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Toyota: New C-HR - Electrifying Design, Still Hybrid Powertrain

Looks more futuristic than ever, but continues to be powered by full and plug-in hybrids. These are meant to serve as a bridge until the announced electric offensive by the Japanese takes effect. In terms of safety and space efficiency, nothing is left to chance. And the hybrids are more efficient and powerful.

Goes cross: A low-slung roof and high window line ensure a flat silhouette. Nevertheless, there is supposed to be plenty of space inside. | Photo: Toyota
Goes cross: A low-slung roof and high window line ensure a flat silhouette. Nevertheless, there is supposed to be plenty of space inside. | Photo: Toyota
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The first Toyota C-HR was a milestone both for the Toyota brand and the European C-SUV segment. Now, the next generation of this "conquest model" for the manufacturer is making its debut, significantly improved in appearance, but only available as a full and plug-in hybrid in terms of powertrain. The purely electric role continues to be left to the crossover bz4X. The futuristic optics indeed suggest an electric drive, and the manufacturer recently announced a pure electric offensive. However, by then, the development of the C-HR was already complete.

Four Electrified Powertrains

The manufacturer thus offers four electrified powertrains for the new C-HR – a portfolio intended to demonstrate the so-called "Multi-Powertrain Approach" on the way to CO2 neutrality. This provides customers with affordable and practical vehicles that enable immediate CO2 reduction and ensure a successful transition to emission-free mobility, argues the provider. The program includes 1.8- and 2.0-liter hybrid powertrains as well as a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid. The 2.0-liter hybrid is also offered in conjunction with intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD-i). The key components of the fifth-generation hybrid system have been extensively revised to reduce size and weight.

A new transaxle transmission and a new control unit (Power Control Unit – PCU) are used, as well as a more powerful high-voltage battery. The new 1.8-liter hybrid (140 HP) from the Corolla is aimed at high efficiency while being more powerful than the current 1.8-liter hybrid of the first generation C-HR. Even more power is offered by the 198 HP 2.0-liter hybrid, which combines an exhilarating hybrid driving experience with uncompromised efficiency. The plug-in hybrid achieves a system output of 223 HP and combines effortless, fully electric driving in everyday use with highly efficient electrified hybrid power for longer journeys.

Drives like Electric – But Not as Far

The powertrain is intended to combine a high electric range with a "One Pedal"-like driving experience. The system automatically adjusts the driving mode to optimize energy efficiency and identifies the best opportunities to recharge when the vehicle follows the route of the navigation system. A new geofencing function ensures that the model automatically switches to EV mode when the vehicle enters a low-emission zone. The battery usage is optimized during the entire journey. Additional traction and stability during starts, corners, or slippery surfaces are provided by the AWD-i option, available for the 2.0-liter hybrid. The compact and torque-strong electric motor-generator at the rear axle offers support over a wide speed range and diverse road conditions.

More Agile and Direct Driving Characteristics

The new drives are intended to offer "an intuitively controllable acceleration behavior," promising an even more direct connection between pedal movements and vehicle response. Chassis, brakes, and steering have also been newly designed and tuned. Safety remains a top priority across all versions: The so-called Safety Sense portfolio has been expanded and improved, and future software updates can be uploaded "over the air." New is the so-called acceleration suppression, which slows down a sudden acceleration when there is a risk of collision with a vehicle ahead. Also new is the proactive driving assistant (PDA), which ensures smooth braking at low speeds when the driver approaches a slower vehicle or a curve while releasing the accelerator. The steering assistant detects an upcoming curve and adjusts the steering force to enable the driver to steer smoothly and stably. Optional features include a lane-changing assistant with cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring, and a matrix-LED high beam system with camera control to adjust light distribution.

Sustainability and Reduction of CO2 Emissions

Progress is also being made in the area of circular economy: Twice as many recycled materials were used, for more than 100 different parts, such as a new fabric for seat covers made from recycled PET bottles. The bumpers are made of a new resin material that is pre-colored during molding – this is expected to save hundreds of tons of CO2. Automated painting processes using water-based paints and a new cruelty-free material as a leather alternative for the steering wheel cover are intended to further contribute to sustainability. New high-strength steels and a new design for the panoramic roof are expected to reduce vehicle weight. The fixed panoramic roof features an infrared-reducing Low-E coating, which retains heat in the interior during winter and prevents overheating in sunny summer weather. This eliminates the need for a conventional sunshade, saving five kilograms of weight, increasing headroom by three centimeters, and leading to less use of the air conditioning, as the Japanese promote.

Translated automatically from German.
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