Toyota C-HR was the carmaker's first subcompact crossover launched in Europe after it pioneered the compact SUV segment with the RAV4. The second generation builds on the success of the C-HR with three hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion systems and new intelligent features.
The C-HR was the first Toyota model in a long time that aimed to make people's hearts beat faster. Often criticized for its bland design, the Japanese carmaker went in the opposite direction with the C-HR. For some Toyota customers, myself included, this was a little too much, but that didn't mean that the crossover wasn't successful. The styling was the main reason for purchase for more than half of customers, and the C-HR became Toyota's best-performing model for conquest sales.
The Japanese carmaker wants this fortunate chain of events to continue, and the second-generation model kept the con-conformist attitude while pushing the boundaries with a more mature design. The new Toyota C-HR looks almost exactly like the Prologue concept unveiled last December, retaining the coupe-like silhouette of its predecessor. Toyota claims that C-HR's striking design is also aerodynamically efficient, with airflow optimizations throughout.
The interior marks an improvement, with finer materials and a modern cockpit. All control elements are concentrated in the driver's zone, with a new 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel. This can be programmed to display various information, with three pre-set layouts that can be personalized using the switches on the steering wheel.
You can order the new C-HR with the Toyota Smart Connect multimedia package, featuring an 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The system offers wireless smartphone connection using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can offer EV range information and local charging locations for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants.
Photo: Toyota
Toyota offers three electrified powertrains, with 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter hybrid versions and a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid. The latter will also be available with the intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i) option. All powertrains are part of Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid technology, with a new transaxle and power control unit (PCU) and a more powerful high-voltage battery.
The plug-in hybrid variant features a one-pedal driving feature and automatic drive mode selection to optimize energy efficiency. The new geofencing feature allows the new Toyota C-HR to automatically switch to EV operation when entering a low-emission zone. The car can optimize battery usage across the entire trip when using the navigation system, and sufficient battery charge is available.
All versions of the 2024 Toyota C-HR come with the latest Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance technology. Toyota promises to offer improvements and new features via future over-the-air software updates. The standard package features Acceleration Suppression to reduce the risk of collision with a vehicle ahead and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), providing smooth deceleration when the driver comes off the throttle when approaching a slower vehicle ahead.
A more advanced package includes features such as Lane Change Assist with Front Cross Traffic Alert, a Driver Monitoring Camera, and an Automatic High-Beam System with camera control to adjust the light distribution. The new Toyota C-HR can also automatically follow the vehicle ahead in a stop-start traffic jam where local regulations permit. The reservations for the new model are open, with two special Premiere Editions available to order: GR Sport Premiere Edition and High Premiere Edition.
After his childhood dream of becoming a "tractor operator" didn't pan out, Cristian turned to journalism, first in print and later moving to online media. His top interests are electric vehicles and new energy solutions. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News