Introducing the all-new Toyota C-HR

The new Toyota C-HR: a game-changer for Toyota in the UK

The original Toyota C-HR was a breakthrough for Toyota and the European C-SUV segment. It challenged the conventional SUV look with a bold, angular design that resembled modern sports coupes.

The all-new, next-generation Toyota C-HR raises the bar with its cutting-edge design, advanced technologies and a range of electrified hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains with more power, better driveability, and longer electric driving range. It also reaffirms Toyota’s commitment to Europe: the new model was designed in Europe with European customers in mind, and it is being produced exclusively in Europe, including the assembly of its high-voltage battery units.

A car that stands out, not fit in

The new Toyota C-HR’s stunning design follows the styling shown by the prologue model unveiled in late 2022. Its unique exterior has the impact of ‘a concept car on the road’.

Toyota’s design and aero teams worked closely together to ensure the exterior was aerodynamically efficient as well as visually striking. This has ensured optimisation of airflow over and around the vehicle in detail including the precise profiling of the front bumper and format of the rear roof spoiler. Efforts were focused on creating a seamless look with tighter shut lines and the perfect integration of features such as cameras, radar, and headlight washers with a “hidden tech” approach.

The original Toyota C-HR set a new standard in sensory quality; the new model goes further with an interior that has an even more premium and refined look and feel. All control elements are concentrated in the driver’s zone, while a horizontal instrument panel arrangement and a ‘wing’ design theme give passengers the sense of the cabin wrapping around them, enhancing the sense of comfort.

A customised in-car experience

Toyota has a tailored in-car experience that goes beyond customer expectations and acknowledges the importance of a connected ecosystem where customers can use their phone app, a touchscreen or voice commands to access a variety of functions. The goal has been to create a simple, smart and personalised experience that anticipates the user’s needs.

A welcoming scenario automatically happens as the driver gets close to their vehicle, with exterior lights getting brighter – including the new Toyota C-HR light signature on the back door. The driver’s preferred settings for (where available) seat position, digital instrument display, head-up display and multimedia screen are automatically applied.

The Toyota C-HR features a new, 12.3-inch fully digital combimeter (depending on trim grade). The graphics are crisp and the information is clearly organised and easy to read. The display can be adjusted to prioritise different content according to driver preference or the type of journey being made, for example making the active ADAS function information prominent when entering a motorway. Three pre-set layouts can be personalised using switches on the steering wheel. Quality and ease of use are enhanced by the consistent use of colours and fonts for the combimeter and the multimedia display screen.

The Toyota C-HR will have a digital key system, where the user only needs to have their phone with them to access and start the vehicle.

The all-new Toyota C-HR will have the Toyota Smart Connect multimedia package, including (according to model grade) an eight or 12.3-inch touchscreen, onboard voice agent and wireless smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The system will provide EV range information and local charging locations in its POI function. Owners will also be able to use the MyT smartphone app for remote control of vehicle functions, including operating an air conditioning system to heat or cool the car before making a journey. The high level of innovation in the all-new Toyota C-HR includes a unique-in-class automatic parking function. An app will also be available to allow fully remote parking, with the driver outside the vehicle, allowing for even more precise manoeuvring into limited spaces.

Enhanced protection and convenience

The all-new Toyota C-HR comes with the latest Toyota Safety Sense package of active safety and driver assistance features, which offer more protection and support for the driver in various situations. The system can also be updated over-the-air, without the need to visit a retailer.

Some of the new features include Acceleration Suppression, which reduces sudden acceleration when there is a risk of hitting a vehicle in front. Another new feature is Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), which helps the driver slow down smoothly when approaching a slower vehicle or a curve. It also provides Steering Assist, which adjusts the steering force to help the driver make a smooth and stable turn when a curve is detected.

Additionally, owners can opt for an advanced safety package for their car, which includes features such as Lane Change Assist with Front Cross Traffic Alert, a Driver Monitor Camera (which improves the performance of the EDSS), an Automatic High-Beam System with camera control to adjust the light distribution; and (where allowed by local regulations) hands-free driving to automatically follow the vehicle in front in congested traffic.

Multiple electrified options

The all-new Toyota C-HR will offer four electrified powertrains, a line-up that shows Toyota’s well-established multi-technology approach to carbon neutrality. Toyota believes that different options need to be available to give customers access to affordable and practical vehicles that will speed up the pace of CO2 reduction from now on and help ensure a successful transition to zero-emission mobility.

The range includes 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid electric (HEV) versions and a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) model. The 2.0-litre HEV variant will also have the option of intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i).

The new models use the latest, fifth-generation Toyota technology which delivers a class-leading balance of increased power and low emissions, meeting the needs and priorities of customers at the core of the C-segment market. This has been achieved with a comprehensive redesign of key hybrid system components to reduce size and weight, including a new transaxle and power control unit (PCU) and a more powerful high-voltage battery.

The 1.8-litre Hybrid powertrain, also used in the new Corolla family, focuses on eco performance but has significantly more power than the current 1.8-litre hybrid electric Toyota C-HR. The 2.0-litre Hybrid is an even stronger option, its higher output contributing to a rewarding hybrid driving experience with uncompromised efficiency.

The 2.0-litre Plug-in Hybrid – a best-in-class system – has a dual DNA: it provides effortless all-electric EV driving for daily use and highly efficient hybrid electric performance for longer trips. The system can make driving easier, with true EV capability with a very competitive range, and with Regeneration Boost – a “one pedal”-like driving experience – with three operating levels- for easier progress in city traffic. It will also automatically adjust the drive mode to optimise energy efficiency, recognising the best opportunities for energy recharging when following a route via the car’s navigation system. Thanks to the introduction of a new geofencing function, the Toyota C-HR PHEV will automatically switch to EV operation when the car enters a low emission zone (LEZ), optimising battery usage across the entire trip (when using a navigation system and sufficient battery charge is available).

Finally, the AWD-i option is available on the 2.0-litre HEV version gives added traction and stability when pulling away, cornering, or driving on slippery surfaces, supported by an additional compact, high-torque electric motor generator on the car’s rear axle. This system can operate over a wide range of vehicle speeds and road conditions.

Enhanced, fun-to-drive performance

Every aspect of the Toyota C-HR’s dynamic performance has been examined to deliver improvements, building on the model’s established reputation for quick, agile handling. The new powertrains have been tuned to achieve intuitive acceleration performance and controllability, with a more direct relationship between the use of the throttle and the vehicle’s response, increasing driver confidence and the fun-to-drive factor. Suspension, brakes and steering have also been redesigned and tuned to achieve an ideal balance between vehicle poise, ride comfort and responsiveness.

During development, the Toyota C-HR underwent extensive testing by a team of Toyota master drivers, both on track at the company’s European test centre, on all kinds of roads, and in different weather conditions across the continent, to ensure the best possible dynamic balance.

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