Toyota has just unveiled the all-new second-generation 2023 Toyota C-HR, and if you think you’ve seen this somewhere before, you’d be right. The production 2023 Toyota C-HR is largely a carbon copy of the C-HR Prologue that was first shown off last year – and in our books, that’s a good thing.
The second-generation Toyota C-HR has taken what everyone loved about its predecessor, and made it less… weird. The signature coupe-like silhouette – which Toyota calls ‘super-coupe’ by the way – is still here, but now paired with a minimalist-inspired design headlined by the new Prius-inspired front end, giving it a much more mature appearance.
The sharp looks aren’t merely for show, either – Toyota says that the exterior design is also “aerodynamically efficient”, with airflow optimisation throughout to make it as slippery through the air as possible. To that end, the second-generation C-HR also comes equipped with a Toyota-first flush door handles (in a more normal position for the rear doors).
Inside, you can certainly argue that the only thing separating this from a Lexus is the Toyota logo. The new upmarket design – covered with large swaths of premium and eco-friendly material – is characterised by a new driver-focused dashboard layout, where a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display (depending on trim level) stands proudly atop the centre stack.
Together with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the screens now run on the marque’s latest Toyota Smart Connect infotainment software that can be personalised to display various information – including EV range and local charging locations, to complement the new powertrain options offered on the compact crossover.
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The all-new 2023 Toyota C-HR, in Europe at least, is offered with three electrified powertrains, including two standard hybrids, and a range-topping 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid model.
On the former, options include a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated inline-four option paired to an electric motor for a total system output of 140 hp, and a 2.0-litre engine-motor combo making 197 hp – rising up to 199 hp if you opt for the E-Four all-wheel drive set-up that adds another (smaller) electric motor on the rear axle.
As for the 2.0-litre PHEV model, the engine is paired to a more powerful electric motor for a total system output of 223 hp. With a fully charged battery, Toyota says that the 2.0-litre PHEV variant can travel up to 66 km on pure electricity. A new geofencing feature can also automatically switch the C-HR into pure EV mode in low emission zones across Europe.
While 223 hp is not quite GR-level quite yet, you can at least pay extra to look the part, thanks to the GR Sport Premiere Edition that adds GR styling details, including a variant-exclusive ‘G-mesh’ grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, as well as GR logos and badging all throughout the interior.
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