Toyota C-HR

The Toyota C-HR (トヨタ C-HR) is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Japanese automaker Toyota since 2016. The development of the car began in 2013, led by Toyota chief engineer Hiroyuki Koba. The C-HR is built on the same TNGA-C (GA-C) platform as the E210 series Corolla and positioned between the Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross in Toyota's crossover SUV lineup.

Concept model
The Toyota C-HR was first previewed by the Scion C-HR Concept, and then the Toyota C-HR Concept.

Production model
The production version of the C-HR was unveiled at the March 2016 Geneva Motor Show and started production in November 2016. It was launched in Japan on 14 December 2016. It went on sale in Europe, Australia, South Africa and North America in early 2017, and in Southeast Asia, China and Taiwan in 2018. The name C-HR can stand for either Compact High Rider, Cross Hatch Run–about or Coupe High Rider.

Initial production was in Japan and Turkey. The 2018–2020 model year North American-spec C-HR is imported from Turkey.

Japan
In Japan, the C-HR is sold at all Toyota dealership sales channels (Toyota Store, Toyopet Store, Toyota Corolla Store and Netz Store). The Japanese market C-HR is powered by either 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, or 1.8-litre Hybrid. The FWD models are available with both engines, while the only engine for the AWD models is the 1.2-litre turbo. Model grades are S, S-LED, G, S-T and G-T. Models S, S-LED, G are powered with a 1.2-litre turbo engine, while other models by a 1.8-litre Hybrid. LED Package is exclusive for the G and S-LED packages.

Asia
The Thai-built C-HR with 1.8-litre 2ZR-FBE or 2ZR-FE engine is sold in certain Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The ASEAN production version was unveiled in Thailand on 30 November 2017, at the 34th Thailand International Motor Expo.

For the Indonesian market, the C-HR was launched on 10 April 2018, initially with a 1.8-litre 2ZR-FE petrol engine. The hybrid variant followed later on 22 April 2019. The petrol variant was discontinued in March 2022. The remaining sole hybrid variant received Toyota Safety Sense on 27 May 2022 and sold until May 2023.

In Brunei, the C-HR was launched in early 2018 and offered in the mid and high grade models with a petrol engine, and a hybrid model. It was discontinued in 2022.

For Taiwan, the C-HR is only offered with 1.2-litre 8NR-FTS petrol engine. Buyers in Taiwan can choose the FWD and AWD models.

In Singapore, it received the FWD model in Active and Luxury grades by the local distributor with the 1.2-litre engine while hybrid 1.8-litre models are offered by parallel importers.

For the Chinese market, the C-HR is sold by GAC Toyota, while its twin model sold by FAW Toyota is called the IZOA. The IZOA features a front bumper grille with horizontal lines instead of mesh on the C-HR. Both the C-HR and IZOA were revealed at the Auto Guangzhou in November 2017 and went on sale in April 2018. The electric vehicle (EV) variant of both the C-HR and IZOA were unveiled at the 18th Auto Shanghai on 16 April 2019, as the first battery electric vehicle in Toyota's upcoming lineup.

The C-HR EV went on sale in China in April 2020. The electric motor produces 150 kW and 300 Nm of torque. The 54.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is claimed to deliver a range of up to 400 km as per NEDC.

In late 2020, the comparatively expensive (being a fully imported model from Thailand) C-HR was discontinued in Malaysia, leading to declining sales. It was replaced by the Corolla Cross, launched in late March 2021.

Europe
As in Japan, the C-HR for Europe can be purchased with either 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, a 1.8-litre hybrid or with 2.0-litre hybrid. 6-speed manual transmission is only installed in the front-wheel-drive 1.2-litre turbo; the sole gearbox for the 1.2-litre turbo AWD and the hybrid is a CVT.

Trim levels vary across countries. In the UK, they are Icon, Design, Excel and Dynamic. For the French market, there are even more marketing name variations such as Active, Dynamic, Edition, Graphic, Distinctive and Collection. In Romania there are C-enter, C-ult Style and C-lassy. They are essentially similar cars with different standard or optional equipment.

Australia
For the Australian market (imported from Japan), the C-HR is only offered with the 1.2-litre, 8NR-FTS turbo motor. The base model is available in manual transmission as a FWD only, automatic transmission models may be FWD or AWD. The high level Koba model is available in both FWD and AWD variants. The gearbox for the base model is a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or CVT with 7-speed simulated gear. The Koba comes with CVT only, and is equipped with LED headlights, leather seats, heated front seats, and smart entry and start system.

North America
Unique for the North American C-HR is the bigger 2.0-litre 3ZR-FAE naturally aspirated petrol engine which is matched to a CVT gearbox. In North America, it was originally planned to be sold as a Scion before that marque was discontinued. The 2018 model year was only available in either the XLE or XLE Premium model. For the 2019 model year, the C-HR is available in LE, XLE, XLE Premium or Limited models.

The C-HR was discontinued in the United States and Canada after the 2022 model year. The second-generation model will not be sold in those regions. The Corolla Cross continues as the brand's subcompact crossover/SUV offering.

Facelift
The facelifted C-HR was unveiled in Japan, Europe, Australia, and North America in October 2019. The European model received the 2.0-litre M20A-FXS hybrid engine option for the first time. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay became standard. The GR Sport variant is also offered.

Second generation (AX20; 2023)
The second generation was previewed by a concept called the ‘Toyota C-HR Prologue’ on 6 December 2022.

The second iteration of the C-HR was revealed on 26 June 2023, and officially launched in October 2023. It receives two-tone paint, with a sharper, sleeker body compared to the previous model. The C-HR now features the new design language of Toyota, with C-shaped headlights that can be found on the Prius XW60 and the Aygo X Concept. Based on the previous model, it features similar features from it such as its hatchback body style, its platform, and similar models. Now exclusively on a hybrid drivetrain, it introduces a plug-in hybrid option for the first time, though the PHEV will not be sold in Australia.

With the same wheelbase as the previous model, the base models receive a 8.0-inch console display with higher end models including a dual 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The C-HR receives an upgrade in technology compared to the previous model, including a digital key, advanced safety systems, a remote parking option, and a hands-free driving system in traffic jams.

The new C-HR will no longer be built in Japan, instead it will be built exclusively in Turkey, at Toyota's Turkish plant. This generation will not be sold in North America, but will be replaced with the Corolla Cross, which is a C-segment vehicle about 100 mm longer.

The C-HR GR Sport features 20-inch wheels with a all-wheel drive system using the brand's E-four 4WD system. It has 2 electric motors with a power output of 145 kW.

Australia
The second-generation C-HR will go on sale in H1 2023, exclusively in hybrid, excluding the PHEV. Trims included are GXL, Koba and GR Sport in 1.8 L and 2.0 L form.

Europe
The C-HR is expected within 2024 with all variants including 1.8 litre and 2.0 litre hybrids and 2.0 litre plug-in hybrids.

Powertrain
The powertrain of the second iteration C-HR hatchback consists of three models: a 1.8L hybrid version using the 2ZR-FXE with a combined power output of 103 kW using the single motor and the engine, a 2.0L hybrid version using the M20A-FXS engine, with a combined output of 145 kW using the engine and the motors, and a plug-in hybrid variant using the M20A-FXS engine, producing a combined output of 164 kW with the engine and motors.

All models use the eCVT transmission.