The second-generation C-HR, which replaces the first-generation model that arrived in 2016, has been formally unveiled by Toyota. The all-new compact crossover, which was first previewed as the C-HR Prologue last year, follows in the footsteps of its predecessor by having a bold exterior design.
With a revised front end that is evocative of the bZ4X and most recent Prius, the production C-HR stays very much true to the Prologue. Along with a sizable lower intake that houses the fog lamps, the hammerhead face, which Toyota claims offers “a sense of the car being ready to surge forward,” has interlocking shapes and a piercing appearance.
The C-shaped LED daytime running lights, which are distinguished by dashed light bars placed above the primary headlamps’ lighting components, are another eye-catching feature. The company refers to this shape as a “super-coupe” and claims that the C-HR is the first Toyota model to include flush door handles. The C-HR is available with colorful two-paint schemes, wheel sizes that range up to 20 inches, and diamond-cut character lines on its sides for even more visual appeal.
At the back, the roof spoiler is visually connected to the full-width taillights via sharply raked windows. The model name is illuminated immediately above the Toyota badge on the sculpted tailgate. There isn’t much further down than a sizable, black trim piece with rough edges.
With dimensions of 4,360 mm long, 1,830 mm broad, and between 1,558 and 1,564 mm height (depending on the version), the latest C-HR is 35 mm wider than the previous generation model. The car is constructed on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), with the same 2,640 mm wheelbase.
The inside features a driver-focused cockpit with a pronounced line that runs along the front edge of the dashboard and into the door cards. The living room’s asymmetrical armrest and turbine-style air vents are both interesting design features. The CH-R has a center touchscreen that is either eight or 12.3 inches diagonally in size, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The touchscreen is connected to the Toyota Smart Connect infotainment system, which provides an onboard voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as vehicle telematics via the MyT smartphone app. You won’t need to fumble with the touchscreen to make adjustments because there is also a dedicated digital panel for the autonomous climate system.
A head-up display, a 64-color ambient lighting system, a panoramic roof, a JBL premium audio system, and a number of driver assistance technologies under the Toyota Safety Sense are other technological features available. The Safety Sense suite includes Automatic High-Beam System (AEB), Lane Change Assist with Front Cross Traffic Alert, Proactive Driving Assist, Steering Assist, Acceleration Suppression, and a Driver Monitor Camera.
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The C-HR will only be available with electrified powertrains, including two hybrids, in Europe. The first system has a 1.8L four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 97 hp and 142 Nm of torque. For a total system output of 138 hp (103 kW), an electric motor with a rating of 94 hp (70 kW) and 185 Nm is added.
Meanwhile, the other hybrid setup has a 2.0L NA four-cylinder engine that produces 150 hp of power and 190 Nm of torque. It also has an electric motor that produces 111 hp (83 kW) and 206 Nm, giving it a total system output of 206 Nm.
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The Toyota E-Four system, an all-wheel drive option for the 2.0L hybrid, adds a rear electric motor with 40 hp (30 kW) and 84 Nm, increasing the system’s overall output to 196 hp (146 kW). Both hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have lithium-ion batteries with a 4.08 Ah energy capacity.
A 2.0L plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system with 220 hp (164 kW) is also available. The C-HR PHEV can travel up to 66 kilometers on pure electricity with a completely charged battery. According to Toyota’s press statement, “all performance data are provisional prior to homologation,” and the company will provide the precise specifications at a later time.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com