Toyota C-HR crossover unveiled

Toyota has globally unveiled the second-generation C-HR as a sharply styled crossover. The carmaker aims to draw new customers by introducing a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the crossover for the first time.

1. Three powertrain options on offer
2. Geofencing auto-switches to EV mode in specific zones
3. Toyota India could be launching a flex-fuel sedan soon

Toyota C-HR specifications

The production car has adopted the radical looks of the C-HR Prologue concept that was shown late last year. The new C-HR has the same powertrain line-up as the Prius: a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid alongside 2.0-litre and 1.8-litre parallel hybrids. Toyota claims that the AWD option available on the 2.0-litre parallel hybrid version gives added traction and stability on slippery surfaces due to the electric motor generator on the car’s rear axle.

The new front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid option features the same 2.0-litre petrol engine and even gets geofencing technology, which automatically switches the car to EV mode when it detects you have entered a low-emission zone, if there is enough power in the battery.

Inside, the second-gen C-HR has been reinvented with a focus on upmarket materials and technologies. A 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment are reserved for higher trim levels, while the entry level cars get an 8.0-inch touchscreen.

Toyota has said that “all performance data is provisional prior to homologation. Final specifications will be confirmed at a later date”. So, exact power and range figures will be available when the car is closer to launch.

Toyota's plans for India

Toyota was testing the C-HR in India in 2018, and we were under the impression that the car would make it to India, but that was not the case. Toyota is currently offering the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Innova Hycross and the Camry with hybrid powertrains, and there are rumours of them launching a car that runs solely on flex fuel in the future. We had a chance to drive this car a while back and you can click here to read our review.