The world debut of Toyota’s C-HR at Geneva this week marks the arrival of the first full-hybrid option in the mid-size crossover/SUV segment.
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The production version of the Toyota C-HR was revealed a few days ago in a set of leaked photos, but now it’s arrived officially at the Geneva Motor Show featuring edgy styling and either a 121bhp hybrid powertrain or a 1.2 litre turbo petrol.
Underpinned by the same Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) as the new Prius, the C-HR has stayed close to the “Fugly is appealing” style of the concept C-HR with its rather jarring angles and coupe roof. It’s a five-door compact crossover, however the rear door handles are hidden, much like those of the Honda Civic. The SUV will be offered with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT, with the latter made available in Front-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive versions.
The boomerang taillights of the C-HR add a funky touch to the rear end. Toyota says that the C-HR represents “Akio Toyoda’s determination to allow greater stylistic freedom and promote engineering creativity in order to achieve eye-catching designs and enhanced driving pleasure”.
The compact crossover will be large enough for four adults and will be offered with two powertrains, a 1.2 petrol or a 1.8-litre hybrid.
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“The effort being put in is substantial – that’s more in terms of specification and pricing and making sure everything is right for our market before we throw our complete weight behind it”, Toyota Australia communications executive Stephen Coughlan told CarAdvice at last year’s Frankfurt motor show.
