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2017 Toyota C-HR
- Thread starter FiestaST
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
Toyota C-HR Hy-Power performance hybrid concept unveiled
Concept machine unveiled at Frankfurt show set to lead to high-performance production version of C-HR
The Toyota C-HR Hy-power concept has been unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show - a car that the firm says points the way to a new, performance-focused hybrid drivetrain set to be launched in the near future.
Toyota says the new powertrain will have "more power and performance" than the 120bhp system currently featured in the C-HR, but has given no specific details. The firm did note its leadership in hybrid sales, and the new concept reflects a belief that customer demand is now sufficient to offer a choice of hybrid powertrains and enhance the appeal of hybrid power by offering a higher-performance option.
“The concept shows both what a sportier C-HR could look like and introduces the idea of a more powerful hybrid powertrain that could be sold across our core models,” said a spokesman.
The C-HR concept features several styling enhancements to accentuate its sporty potential and a striking colour scheme. However, no details of engineering enhancements have been revealed.
In Western Europe, half of Toyota and Lexus sales are hybrids, with 80% of C-HR sales using the current powertrain. Globally, 40% of all Toyota and Lexus sales are hybrid. Worldwide sales of the Toyota Prius, launched 20 years ago, have now topped 11 million, with more than one million sales a year now being recorded.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...-hy-power-performance-hybrid-concept-unveiled
Concept machine unveiled at Frankfurt show set to lead to high-performance production version of C-HR
The Toyota C-HR Hy-power concept has been unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show - a car that the firm says points the way to a new, performance-focused hybrid drivetrain set to be launched in the near future.
Toyota says the new powertrain will have "more power and performance" than the 120bhp system currently featured in the C-HR, but has given no specific details. The firm did note its leadership in hybrid sales, and the new concept reflects a belief that customer demand is now sufficient to offer a choice of hybrid powertrains and enhance the appeal of hybrid power by offering a higher-performance option.
“The concept shows both what a sportier C-HR could look like and introduces the idea of a more powerful hybrid powertrain that could be sold across our core models,” said a spokesman.
The C-HR concept features several styling enhancements to accentuate its sporty potential and a striking colour scheme. However, no details of engineering enhancements have been revealed.
In Western Europe, half of Toyota and Lexus sales are hybrids, with 80% of C-HR sales using the current powertrain. Globally, 40% of all Toyota and Lexus sales are hybrid. Worldwide sales of the Toyota Prius, launched 20 years ago, have now topped 11 million, with more than one million sales a year now being recorded.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...-hy-power-performance-hybrid-concept-unveiled
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Toyota ponders high-powered C-HR in Frankfurt
The Toyota C-HR Hy-Power Concept revealed at the Frankfurt motor show features some possible new styling upgrades, specific to hybrid models.
Toyota appears to be particularly pleased with the sales of its C-HR model, particularly in Europe. Interestingly, more than 75% of C-HRs sold in Europe are hybrids, mostly down to incentives on hybrid vehicles across Europe. Still, Toyota is exploring the idea of a higher powered hybrid C-HR in the future and this is what they think it should look like.
The team entrusted with designing a stylish new C-HR found inspiration in the natural forces that turn carbon into diamonds and the way in which solid rock can conceal a fiery, molten core.
This thinking led to the use of a new Dark Carbon silver paint with a matt finish to accentuate the interplay between the vehicle's sharp lines and deeply sculpted surfaces. The effect is heightened by the use of gloss black elements, including the lower front lip spoiler, the area above the Toyota emblem on the front of the car and the wheel arch trims. Dark chrome sustains this effect, witnessed in the headlamp ornamentation, window frames and in the 20-inch alloy wheels.
Burnt orange and black feature throughout the interior, continuing the theme from the exterior.
