The second generation Toyota C-HR makes its road debut. First contact November 17, 2023 32

In 2017 Toyota introduced the C-HR to the European market to immediate success. In about 6 years, the automaker’s crossover More than 840 thousand units were sold in Europe. Now the Toyota C-HR is evolving with a new generation that aims to be even better.

After seeing it up close at the launch, we flew to Ibiza for our first road test.

  • Exterior and interior
  • Engines
  • How are you? First contact
  • Prices
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

Let us remind you that the new Toyota C-HR it is based on the TNGA platform and measures Length 4360 mm, width 1830 mm, height 1558/1564 mm, wheelbase 2640 mm. Boot capacity is 388 liters, which drops to 310 liters in the PHEV version, but won’t arrive until early 2024. Compared to the model it replaces, it is 3 cm wider and 3 cm shorter.

In the new generation, Toyota has further refined the design of its crossover, adding lines that reflect the lines of the C-HR Prologue concept, which the company unveiled at the end of 2022. The appearance is characterized by the presence of a front end called HAMMERHEAD, which includes Full LED headlights integrated into the direction indicators, arrow-shaped.

However, at the rear we see a full-length light strip, within which the model name lights up. The two-tone color scheme, characterized by a contrasting black roof, also emphasizes the shape of the new crossover. The new C-HR can also be purchased with two-tone coloring+ which goes even further by extending the contrasting black color to the rear of the car. At the rear, we also see a rear window spoiler that doubles on the sides. Retractable door handles.

For interiorToyota has taken a big step forward improvement in perceived quality. In fact, inside we find more soft-touch surfaces. Not a single one was missing 64-color ambient lighting system which is also used to highlight warnings issued by Safe Exit Assist and Proactive Driving Assist.

An important leap forward also in terms of technology. In fact, behind the steering wheel we find digital instruments that can count on a 12.3-inch screen that can be customized according to the driver’s preferences. There are 4 themes and 3 watch face layouts available.

This is also new infotainment system. The tested vehicles had 12.3″ touch display. However, in the base trims we see a smaller 8-inch screen. Readability is very good, the panel is bright, the information is easy to read under any lighting conditions. It’s a shame I wasn’t able to test it thoroughly, but the program seemed responsive without any glitches. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wireless) is present.

Let’s talk about it now place on board. How are things on the new Toyota C-HR? Compared to the previous generation, a step forward has been taken. This, of course, is felt well from the front. There’s all the space you need, even if you’re over 180cm tall. Rear visibility is still limited. There was an improvement, but it was very small. It’s always better to rely on the rear camera when maneuvering.

For rear seats, access requires a minimum of attention, especially if you are tall. Actually the mouth is a little small. Even when seated, there is still legroom and headroom for two adults over 180cm tall. To limit the claustrophobic effect of the previous generation rear seats, the larger glass area and the large panoramic glass roof (offered as an option) help to brighten the interior. It’s a pity that there are no vents for air conditioning.

ENGINES

As far as we know, the Toyota C-HR is for the first time in Europe. it will be offered with a plug-in engine. However, it will initially be available in 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre Full Hybrid-Electric (HEV) variants.

Feature: Available as a 2-liter Full Hybrid model. even with all-wheel drive thanks to the presence of a small electric motor at the rear. Toyota emphasizes that this version was not created to provide special off-road capabilities. In this case, in fact, all-wheel drive is present only to improve driving dynamics.

Toyota C-HR Full hybrid 1.8 l.

  • 4-cylinder petrol engine with 72 kW/98 hp. and a torque of 142 Nm.
  • Electric motor 70 kW/94 hp and a torque of 185 Nm.
  • Total power 103 kW/140 hp.
  • Maximum speed: 170 km/h
  • 0-100 km/h 9.9 seconds

Toyota C-HR Full Hybrid 2.0L.

