ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE SECOND GENERATION TOYOTA C-HR

You can’t fail to recognise the Toyota C-HR, the compact crossover from Toyota, with edgy design and now it has received a makeover.

Excellent handling and of course destinctive design, have made it a firm favourite and in its first year of production in 2016, European sales topped the 100,000 mark. Its self-charging hybrid power train also secured it the lowest emissions in the C-SUV segment. The success story has been sustained, and today more than 400,000 Europeans drive a C-HR.

Hybrid versions have been by far the most popular, accounting for eight in every 10 C-HR sold, and to build on C-HR’s customer appeal and sales momentum, Toyota is now introducing a second, more powerful hybrid system to the power train range. Dynamic performance has been further improved and refinements have been made to the exterior and interior design. An upgraded HMI introduces the latest Toyota multimedia technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration functions. The new C-HR is unique in its class in giving customers the choice of two different hybrids. The already well established, 120bhp 1.8-litre hybrid system remains in the range, but with its eco performance enhanced by an upgrade to a lithium-ion high-voltage battery; CO2 emissions start from 86g/km (NEDC correlated data)/109g/km (WLTP data). The additional powertrain is a new two litre system that produces 182bhp, with CO2 emissions from 92g/km (NEDC correlated data)/119g/km (WLTP data). Looking at performance, the more powerful unit takes 11 seconds from rest to reach 100kph (62mph), almost three seconds faster than the smaller unit. In addition to greater power and higher efficiency, the two litre hybrid versions benefit from uprated suspension and improved noise and vibration countermeasures.

The new C-HR’s exterior design retains the car’s distinctive, coupe-like lines that make it a stand-out model both in the Toyota range and the C-SUV segment. Subtle changes have been made to the front and rear to add simplicity and refinement, and the headlamp and rear light clusters have been reconfigured with the latest LED technology. On board, already noted, 2019 multimedia system allows for full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; this also enables over-the-air map updates for the navigation system.

The Toyota engineers scrutinised every element in the vehicle capable of generating noise and vibration, leading to improvements in 11 key locations. Carefully placed seals, noise insulation and absorption pads further reduce the level of disturbing sounds entering the cabin and the engine installation actively suppresses engine surging, while engine bay insulation contains other sounds. The same attention to detail has been applied to suppressing the rolling noise produced by the tyres.

A more serene cabin, even at higher speeds, allowing driver and passengers to enjoy conversations, music or simple silence, something which often disappoints in the modern car. Safety is paramount and priority has been given to achieving the highest standards of active and passive safety. Toyota’s new platforms and vehicle designs target the exacting standards set by the world’s leading independent crash test programmes, supported by the advanced performance of the functions and systems of Toyota Safety Sense which is fitted as standard across the entire new C-HR range.
The package includes a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with steering control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist. Excel etc.
The uprated C-HR is set to attract even more customers, it’s a vehicle which appeals to all ages and one which has lots of on road presence.

Ian Lynas