Earlier in March this year, Toyota unveiled its long-awaited Toyota C-HR Hybrid Crossover at the Geneva Motor Show. “C-HR” stands for “Coupe – High Rider,” despite it having five doors and riding kind of low for a crossover. This will mark Toyota’s first foray into the crossover market, with competition ranging from the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade.
Car experts have drawn parallels between the Toyota C-HR and the Nissan Juke, with its aggressive style lines, distinctive front and rear fenders, and an inward boomerang bend to the tail lights. However, it is said to be larger with a more spacious interior. The Toyota packs an extra 8.9 inches of length and 4.3 inches of wheelbase compared with the Nissan, so it should be better suited to moving passengers and cargo behind the front seats.
Although the Toyota C-HR appears to be equipped with 2 doors, the 5-door vehicle’s back door handles are hidden by being hiked to the roof, bearing a close resemblance to the Honda Vezel.
The C-HR is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), a flexible platform that debuted with Toyota’s fourth-generation Prius. The futuristic interior is in line with CEO Akio Toyoda’s vision to promote greater stylistic freedom and engineering creativity in order to create eye-catching designs. Aiming to distinguish itself within both the Toyota line-up and in the crossover market, Toyota’s compact crossover is positioned between station wagon models Auris and RAV4. The result of this work is the futuristic-looking car, whose body lines were designed by Calty Design from California.
Key features include its adaptive cruise control, a multimedia system with 9-inch touch screen, leather seats, reversing camera, Intelligent Key system, a rear roof spoiler, and fog lights with LED technology. Also included are the standard bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and upgraded audio integration.
The first edition of the Toyota C-HR will feature eighteen inch alloy wheels, a unique new two-tiered front seat design, half leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, heated seats and upgraded navigation systems.The slim LED headlights also narrowly stretch way back over the peak of the wheel arches, and are reportedly equipped with Xenon technology.
Detailed specifications of the upcoming car are as follows:
The standard Toyota Safety Sense includes the system of early warnings in the event of risks of collision (Pre-Collision System) system, warning of unintended lane change (Lane Departure Alert) system to recognise traffic signs (Road Sign Assist) and automatic light road (Automatic High Beam), and also features pedestrian detection (pedestrian detection) and active Cruise Control (Adaptive Cruise Control). It uses the most modern radar technology, which significantly increases the car’s range and precision of action.
Slated to be the most anticipated SUV/ Crossover for late 2016/2017, dealers in Singapore have hinted that the price of the Toyota C-HR will likely mirror that of the Honda Vezel.
What are your thoughts on this upcoming release? Has Toyota made the right move by venturing into the crossover market? Would you consider purchasing this as your next car? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
