Coupe-like handling in a Crossover

TOYOTA is aiming to bring something fresh to the growing compact Crossover segment with its new C-HR.

This is the Japanese manufacturer’s first proper entrant in this ever-popular market.

Here, concept-car looks are matched to proven mechanicals that include a hybrid powerplant.

The ‘Coupe High-Rider’ is being offered with two familiar engines from Toyota’s Auris hatch.

The most affordable variant gets a 114bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and is available with a sixspeed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic — and front or all-wheel drive. In front-driven form, this manages up to 51.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 125g/km of CO2 — these figures fall only slightly in auto and AWD forms.

Alternatively, buyers can choose a full hybrid powertrain with 120bhp, but that doesn’t come with an AWD option.

For the C-HR, Toyota has made its hybrid system lighter and more efficient, and engineered it to give sharper performance.

Detailed design changes to the 1.8-litre hybrid engine have resulted in 40% thermal efficiency — a world-beating level for a petrol unit.

It’ll give you a return of up to 78.5mpg on the combined cycle and 82g/km of CO2.

As for handling, well this Toyota aims to set a fresh standard in a segment not noted for sharplyresponsive models.

The engineers realised the major issue with taller Crossovers of this sort related to bodyroll and its detrimental effect on ride comfort.

Huge efforts have therefore gone into structuring this model’s TNGA platform and giving it a low centre of gravity so the car doesn’t pitch about through the corners.

Steering feel has been emphasised, too — something else that tends to be lacking on this class of car. As a result of all this effort, Toyota are convinced a C-HR can handle like any conventional Focussegment hatch.

Coupe-like elements include disguised rear door handles, integrated into the rear pillars. At the rear the strongly tapered cabin features a top-hinged tailgate that gives access to loadspace big enough to carry luggage for five people.

Toyota ‘Safety Sense’ package is standard across the range. It includes a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with steering control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist.

Expect to pay £21,000-£28,000.