When Toyota showed the C-HR Prologue to the public a year ago, it was hard to imagine that we were facing an almost serial copy: the second-generation C-HR presented today differs only in mirrors (the widespread transition to outdoor cameras is being postponed, and this is even for the better), a more understandable form lights and the absence of an aggressive rear diffuser. The brackets of the front LED optics, a large air intake and even Y-shaped undercuts on the sidewall are also saved – Toyota calls the new C-HR a “concept car on public roads.”
The Japanese also did not hide the rear door handles in the rear pillar, but this is the first Toyota in Europe with retractable handles: until now, such a solution could only be found on the Lexus LC 500 coupe and on the Toyota bZ3 electric sedan for the Chinese market. A “kupeobraznost” appearance gives a two-tone color. The bold design hides an exact calculation: according to Toyota marketers, for more than half of C-HR buyers (almost 100,000 cars were sold in Europe last year, according to JATO Dynamics), the main motive for buying was the appearance of the SUV.
Contrary to our expectations, C-HR has not become larger. The wheelbase remained the same (2640 mm), and the body was even a little shorter (4360 mm; -25 mm) and wider (1830 mm; +35 mm), and added 3 mm in height (up to 1558 mm). The model retained the TNGA-C platform with a MacPherson strut at the front and an independent double-lever rear, but Toyota says the suspension, brakes and electric booster have been retuned for more reckless handling.
The interior looks matured: in the center is a 12.3-inch touchscreen of the Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system (basic versions will have an 8-inch display), which supports wireless smartphone connection via the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay applications and can be updated “over the air”. The digital “tidy” is also 12.3-inch, and already in the basic configuration. You will not need to pay extra for a full set of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 electronic assistants.
The share of recycled materials compared to the first generation SUV has doubled: for example, seat upholstery fabric is made from plastic bottles, the steering wheel is upholstered in leatherette, and the front bumpers are painted in bulk. However, expensive versions, such as the welcome Premiere Edition, will still have genuine perforated leather.
The list of options for the new C-HR will include a car parker (this is still a rarity for B-segment SUVs), a panoramic roof with electrochromic glass (the rejection of the curtain saved 5 kg and added 30 mm above the riders’ heads), a JBL audio system, a head-up display, atmospheric lighting with 64 colors (a special lighting mode is also available with 24 unique shades that will change every hour) and a memory function for the driver’s seat and rear-view mirrors: the car will automatically apply the saved settings and at the same time turn on the welcome animation. The GR Sport version will also get 20-inch wheels, bucket-style front seats, a different grille design and red and black badges.
The range of power plants consists of four options, and all of them are gasoline hybrids of varying degrees of electrification, but always with a variator. The initial version of the C-HR is based on a combination of a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine (98 hp, 142 Nm) and an electric motor (70 kW, 185 Nm). Peak 140 liters. With. allow you to accelerate to “hundreds” in 9.9 s, the maximum speed is limited to 170 km / h.
Two more HEV versions have a 2.0-liter internal combustion engine (152 hp, 190 Nm) and a front electric motor with 83 kW and 206 Nm under the hood. In the all-wheel drive version of the E-Four, another electric motor (30 kW, 84 Nm) is mounted on the rear axle, but this does not change the peak power: 198 hp. With. All non-plug-in hybrids have a traction battery capacity of 0.98 kWh.
The “plug-in” C-HR is technically unified with the new Prius. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine develops 148 hp. with., and the traction motor installed on the front axle – as much as 118 kW. Peak 223 forces are available in a wide rev range, but the acceleration dynamics of the SUV is noticeably worse than that of a similar Prius: acceleration to 100 km / h takes 7.4 s (seven tenths longer than the Prius PHEV), and the maximum speed limited to 180 km/h. There are no immediate plans for all-wheel drive plug-in hybrids with an additional electric motor for the C-HR.
Panasonic’s lithium-ion traction battery has a usable capacity of 13.6 kWh, enabling a range of up to 66 km in all-electric mode. Smart electronics through the navigator can recognize “green” zones and recharge the battery in advance (three recovery modes are available, the maximum allows you to drive “in one pedal”) in order to switch to electric traction at the right time.
The compact crossover will continue to be produced in Japan, China, Turkey and Thailand. The Sakarya plant will thus become Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid manufacturer in Europe (now also producing Corolla sedans). In December this year, the site will launch a line for the production of traction batteries for plug-in hybrids, with a capacity of 75,000 batteries annually. The total investment is estimated at 317 million euros.
The European divisions of Toyota have already opened the acceptance of orders. Prices have not yet been announced (on the site you can only indicate the desired equipment and leave contacts), but we expect that the initial price will be about 35 thousand euros. The first C-HR of the second generation will arrive in local dealers in January next year.
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