Despite Toyota dubbing this a high-powered hybrid C-HR, there is no talk of the powertrain or possible figures on it. This C-HR Hy-Power is merely a showcase for the technology the brand intends to introduce in the future as it expands its hybrid offerings.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/toyota-ponders-high-powered-c-hr-in-frankfurt/43946/
The Toyota C-HR Hy-Power Concept revealed at the Frankfurt motor show features some possible new styling upgrades, specific to hybrid models.
Toyota appears to be particularly pleased with the sales of its C-HR model, particularly in Europe. Interestingly, more than 75% of C-HRs sold in Europe are hybrids, mostly down to incentives on hybrid vehicles across Europe. Still, Toyota is exploring the idea of a higher powered hybrid C-HR in the future and this is what they think it should look like.
The team entrusted with designing a stylish new C-HR found inspiration in the natural forces that turn carbon into diamonds and the way in which solid rock can conceal a fiery, molten core.
This thinking led to the use of a new Dark Carbon silver paint with a matt finish to accentuate the interplay between the vehicle's sharp lines and deeply sculpted surfaces. The effect is heightened by the use of gloss black elements, including the lower front lip spoiler, the area above the Toyota emblem on the front of the car and the wheel arch trims. Dark chrome sustains this effect, witnessed in the headlamp ornamentation, window frames and in the 20-inch alloy wheels.
Burnt orange and black feature throughout the interior, continuing the theme from the exterior.
Despite Toyota dubbing this a high-powered hybrid C-HR, there is no talk of the powertrain or possible figures on it. This C-HR Hy-Power is merely a showcase for the technology the brand intends to introduce in the future as it expands its hybrid offerings.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/toyota-ponders-high-powered-c-hr-in-frankfurt/43946/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Saw a white base (poverty-spec) model. Non-alloy rims look el cheapo.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Kelly Blue Book review
[video=youtube_share;ethcuCZtuyc]https://youtu.be/ethcuCZtuyc[/video]
[video=youtube_share;ethcuCZtuyc]https://youtu.be/ethcuCZtuyc[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Era of ‘bland’ Toyota styling is over, says designer
The design of the Toyota C-HR is anything but bland.
The chief designer at Toyota’s Calty studio in the United States has declared that the Japanese brand is no longer content with “bland” styling.
Speaking to Automotive News, Ian Cartabiano said that Toyota president Akio Toyoda had given the firm’s designers increased “creative freedom”.
“The era of boring cars, of bland cars and anonymous design is over,” Cartabiano told the US publication.
“It’s what Akio expects. When the president says something like that, it really allows designers to feel creative freedom.”
Cartabiano, who is based at Toyota’s Calty design studio in California, revealed that the brand was spending more money on design than before, something made possible by the modern use of modular underpinnings.
“It’s brought down cost in some areas, which allows more cost to be spent on more expressive design. It’s something that wouldn’t happen in the old way of doing things.”
Cartabiano used the example of the rear three-quarter styling of the C-HR.
“That’s a crazy-ass shape. I think the side panel of the C-HR would look really cool hung on the wall as a piece of art. In the old days, people would have said: ‘that’s a lot of extra cost’ or ‘that’s a lot of extra time. Let’s take the easy way out’,” he explained.
Cartabiano went on to say that he thought it was “okay” if modern Toyota designs were polarising.
“I respect something that’s new but not perfect, rather than something that’s beautiful but nondescript. I’d rather be challenged than made comfortable. Polarising is okay.”
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/era-of-bland-toyota-styling-is-over-says-designer/
The design of the Toyota C-HR is anything but bland.
The chief designer at Toyota’s Calty studio in the United States has declared that the Japanese brand is no longer content with “bland” styling.
Speaking to Automotive News, Ian Cartabiano said that Toyota president Akio Toyoda had given the firm’s designers increased “creative freedom”.
“The era of boring cars, of bland cars and anonymous design is over,” Cartabiano told the US publication.
“It’s what Akio expects. When the president says something like that, it really allows designers to feel creative freedom.”
