The highly-publicised C-HR has been confirmed as the latest addition to Toyota New Zealand’s SUV line-up following the world premiere of the production model at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The compact crossover vehicle has been pinned to arrive in Toyota dealerships early 2017 featuring a new-generation 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, class leading sensory quality and strong styling. Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Product Spencer Morris said the striking C-HR heralds an exciting addition to the company’s already comprehensive SUV line-up.
“The C-HR combines impressive handling with an exceptional drive and compact packaging for Toyota New Zealand’s first player in the highly competitive compact SUV category,” said Morris.
Built on an all-new platform using the Toyota’s New Generation Architecture program (TNGA), the C-HR delivers responsive driving dynamics supported by a highly rigid body structure and low centre of gravity.
The C-HR provides remarkable handling and agility with effortless control through turns, a superb drive quality and performance while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency, and arrives well equipped with advanced safety specification. Marginally longer and wider than a Corolla hatch, the C-HR employs the higher ride height of an SUV and benefits from a longer wheelbase.
The C-HR will be available in 2WD and 4WD with a continuously variable transmission. The first Toyota C-HR concept in three-door guise was displayed at the 2014 Paris Motor Show while a five-door concept debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. With an increase in demand for go-anywhere capability and high-riding vehicles in an urban market, SUVs are often purchased as alternatives to passenger cars. Toyota sells more SUVs in New Zealand than any other brand with the RAV4 taking out the nation’s number one selling SUV title in 2015. C-HR specification and pricing will be confirmed closer to the timing of launch.