  • 4-cylinder petrol engine with 112 kW/152 hp. and a torque of 190 Nm.
  • Electric motor 83 kW/111 hp. and a torque of 206 Nm.
  • Total power 145 kW/197 hp.
  • Maximum speed: 180 km/h
  • 0-100 km/h 8.1 seconds

Toyota C-HR Full Hybrid 2.0L (AWD-i)

  • 4-cylinder petrol engine with 112 kW/152 hp. and a torque of 190 Nm.
  • Electric motor 83 kW/111 hp. and a torque of 206 Nm.
  • Rear electric motor 30 kW/41 hp. and a torque of 84 Nm.
  • Total power 145 kW/197 hp.
  • Maximum speed: 180 km/h
  • 0-100 km/h 7.9 seconds

Toyota C-HR Plug-in 2.0 l.

  • 4-cylinder petrol engine with 112 kW/152 hp. and a torque of 190 Nm.
  • Electric motor 120 kW/163 hp and a torque of 208 Nm.
  • Total power 164 kW/223 hp.
  • Maximum speed: 180 km/h
  • 0-100 km/h 7.4 seconds
  • Electric range: 66 km (13.8 kWh battery)
HOW ARE YOU? FIRST CONTACT

The morning of the test drive in Ibiza did not start very well: the climate was more like that of the Po Valley, with rain and temperatures around 15 degrees. For the test I started driving the car 1.8 Full Hybrid, which Toyota expects to be the best-selling version in Europe..

This power unit makes do with a small amount of gasoline. On a route of approximately 70 km through urban, state and some hilly sections the final consumption was 4.6 liters per 100 km.. The electrical part intervenes more than before, in favor of consumption and overall comfort.

You notice a lot while driving acoustic comfortThis is a sign that Toyota has done very well from this point of view. When driving with a small amount of gasoline, transmission noise, even in endothermic mode, is very minimal. When you press the gas pedal, that “scooter” effect of the transmission occurs, which has always distinguished Toyota hybrid models. Thankfully, it’s less aggressive on the new C-HR than in the past. Moreover, already in its latest models, such as the Corolla, Toyota has significantly improved this aspect.

On the road, the C-HR rides pleasantly and absorbs bumps well. The car tends to understeer somewhat, especially during sharp turns. However, it must be said that we drove it on wet surfaces and some of the internal roads on the island were a bit slippery as they were not in perfect condition.

The steering is linear and the braking system is very good, precise and never drags. The 1.8 Full Hybrid engine doesn’t offer much performance, but at the end of the day it was designed to be efficient and low in consumption. Unfortunately, during this trip it was not possible to properly test the ADAS systems. However, the system used to control the driver’s attention seems too aggressive. It doesn’t take much to make it work. The system, which acoustically warns when speed limits are exceeded, is also too aggressive. However, it can be deactivated.

Around lunchtime the day improved and the Sun appeared again. At that moment it was an opportunity to take a new trip, but with a 2-liter full hybrid equipped with all-wheel drive. Compared to the 1.8, you’ll immediately notice more dynamics without sacrificing fuel consumption, given that this transmission is also very efficient. The route in this case was much shorter, but sufficient to appreciate the greater accuracy of driving the car. Thus, a version that allows you to have more fun when cornering. However, Toyota estimates that this variant will account for only 10% of sales of the new C-HR.

PRICES

The new Toyota C-HR can be purchased at Active, Trend ECO, Trend, Lounge, GR SPORT, Lounge Premiere and GR SPORT Premiere trim levels. How much does the new Toyota C-HR cost in Italy? THAT Prices they start at €35,700 for the 1.8 HEV Active and go up to €51,900 for the 2.0 PHEV GR SPORT Premiere.

During the launch period, the entire range of the new Toyota C-HR is eligible for a €3,750 discount for trade-in or recycling and Toyota Easy Next financing. The manufacturer also adds that version 2.0 PHEV in the Trend ECO configuration falls under the eco-bonus parameters for electric vehicles.


Author: Filippo Vendrame

Source: HD Motori

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