Cartabiano, who is based at Toyota’s Calty design studio in California, revealed that the brand was spending more money on design than before, something made possible by the modern use of modular underpinnings.
“It’s brought down cost in some areas, which allows more cost to be spent on more expressive design. It’s something that wouldn’t happen in the old way of doing things.”
Cartabiano used the example of the rear three-quarter styling of the C-HR.
“That’s a crazy-ass shape. I think the side panel of the C-HR would look really cool hung on the wall as a piece of art. In the old days, people would have said: ‘that’s a lot of extra cost’ or ‘that’s a lot of extra time. Let’s take the easy way out’,” he explained.
Cartabiano went on to say that he thought it was “okay” if modern Toyota designs were polarising.
“I respect something that’s new but not perfect, rather than something that’s beautiful but nondescript. I’d rather be challenged than made comfortable. Polarising is okay.”
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/era-of-bland-toyota-styling-is-over-says-designer/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Toyota C-HR R-Tuned pushes supercar-beating 447 kW
While the quirky standard Toyota C-HR with it’s turbocharged 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine offers a relaxed, fun-filled character, this SEMA-bound DG-Spec R-Tuned time-attack version looks to up the ante somewhat.
The C-HR R-Tuned represents a completely remodelled (visually and mechanically) offering that nevertheless retains a four-cylinder, front-wheel driven layout.
That said, the standard engine has been swapped out with Toyota’s 2,4-litre 2AZ-FE with custom Garrett turbocharger. The standard CVT has also been ditched for a five-speed manual (Toyota E-Series) gearbox.
The end result of this 447 kW C-HR that, fitted with the Toyo Proxes 275-35 R18 radial tyres, boasts a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3,0 seconds .
Seeing that this is a time attack machine, the C-HR R-Tuned has also been granted a OS Giken Super Lock limited-slip differential, a triple adjustable coilover suspension, Vogtland racing springs and four-piston front and rear aliminium monobloc Brembo brakes.
Together with a bold aerodynamic kit, the C-HR R-Tuned was able to lap the Willow Springs race track in a claimed 1 minute 25,22 seconds, faster than the 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Nismo GT-R and McLaren 650S. The custom crossover is just 0,05 seconds slower than the Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/toyota-c-hr-r-tuned-pushes-supercar-beating-447-kw/
While the quirky standard Toyota C-HR with it’s turbocharged 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine offers a relaxed, fun-filled character, this SEMA-bound DG-Spec R-Tuned time-attack version looks to up the ante somewhat.
The C-HR R-Tuned represents a completely remodelled (visually and mechanically) offering that nevertheless retains a four-cylinder, front-wheel driven layout.
That said, the standard engine has been swapped out with Toyota’s 2,4-litre 2AZ-FE with custom Garrett turbocharger. The standard CVT has also been ditched for a five-speed manual (Toyota E-Series) gearbox.
The end result of this 447 kW C-HR that, fitted with the Toyo Proxes 275-35 R18 radial tyres, boasts a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3,0 seconds .
Seeing that this is a time attack machine, the C-HR R-Tuned has also been granted a OS Giken Super Lock limited-slip differential, a triple adjustable coilover suspension, Vogtland racing springs and four-piston front and rear aliminium monobloc Brembo brakes.
Together with a bold aerodynamic kit, the C-HR R-Tuned was able to lap the Willow Springs race track in a claimed 1 minute 25,22 seconds, faster than the 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Nismo GT-R and McLaren 650S. The custom crossover is just 0,05 seconds slower than the Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/toyota-c-hr-r-tuned-pushes-supercar-beating-447-kw/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Modified Toyota C-HR primed to beat FWD Nurburgring lap record
Toyota had called the car 'world's quickest SUV'
The builder of a race-spec Toyota C-HR unveiled at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas – a car that Toyota had claimed to be the world’s quickest SUV – believes it could set a new front-wheel-drive lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The C-HR R-Tuned, built by Californian concept vehicle specialist Dan Gardner Spec, was commissioned by Toyota to showcase the sporting potential of the SUV. While it retains the front-wheel-drive layout of the road car, albeit with a new limited-slip differential, it features a 2.4-litre Toyota 2AZ-FE engine with a DG-Spec Garrett turbo, which combine to produce 591bhp. That power is controlled through a new Toyota E-Series five-speed manual 'box.
