TOYOTA has expanded the appeal of its stunning C-HR SUV by introducing hybrid electric technology, refining its eye catching design and installing a new generation multimedia system with smartphone mirroring.
The C-HR is the eighth Toyota model in Australia to offer a hybrid electric power train, joining the Camry, Corolla hatch and sedan, RAV4 and the Prius, Prius C and Prius V.
It will form part of an expanded range-topping Koba offering, and will be powered by a 1.8-litre hybrid electric system offering strong performance, with combined output of 90kW, and high efficiency, with fuel consumption of just 4.3-litres/100km.
Other models in the range are powered by a punchy 1.2-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine that is noted for its low-end torque and quick response. In terms of its redesign, detailed attention has been paid to its bold front and rear.
New styling includes LED headlights and taillights (Koba only) and newly designed alloy wheels; 17-inch for the C-HR and 18-inch for the Koba.
These refinements build on the C-HR’s strength and unique style with a coupe like cabin, powerful lower body, raised ground clearance and muscular wheel arches.
The C-HR’s premium cabin quality has been enhanced with a new multimedia system that incorporates an 8-inch touchscreen display (previously 6.1-inch) and full smartphone integration, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Price increases have been contained below two per cent, starting at $29,540 for the two wheel drive 1.2-litre turbo C-HR with a continuously variable transmission. The high grade Koba petrol starts at $33,940. The hybrid Koba is just $2,500 more (all plus on-roads).
The traction of Toyota’s part time Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive system adds just $2,000 to the cost of the 2WD Koba (should you wish to take it AWD).
“We are expanding the C-HR range with Toyota’s hybrid electric technology because it is an increasingly popular choice among consumers due to its strong performance, great fuel economy and proven reliability,” Toyota Australia VP of sales and marketing Sean Hanley said.
“Design and feature upgrades will add even greater appeal from C-HR’s stunning design that brings together the best aspects of a hatchback, a coupe and an SUV along with its driver focused cockpit and premium interior.”
Advanced Toyota safety sense technologies are standard on C-HR including the pre-collision safety system, with day and night pedestrian detection, all speed active cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and auto high beam.
Safety features extend to seven airbags, a reversing camera, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, hill start assist control, and stability and traction control.
In-demand equipment, fitted to every C-HR, includes satellite navigation, dual zone climate control, alloy wheels, 4.2-inch multi information display, electronic park brake and an auto dimming rear view mirror.
Luxury touches abound in the Koba variants, including leather accented seats, key-less smart entry and start, and innovative nanoe (pronounced nano-e) technology that moisturises cabin air. They’re available as optional add-ons in the base C-HR model.
C-HR’s vibrant exterior colour palette gains a new red mica-metallic paint, with two-tone paint options available on the Koba (a black or silver roof can be matched to specific body colours).
The C-HR comes standard with five years of Toyota service advantage, with annual services capped at just $195 eac,h and is covered by a full five year Toyota warranty.
