SINGAPORE: The Toyota C-HR has made its debut at the Jan 12-15 Singapore Motorshow, giving strong vibes that this stylish crossover may be coming to Malaysia.
Although UMW Toyota Motor is not saying one way or the other whether the C-HR (Coupé High-Rider) will be brought in, this avantgarde car will certainly whet the appetite of local Toyota fanboys who are looking for something fresh and exciting. It has begun selling in Japan since last month and is available there in four grades priced from RM98,000 to RM113,000.
Since its global debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the C-HR has been popping up at one venue to another in the motor show circuit. It also made its presence felt at the 2016 Paris Motor Show when CarSifu was there last September.
And the latest, of course, is down south, close to home.
Designed to stand out both within the Toyota line-up and in its segment, it represents Akio Toyoda’s determination to allow greater stylistic freedom and promote engineering creativity in order to achieve eye-catching designs and enhanced driving pleasure.
The unique character of the C-HR demonstrates the flexibility of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) for vehicle developers in the three key areas of design, powertrain and dynamics, allowing them to deliver a fresh take in the increasingly popular crossover segment.
The coupe-like lines signal the resolve of its designers to create a style that stands out in the Toyota range, and to establish a new direction for mid-sized crossovers.
The C-HR also brings innovation to its segment through the introduction of a hybrid powertrain, using Toyota’s latest 1.8-litre hybrid system.
Under the watch of chief engineer Hiroyuki Koba, the driving dynamics have been deliberately benchmarked on the precision and control experienced at the wheel of a modern C-segment hatchback, thanks to the refinement of the TNGA platform and its low centre of gravity.
The aim was to allow the C-HR to carry its speed through corners, with excellent body control and steering fluidity. C-HR is designed not only to be enjoyable when flowing through busy city traffic but also on the open road independent of the surface condition.
The C-HR introduces a diamond architectural theme with wheel arches projecting prominently at all four corners to emphasise the new crossover’s strength and rigidity. The C-HR’s modulated structure combines the powerful lower body and raised ground clearance with the slim and sleek cabin profile of a coupe.
The lamp clusters incorporate full LED lighting with light guides and sequential turn signals, giving the C-HR its own unique visual signature. Rear light clusters may also be equipped with LED lamp technology to give the C-HR an equally expressive rear light visual signature.
The C-HR will be equipped with a choice of turbocharged 1.2-litre, 1.5-litre, 1.8-litre hybrid and 2.0-litre petrol engines. Transmission is either 6-speed manual or CVT, with the CVT in front-wheel or 4-wheel drive versions.
This crossover is the result of a global co-operation between design centres on three continents and was managed by project chief designer Kazuhiko Isawa. The original exterior design was created by Calty, the Toyota design studio in California.
Over to you, UMW Toyota Motor, for the next course of action.
Keyword: Toyota C-HR looking sharp as it pops up in Singapore