Toyota to join compact SUV segment

Toyota’s all-new C-HR is expected to ruffle feathers in the small SUV class when it arrives in New Zealand early next year. With its beautifully sculptured crossover design, the all-new Toyota says the C-HR offers engaging driving dynamics and a premium quality interior that will set it apart from its rivals. The five-door crossover will enter a segment of the market where sales have grown threefold in the last five years. Combining a coupe-like upper body with the powerful underpinnings of an SUV, the production vehicle remains remarkably true to the concept car’s exterior which was first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2014 and registered extremely well with target customers. “Every market wants this car,” said Steve Prangnell, Toyota New Zealand’s general manager of sales. “It looks dramatic being driven but is equally eye-catching when parked and its compact size makes it an inspired choice for urban lifestyle use.” The C-HR will arrive in a singular, highly specified form, available as 2WD or AWD. Powered by an 85kw fourcylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the C-HR offers peak torque of 185Nm available from just 1,500rpm all the way to 4,000rpm. Using the latest Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the C-HR is said to not only benefits from a highly rigid chassis – delivering responsive handling, agility and stability – but the new platform also allows the engine to be placed low and angled slightly rearward, securing a low bonnet line as well as contributing to a low centre of gravity which helps minimise body roll and movement during cornering. Expected to appeal to young professionals and those with an active lifestyle, the C-HR ticks the boxes of practicality, advanced cabin ambience and comprehensive safety equipment. The C-HR adopts Toyota Safety Sense, a full suite of technology designed to assist the driver and occupants including; a pre-crash system with autonomous emergency braking, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beam and a reversing camera. Full specification details and pricing will be announced at the time of launch.