid, but this version is with AWD-i, which is basically an AWD variant and uses an electric traction motor on the rear axle.
The 4th variant is the most powerful, a 2L PHEV/Plugin Hybrid, which makes 223HP. This model can touch 100 in 7.3 seconds, as per Toyota. When fully charged, the Plugin Hybrid uses a 13.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, when fully charged, can cover a distance of 66 kilometers in EV mode under ideal conditions.
The Plugin version also uses a geofencing feature that will automatically detect the low emission zones using the navigation system and switch to EV, obviously if there is enough battery charge. As for other mechanicals, not much is known, but Toyota mentioned much-improved suspension, handling, and steering response.
Safety in New Toyota CH-R
The new C-HR comes equipped with frontal, side, and curtain airbags and the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of active safety & driver assistance systems. The standard safety feature includes; Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beam, Blind Spot Monitoring, Panoramic View Monitor (360 view Camera), Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The new C-HR is open for reservation in Europe and will be available in multiple variants, including a GR. The GR is more aesthetics and will be available for the Plugin variant and will utilize a unique front grill, seats, and emblems on the interior and exterior. The base model C-HR starts at around $38,200 in Europe, and for now, the assembly is exclusive to Toyota manufacturing in Turkey.
So, what are your thoughts on the new C-HR? Tell us in the comments section.
Its front bumper is better looking than Toyota Crown, and the rear looks better than current model.