Fitted with the latest-generation hybrid system, including a 1.8-liter engine, the C-HR has CO₂ emissions of less than 90 g/km. Delivering 122 DIN hp, this new hybrid powertrain is more efficient and lighter, and offers sharper performance than the previous system.

Detailed design changes to the engine have resulted in a thermal efficiency of 40%—top performance for a gasoline unit. Other hybrid system components have been made lighter and smaller, and have been repositioned for optimum packaging, further contributing to the car’s lower center of gravity.

Alternatively, the Toyota C-HR is available with the new 115 DIN hp/85 kW 1.2 liter turbo engine, which made its debut in the Auris. It comes with the choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a Continuously Variable automatic Transmission system, which is developed to meet expectations in response & direct feel for people familiar with manual and automatic gearboxes. The CVT is available in front-wheel or 4-wheel drive versions. And finally, a 2-liter CVT-only model will be available for certain markets.

Dynamics. The design and development of the Toyota C-HR chassis received the full attention of the Chief Engineer Hiroyuki Koba, himself a keen driver. From the very outset of the project, he travelled thousands of kilometers along European roads in order to understand not only the requirements of the road network, but also the way that Europeans drive.

I have noticed, for example, that Europeans have a much more fluid driving style, based on a more acute observation of traffic They avoid obstacles simply by adapting their trajectory and speed and will focus to carry on speed aiming for efficient progress, while elsewhere in the world the preferred approach is very often to stop. This has prompted us to work with our European team on driving precision in all aspects of the vehicle. We wanted to achieve performance on a par with a good C-segment hatchback.

—Hiroyuki Koba

With its low center of gravity and multi-link rear suspension, the new TNGA-based platform has formed an sound starting point from which to ensure that all of the features of the chassis could be designed to obtain an immediate and natural response to the driver’s actions. Chief Engineer Hiroyuki Koba has been engaged in each key dynamic assessment and decision, assuring that his vision “Response, Linearity and Consistency” fully came to life.

In particular, steering has been designed to be perfectly linear which, together with the optimum limitation of rolling motion, gives the Toyota C-HR remarkable driving precision for a crossover. Limiting body movement, which generally affects tall cars in particular, also has a direct influence on comfort.

In line with Toyota’s strategy to democratize advanced safety equipment, the C-HR will be equipped with technology usually reserved for higher segments. The Toyota Safety Sense system that will be offered as standard on C-HR includes a Pre-Collision system, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist and Automatic Highbeam, as well as Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Production. The Toyota C-HR will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMMT) in Sakarya, Turkey. This marks the first time a hybrid-powered vehicle has been produced in the country, and falls within the scope of Toyota Motor Europe’s Greater Europe manufacturing and sales operations.

This will be TME’s third hybrid vehicle production plant in Europe, together with Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (Yaris Hybrid) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in Burnaston, Derbyshire (Auris Hybrid and Auris Hybrid Touring Sport). The hybrid engine is to be produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK’s engine plant in Deeside, Wales.