The 2nd generation Toyota C-HR has been shown and the first hybrid version is for Europe.
The Toyota C-HR was a modest success in Malaysia, but UMW Toyota Motor decided to pull it from the market in favour of the more value-oriented and spacious Corolla Cross. The C-HR continued to be sold in other markets, such as Japan and Europe where it ate up rival HR-V and XV sales. Now a 2nd generation C-HR has been unveiled for the European market and you guessed it, it’s electrified.
Styling on the 2nd generation C-HR is as dramatic as ever with sharp-edges, a striking coupé silhouette and Toyota’s current ‘hammerhead’ style DRL. It also features a unique two-tone design and flush door handles. This time around with most of the design cues actually being previewed on a ‘prologue’ concept model. A lot of features were ‘hidden’ by design, including the cameras, radar, and headlight washers. The new C-HR was designed to be more Euro-centric in flavour with 20″ wheels and short overhandgs. For now, order taking is open in Europe only.
Inside, all controls are aligned towards the driver’s zone with a “wing” design theme that wraps the cabin around the rest of the passengers. Toyota have designed a special ‘welcome scenario’ for the new C-HR whereby the exterior lights brighten, the seat goes into position and the driver’s preferred digital settings are applied as they approach the vehicle. A digital key system will be made available for using the vehicle with just a smartphone.
Inside, there’s a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster available with sharp graphics and customisability. An 8″ or 12.3″ infotainment system can be optioned with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Owners can use the MyT smartphone app to remotely control certain vehicle functions, including fully remote parking. 64-colour ambient lighting is available with cool or warm lighting and direct or indirect lighting options.
The latest Toyota Safety Sense systems make it to the new C-HR with future system software updates downloadable over-the-air. Enhanced Acceleration Suppression, Proactive Driving Assist, Steering Assist, Lane Change Assist with Front Cross Traffic Alert are highlights. A ‘Safe Exit Assist’ system warns the occupants of rear incoming traffic or cyclist when there’s an attempt to open the door.
The new C-HR uses double the amount of recycled plastics in more than 100 different parts. This includes the fabric for the seat upholstery. New pre-coloured resin for the bumpers saves hundreds of tonnes of CO2 while new water-based paints and animal-free materials are used on the C-HR as well.
For Europe, four electrified powertrains are being offered:
- 1.8L HEV
- 2.0L HEV
- 2.0L HEV with intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i(
- 2.0L PHEV
The 1.8L Hybrid is not the same as the one on the outgoing C-HR Hybrid but instead comes from the new Corolla family with significantly more power. The PHEV options have lots of EV-like capabilities, such as Regeneration Boost one pedal driving. In addition, they can switch to pure electric driving when they detect they’re in low-emissions zones.
At launch, there will be two special Premiere Edition models:
- GR Sport Premiere Edition
- GR Styling Details and badging
- G-Mesh grille
- Unique 20″ alloy wheels
- Liquid Black ornamentation on centre console
- sports front seats with GR Logo on headrests
- Precious Silver exterior body colour with contrast black (signature colour)
- Heads-Up Display and JBL audio system optioned
- High Premiere Edition
- Sulphur exterior body colour (signature colour)
- perforated leather seats with contrast Sulphur stitching
- Heads-Up Display and panoramic roof optioned
