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Toyota’s new modular TNGA platform, which underpins the C-HR and the latest Prius, plays a fundamental role in the company’s aim of producing cars that are more fun to drive, Toyota says.

The flexibility of TNGA is demonstrated by the differing dimensions between the Prius and the C-HR; the crossover has a shorter wheelbase of 2,640 mm compared with the Prius’ 2,700 mm, while sporting 20 mm and 10 mm wider tracks front and rear than the hybrid, made possible by the TNGA design which allows tailored changes to suit a particular model.

On this basis, Toyota aimed to create a crossover with the same dynamics as a “very competent hatchback”, a goal facilitated by the TNGA-C platform’s relatively low centre of gravity, which aids the C-HR’s handling and drive characteristics. In the case of the C-HR, front suspension duties are handled by MacPherson struts in front, whilst employing the Prius’ double wishbone setup at the rear.

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The modular platform is also said to be 65% more rigid than the company’s previous platform which underpinned the likes of the Toyota Auris, which further contributes to reaching the company’s goals. The C-HR and the latest Prius are the first of more models to be based on the the Toyota New Global Architecture, which Toyota says will underpin half of all its new models worldwide by 2020.

Depending on the market it will be sold in, there will be three powertrain packages available for the C-HR, including a hybrid option. The first is the 8NR-FTS 1.2 litre turbo four-cylinder (from the facelifted Auris), delivering 115 PS and 185 Nm of torque through either a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission or a CVT, the latter with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive.

The second is a 2.0 litre CVT variant, which is likely fitted with the same 2.0 litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder engine as the Corolla Altis with 147 PS and 187 Nm. Finally, there’s the C-HR’s hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 1.8 litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors, the same combo found on the new Prius.