Toyota’s head-turning C-HR – an SUV with striking coupe-like styling, engaging driving dynamics and advanced cabin quality – will be launched in Australia in late February 2017.
The company’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb, announcing the on-sale timing, said the C-HR is designed to stand out within the Toyota line-up and in its segment.
“C-HR takes a fresh approach with its extroverted design, powerful yet fuel-efficient turbocharged petrol engine and dynamics that reward driving enthusiasts,” Mr Cramb said.
“It is stunning proof of the determination by Toyota to encourage greater stylistic freedom and engineering creativity in order to achieve eye-catching designs and enhanced driving pleasure,” he said.
The C-HR reaps the dynamic and safety benefits of being constructed on a highly rigid Toyota New Global Architecture-based platform (TNGA).
Global chief engineer Hiroyuki Koba, a keen driver, strategically adapted the GA-C platform to confirm it met his requirements to suit the C-HR’s design and driving performance.
Mr Koba travelled thousands of kilometres in development models, particularly on European roads, to bring to life his vision of remarkable driving precision and comfort.
The GA-C platform allows for a low centre of gravity, which results in an engaging drive experience, outstanding handling and agility, and strictly controlled body roll.
As a new premium entrant, C-HR will be the first Toyota vehicle in Australia equipped with a powerful yet efficient four-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
“This impressive engine is tuned to deliver exactly the fluent, engaging driving behaviour that C-HR customers will demand,” Mr Cramb said.
“It offers performance levels equivalent to a significantly larger engine, but with lower fuel consumption and emissions.”
Turbocharging elicits engaging responsiveness and acceleration with peak torque of 185Nm available from just 1,500rpm all the way to 4,000rpm.
TNGA allows the C-HR engine to be placed low and angled slightly rearward, helping designers secure a low bonnet line as well as contributing to the low centre of gravity.
On front-drive variants, the turbo engine can be mated to another new system – C-HR’s intelligent manual transmission. It automatically increases the engine revs when moving down the gears to ensure smooth gear shifts. The system also works when shifting up, improving comfort for the driver and passengers by reducing clutch shock.
All variants, including all-wheel-drive models, can be driven through Toyota’s continuously variable transmission, which offers two modes – fully automatic with seamless shifting or a sequential seven-speed Sport mode.
Reflecting the demands of its target customer, the Toyota C-HR will be offered in Australia with two highly equipped premium grades.
Advanced driver assist safety features will be standard, including a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering control, automatic high beam and a reversing camera.
Top-of-the range customers will be able to specify heated seats, a smart entry and start system, privacy glass, leather-accented upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Australians buy more SUVs from Toyota than any other brand. Last year, Toyota set a new record by selling 59,412 SUVs – more than 18,000 vehicles ahead of its nearest rival. Toyota is the only brand to exceed 50,000 SUV sales in a year.
