Toyota has unveiled a stylish, all-new C-HR compact SUV. Will it come to South Africa? Take a look at what’s on offer!

When the Toyota C-HR arrived in South Africa back in 2016, it was regarded as one of the best-looking cars in the compact SUV segment with its sharp and edgy design language.

Now, Toyota has revealed an all-new C-HR! You may remember the 2022 C-HR Prologue Concept which was a preview of the forthcoming model and it’s remarkable how close this production version is to the concept, which is a good thing! Toyota has even called it a “concept car for the road”.

Much like the outgoing model, the new C-HR adopts a similar styling approach with a distinctive coupe-like silhouette, short overhangs and large-diameter wheels (up to 20-inch). Complementing the design of the new C-HR is a new two-tone paint design which extends the contrast black roof into the rear three-quarter section. We think Toyota has hit the nail on the head! Do you agree?

The CH-R GR Sport will add a sporty touch to an already stylish cabin design.

The style statement continues on the inside with a horizontal “wing” design theme and with most of the controls focussed around the driver. Ambient lighting, with up to 64 colours to choose from, further enhances the interior ambience. More so, a synchronised programme with 24 changing colours throughout the day features for the first time and the system is also able to warn drivers of imminent collisions with cars or cyclists by changing to red when a threat is detected.

Depending on the grade, the C-HR is equipped with a new 12.3-inch instrument cluster and head-up display and the driver can configure the information layout via the steering wheel controls. As for the infotainment system, the C-HR gains an 8- or 12.3-inch infotainment system (depending on grade) with voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The system will provide vital vehicle information such as EV range and nearest charging points and using the MyT smartphone app, the driver will also be able to control car functions such as engine start, remote parking and priming the air conditioning before setting off on your journey.

Toyota has also adopted a more environmentally friendly approach in the construction of the new C-HR by using recycled materials. In fact, more than 100 parts are made from recycled plastics! For example, the new seat fabric is made from recycled PET bottles and the bumpers are developed from a new resin material which cuts back on CO2 as does the new automated painting process which uses water-based paints. Even the steering wheel is wrapped in a new animal-free material…

What powertrains does the new Toyota C-HR offer?

4 hybrid powertrains will be offered in Europe.

The new C-HR was designed in Europe, for Europe, and considering the push towards lower emissions and electrification, the new C-HR adopts hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains with a total of 4 electrified options for buyers to consider.

This includes both 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid-electric (HEV) front-wheel-drive derivatives while an all-paw version will also be offered in 2.0-litre HEV guise. Lastly, the C-HR will also be offered as a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). All derivatives benefit from Toyota’s latest fifth-generation hybrid technology.

The 103 kW 1.8-litre HEV powertrain is the same that’s found in the latest Corolla Hybrid. The 2.0-litre HEV, meanwhile produces 145 kW while the C-HR PHEV is said to offer 164 kW and will be able to drive up to 66 km on electric steam using a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, the same used in the new Prius. The C-HR PHEV also boasts a new geo-fencing function that automatically switches the car into EV mode when entering a Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

Toyota will launch the new C-HR with 2 special Premier Edition models including the GR Sport Premier Edition (with G-Sport design details) and a High Premier Edition with a Sulphur bi-tone exterior and Sulphur stitched perforated leather seats.

Will the new Toyota C-HR be offered in South Africa?

In light of Toyota’s latest NEV strategy, the new C-HR is likely to reach South Africa but exact details are TBC.

A Toyota spokesperson has indicated that local introduction of the C-HR is unlikely (but not impossible) due to the high cost of importing New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) to South Africa.

Earlier this year, Toyota announced a multi-pathway product approach that will result in more New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), including HEVs and PHEVs, making their way to South Africa. Toyota Motors South Africa (TSAM) aims to increase local NEV adoption from 3% to 10% by 2025 and 20% by 2030.

Within the context of TSAM’s recently-announced NEV strategy and considering the product importance of the C-HR, we’re optimistic that Toyota will at the very least initially consider the local introduction of the C-HR HEV while the C-HR PHEV might follow at a later stage following a trial period, much like we’ve seen with the Toyota RAV4 PHEV.

We will update this story as soon as we receive more information.

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