Toyota is giving its hugely popular C-HR crossover an update in time for 2020 sales.
New 2.0-litre, 184hp hybrid
The biggest change is the adoption of the 2.0-litre, 184hp 'Dynamic Force' hybrid petrol engine. This doesn't replace the existing 1.8-litre, 122hp hybrid, but as with the Corolla range, it sits above the smaller engine in the line-up. The 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, as previously announced, will be dropped, leaving the C-HR with an all-hybrid line-up. That means that the car's starting price will also be higher - the cheapest C-HR will now be €30,650.
On the WLTP emissions and economy cycle, the 2.0-litre hybrid scores a 118g/km CO2 rating (compared to the 1.8's 109g/km) so it'll still be a hugely tax-efficient car to run. Toyota isn't giving out performance figures for this new 2.0-litre C-HR as yet, but given that it hits an official 60mpg in the Corolla, and that the two cars share the same platform, we'd be expecting very impressive economy figures to go with that CO2 rating.
Toyota is also showing off the CH-R's very low rating for NOx emissions, in the wake of the announcement in the Budget of a new registration tax levy, based on NOx. The C-HR's NOx emissions are as low as 3.6mg/km (which would equate to an extra €18 in NOx tax on registration) compared to average diesel car NOx emissions of 43mg/km.
Revised suspension and steering
The 2.0-litre hybrid actually gets its own unique suspension settings (which Toyota says improves the ride quality) and revised steering settings for improved feel and feedback. The 1.8-litre hybrid will also be getting some improvements and updates.
Possibly more important to many consumers is the updated and uprated infotainment system. Toyota has come in for more than a little flack in recent years for the appearance and user-friendliness of its touchscreens, but the C-HR will go a long way to rectifying this by (finally) allowing users to access both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, for better smartphone integration. The new system also supports over-the-air app updates for the satnav.
New LED lights
There are some minor exterior changes too. The front end gets a body-colour bumper insert, which Toyota says: "Reinforces the dynamic figure with a strong, wide and elevated stance." Meanwhile, head lights and tail lights get upgraded to new LED units, while the indicators and daytime running lights are now integrated into a single 'blade' above the main beam bulbs. Around the back, there's a new gloss black spoiler linking the two tail light modules.
Steve Tormey, Toyota Ireland CEO, commented: "The Toyota C-HR led the charge of the latest hybrid models with its debut in 2016, with striking design, a bold and premium interior and excellent fuel efficiency. The latest model continues this journey; its design enhancements, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and 2.0-litre hybrid engine allow the customer even more choice. Given the consumer demand for hybrid we will only be bringing the C-HR into Ireland as a self-charging hybrid. With lower CO2 emissions and lower NOx emissions, it’s the right choice for the environment and air quality for everyone."