4 secrets of the Toyota C-HR you didn't know

The Toyota C-HR is one of the few compact hybrid crossovers on the market.

The Toyota C-HR, a hybrid crossover that has revolutionised the C-SUV segment (compact SUVs), has been a sales success since it reached the market at the end of 2016; in fact, it is the second best-selling hybrid vehicle so far this year with 3,592 units sold, a great result if we compare it with the Kia Niro (1,228 units sold), its direct rival.

Its revolutionary design is one of its strong points, as is its generous interior space and good driving dynamics, but the Japanese crossover holds a series of secrets we did not yet know about.

1. The C-HR acronym: Cool Hybrid Revolution

The Toyota C-HR takes its name from three English words. The letters C-HR stand for Cool Hybrid Revolution, or in other words, the hybrid revolution that is in vogue. It could be said that the Toyota C-HR has the “coolest” design in its segment, it is a hybrid (its propulsion system combines a petrol engine and an electric motor delivering 122 CV) and it is a revolution because it is one of the first hybrid SUVs of its kind.

2. Prototype vs production model: practically no variation

The new Toyota C-HR is inspired by the prototypes that Toyota presented at the Paris Motor Show in 2014 and at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015. Its success, both with the public and with the specialist press, led Toyota’s designers, when shaping the production model, to clearly conclude that the best approach was to carry over the prototype’s image almost unchanged. And so it has been, which has made the Toyota C-HR one of the most striking and eye-catching SUVs in recent times.

3. GA-C platform: the lowest centre of gravity in its segment

The GA-C platform of the new Toyota C-HR makes it the lowest crossover in its entire segment, a feature that gives it more dynamic and balanced handling with minimal body roll.

4. Concert-hall sound

One of the features available on the new Toyota C-HR is the JBL audio system, with 576 watts and nine speakers. This system includes an eight-channel stereo amplifier and acoustic waveguides known as horn tweeters. This audio system is the result of an especially close collaboration between JBL and Toyota engineers, and its development took customer opinion very much into account: their feedback determined the orientation of the speakers and the use of the horn tweeters, to achieve a clearer and crisper sound, worthy of the best concert halls.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverToyota C-HR17 versions · from 35,750 €