Toyota has added a new powertrain and enhanced its C-HR Hybrid SUV with a new multimedia system, dynamic improvements and a smattering of new design features. With more power and technology as standard, Toyota is hoping to build on the car's established popularity, with it already taking 8.3 per cent of sales in a competitive market segment.
The biggest change that Toyota is implementing with the new C-HR is the option of a more powerful version of its twin hybrid powertrain. Complementing the existing 1.8-litre, 120bhp hybrid setup will be a 2.0-litre, 182bhp hybrid, a powertrain it shares with the new Corolla Hybrid. It offers a significant increase in punch for a very small increase in emissions – with the 2.0-litre option rated at 92g/km vs the 1.8-litre's 86g/km on the NEDC test (118g/km and 109g/km on the WLTP test respectively).
Inside the C-HR Hybrid, buyers get a new level of connectivity thanks to an upgraded multimedia system. It integrates fully with smartphones and offers the latest generation of in-car entertainment stalwarts – Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers will be able to hear the music they're streaming better, as the car has been upgraded to lower the amount of cabin noise whilst on the move. Ensuring that those venturing abroad don't get lost, the navigation option automatically updates to ensure that owners are always using the latest version of European road maps.
As well as the extra 62bhp of poke from the 2.0-litre, Toyota has tuned the car for a more engaging driving experience. This consists of a newly calibrated electronic power steering system which offers better feel, and revised suspension design which Toyota promises will not only maintain the car's suppleness, but also sharpen its handling characteristics.
The Toyota C-HR Hybrid has never exactly been a car that blends into the background in the looks department, with its high waistline and angular shapes helping it to stand out from the small SUV crowd. This hasn't stopped Toyota gently breathing on the car's visuals.
Up front there's a new, painted lower lip to help broaden the car's visual appearance. New LED headlamps work with the car's daytime running lights when lit, and at the back there are new combi lights which are connected via a gloss black spoiler.
These upgrades do come at a cost, however. For a base-spec Icon model, customers will have to fork out £25,625 which is almost £3200 more than the pre-facelift car. Design, Excel and Dynamic trim levels are all available with either the 1.8 or 2.0-litre powertrains, whilst the “Orange Edition” (pictured) tops out the line-up.
The order books for the new Toyota C-HR Hybrid are open, with deliveries expected before the year's out.
Related Articles...
