Toyota C-HR Geneva live 9

A browse through Toyota’s Japanese website revealed some key details regarding the brand’s B-segment crossover, the Toyota C-HR – in particular the 2.0 litre CVT variant. This is significant, especially for our market, as it is likely that the car will be offered in ASEAN regions in this configuration.

As previously reported, the big-engined version is powered by a 2.0 litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. What wasn’t revealed were the output figures – it makes 150 PS at 6,100 rpm and 193 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm. Looking at the numbers, it’s unlikely that it’s the 6AR-FSE direct-injected VVT-iW D-4S mill in the facelifted Camry 2.0, which kicks out 167 PS and 199 Nm.

These figures are, in fact, closer to what the 3ZR-FE Dual VVT-i engine in the Corolla Altis puts out – 145 PS at 6,200 rpm and 187 Nm at 3,600 rpm – so it’s likely that this is the engine used in the C-HR. Comparing the two, the crossover makes 5 PS more at a slightly lower rpm, while torque is up 6 Nm, but at 200 rpm higher.

Against its main rivals, the C-HR makes 8 PS and 21 Nm more than the Honda HR-V 1.8, but 6 PS and 11Nm down on the Mazda CX-3 2.0. The engine is only available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive; unlike the HR-V and CX-3, there will apparently be no option for an all-wheel drive model, not even in Japan.

Toyota C-HR Geneva live 7

There, buyers will have to punt for the less powerful 116 PS/185 Nm 1.2 litre turbocharged mill – available with either a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission – for all-paw traction.

Also available in Japan will be a hybrid model, utilising a 98 PS/142 Nm 1.8 litre VVT-i engine along with a 72 PS/163 Nm pair of electric motors. In case you’re wondering, yes, it’s the same powertrain as the new Prius, available only with front-wheel drive – no rear motor as an option here, unlike the Prius E-Four. Toyota claims it will achieve carbon dioxide emissions as low as 90 grams per kilometre.

The new, extrovertly-styled C-HR is built on the modular Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the second vehicle to be built on the platform after the new Prius. The driving dynamics are said to be a match for the precision and control of a modern C-segment hatch thanks to the new platform’s refinement and low centre of gravity, allowing the C-HR to “carry its speed through corners with excellent body control and steering fluidity.”

Measuring 4,350 mm long, 1,795 mm wide and 1,550 mm (1,565 mm on petrol models) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm, the C-HR is 56 mm longer, 23 mm wider and 55 mm lower than the HR-V; its wheelbase is also 30 mm longer than its rival. Vis-à-vis the Mazda CX-3, the Toyota is 75 mm longer, 30 mm wider and 15 mm taller, with a wheelbase some 70 mm longer. So, are you excited by Toyota’s HR-V and CX-3 fighter?

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