The Toyota C-HR arrived for the 2017 model year as a compact crossover with a deliberately bold look. Its name stands for Coupe High-Rider, which describes the idea well: the raised driving position and practicality of a small SUV combined with a sloping roofline and sculpted body panels more often seen on a coupe.
Platform and design
The C-HR was one of the first models built on the Toyota New Global Architecture, or TNGA, a modular platform designed to lower the center of gravity, stiffen the body and improve handling. Hidden rear door handles mounted high on the C-pillar help create the coupe-like profile, while diamond-shaped design themes run through the exterior and interior.
Technology on board
Depending on the market, the C-HR was offered with conventional petrol engines and, in several regions, a hybrid drivetrain that shares its technology with the Prius. Toyota's Safety Sense package, with features such as pre-collision warning and lane departure alert, was available or standard depending on the country and trim level.
Who it was for
The C-HR was aimed at buyers who wanted the convenience of a crossover without the boxy styling that often comes with it. It traded some rear-seat space and visibility for design, a compromise that has become common across the small crossover segment.
This page accompanies TrendinTech's coverage of new car launches and automotive technology from 2017.
