First unveiled at the 2015 Frankfrut Motor Show and recently shown as a concept at the 2016 Bangkok International Motor Show, the highly-anticipated Toyota C-HR has finally arrived on our shores. Displayed at the 2017 Carlist.my Test, Drive and Buy Event, the silver example is an Australian-spec C-HR brought in by UMW Toyota for previewing purposes.
Underpinning the stylish B-segment SUV is Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) which means it shares the same platform as the fourth-generation Prius and the eighth-generation Toyota Camry. Rest assured you’re not getting just a jacked up Vios. Dimensions wise, the C-HR measures at 4,360 in length, 1,795 mm in width, 1,565 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm.
QUICK COMPARISONS
| Name | Toyota C-HR | Honda HR-V | Mazda CX-3 |
| Length | 4,360 mm | 4,294 mm | 4,275 mm |
| Width | 1,795 mm | 1,772 mm | 1,765 mm |
| Height | 1,565 mm | 1,605 mm | 1,535 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,610 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Max Kerb Weight | 1,497 kg | 1,249 kg | 1,211 kg |
| Luggage Capacity (VDA) | 377 litres | 437 litres | 350 litres |
Visually, this preview unit appears to be the 1.2-litre turbocharged variant because there’s no “hybrid” badging and blue front emblem. The C-HR comes equipped with projector headlamps with three-dotted LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, C-shaped LED tail lamps, shark-fin antenna, rear spoiler and neatly hidden rear door handles. Unfortunately, the interior was not available for public viewing.
Globally, the C-HR can be had with two powertrains, a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 115 hp and 185 Nm of torque and a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol that develops 120 hp. On the hybrid, the petrol engine churns out 142 Nm assisted by a 163 Nm electric motor. Transmission of choice is a sole electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT).
Another edge that the C-HR has over its rivals besides its sharp looks is the double-wishbone suspension setup on the rear axle! This setup actually resonates with Toyota’s emphasis on fun driving experience without compromising build quality and reliability.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Thailand will be among the first in our region to receive the C-HR before us. If anything, the Thai debut is the best indicator of its Malaysian arrival. be sure to keep a lookout for the Thailand debut of the C-HR because we will receive the car shortly after that. Although Word has it that the C-HR, if fully imported, would cost around RM170k, although the CKD version will cost much less at RM120k. Expect the C-HR to arrive in early 2018.
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