2017 Toyota C-HR arrives in New Year
Toyota’s all-new compact-SUV arrives in the new year with designer looks, hybrid technology and three trim levels
Early in 2017, Toyota will launch its all-new compact-SUV, the C-HR, to take on the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar and Skoda Yeti. That’s a daunting array of talented rivals so the C-HR is going to have its work cut out.
Well, firstly to help it stand out in this company, the C-HR gets catwalk designer looks. There's exaggerated wheel arches to give it an off-roading presence, it has sharply designed and swept back headlights, a black contrasting roof (in Dynamic trim), hidden rear door handles and heavily contoured and creased surfaces.
Inside, there's a clean, stylish but simple dash, although, the infotainment screen that protrudes from the top, does look a little ungainly and out of place.
Developed on the Toyota's new global architecture platform, with the lowest centre of gravity in its class, Toyota aims to give the C-HR a reputation for good handling, design, safety and visibility. It gets front an all-wheel drive, which uses an electro-magnetic controlled coupling.
The C-HR utilises Toyota’s famed 1.8-litre hybrid technology which lineups alongside an entry-level 1.2-litre petrol engine that develops 114bhp and gets from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds while returning 47.9mpg.
It'll be available with a six-speed manual or CVT automatic gearboxes, the latter of which is can be selected with all-wheel drive.
Coming from the Prius, the 1.8-litre hybrid develops 120bhp, returns 74.3mpg and emits just 86g/km of CO2, again it is available with a six-speed manual or CVT automatic and all-wheel drive.
At launch the C-HR is being offered in three trim levels; Icon, Excel and Dynamic. Icon trim gets 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone air-con, touchscreen infotainment system, automatic wipers and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
Excel trim adds 18in alloy wheels, sat nav, part-leather seats of which the front are heated, keyless entry, parking sensors, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist.
Top-spec Dynamic trim adds a black contrasting roof, LED headlights and privacy glass.
Standard safety kit for all models includes; pre-collision warning and autonomous braking; lane departure warning; traffic sign recognition; and high-beam assist. It also comes with a five-year 100,000-mile warranty.
Prices start at £20,995 when the C-HR is launched in January 2017.
