Toyota kickstarts production of the new C-HR
Following its debut in June, and showing its distinctly funky design, the second-generation Toyota C-HR is finally entering the production phase at the brand’s plant in Turkey.
The plant is Toyota’s first European facility to produce plug-in hybrid vehicles. That said, the plant benefited from a €308 million (approximately R4.8 billion) investment, and it can assemble 75,000 battery units every year.
As a reminder, the new Toyota C-HR features a cleaner design that resembles the bZ5X and the new Prius to make it more aerodynamically sleek. In terms of size, it has grown and now measures 4,360mm in length, 1,830mm in width, and sits up to 1,564mm tall, depending on the model specified.
The interior, on the other hand, comes fitted with a revamped setup that comes courtesy of a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system that ranges from 8-inch to 12.3-inch.
Powering the range are four hybridised powerhouses as the marque pushes towards carbon neutrality. There is a 1.8-litre with 103kW and a 2.0-litre hybrid variant with 145kW, as well as a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid model with 164kW and an electric range of up to 66km. Toyota says the 2.0-litre hybrid will be paired with an optional all-wheel-drive system, while the 1.8-litre will strictly be available as a front-wheel-drive variant.
Regarding the powertrains, the C-HR will be offered in two unique Premiere Edition models: the GR Sport and the High Premiere Edition, each boasting distinctive styling appointments.
The new Toyota C-HR is a seemingly major improvement over its predecessor and should successfully continue the C-HR line. Judging by the array of impressive features it comes with, it promises to become a hit when it arrives locally in the new year.