The C-HR R-Tuned also features custom Brembo brakes and an adjustable front splitter and rear wing, together producing around 300lbs of downforce.
The car lapped the 2.5-mile Willow Springs course in California in 1min 25.22sec, the first-fastest time set at the track, according to records – ahead of a Porsche 911 GT3 and McLaren 650 S Spyder.
Dan Gardner told Autocar that, although the brief from Toyota was to create a concept to display at SEMA, he wanted the machine to prove its performance credentials.
“The Toyota NGA platform the C-HR is built on is really stiff, so we worked on developing the handling characteristics,” he said. “We wanted to make a supercar killer - the whole point is that it doesn’t make sense.”
Gardner's firm started the build late last year and he estimated that it took a total of around 10,000 hours. Although there are no plans for the C-HR R-Tuned after SEMA, Gardner said he would love to take the car to the Nordschleife for a lap record bid there.
“The car was built for SEMA and Toyota has no plans for it from now on. But it’s the real deal. Personally, it would be a dream to take it to the Nordschleife. I have no doubt it could set the front-wheel-drive record there.”
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...a-c-hr-primed-beat-fwd-nurburgring-lap-record
Toyota had called the car 'world's quickest SUV'
The builder of a race-spec Toyota C-HR unveiled at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas – a car that Toyota had claimed to be the world’s quickest SUV – believes it could set a new front-wheel-drive lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The C-HR R-Tuned, built by Californian concept vehicle specialist Dan Gardner Spec, was commissioned by Toyota to showcase the sporting potential of the SUV. While it retains the front-wheel-drive layout of the road car, albeit with a new limited-slip differential, it features a 2.4-litre Toyota 2AZ-FE engine with a DG-Spec Garrett turbo, which combine to produce 591bhp. That power is controlled through a new Toyota E-Series five-speed manual 'box.
The C-HR R-Tuned also features custom Brembo brakes and an adjustable front splitter and rear wing, together producing around 300lbs of downforce.
The car lapped the 2.5-mile Willow Springs course in California in 1min 25.22sec, the first-fastest time set at the track, according to records – ahead of a Porsche 911 GT3 and McLaren 650 S Spyder.
Dan Gardner told Autocar that, although the brief from Toyota was to create a concept to display at SEMA, he wanted the machine to prove its performance credentials.
“The Toyota NGA platform the C-HR is built on is really stiff, so we worked on developing the handling characteristics,” he said. “We wanted to make a supercar killer - the whole point is that it doesn’t make sense.”
Gardner's firm started the build late last year and he estimated that it took a total of around 10,000 hours. Although there are no plans for the C-HR R-Tuned after SEMA, Gardner said he would love to take the car to the Nordschleife for a lap record bid there.
“The car was built for SEMA and Toyota has no plans for it from now on. But it’s the real deal. Personally, it would be a dream to take it to the Nordschleife. I have no doubt it could set the front-wheel-drive record there.”
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...a-c-hr-primed-beat-fwd-nurburgring-lap-record
TheChamp
Honorary Master
Indeed, worst was the previous gen Corolla.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
RoadTrip: Toyota C-HR on the Diamond Route
To celebrate the discovery of diamonds in South Africa 150 years ago, Ferdi de Vos undertook a journey on the byways of the country’s Diamond Route. His road trip companion? Toyota’s C-HR crossover with its diamond-inspired design…
On the banks of the Orange River near Hopetown, with the parked Toyota C-HR glistening diamond-blue in the Northern Cape sunshine, I pondered the event that would momentously shape the course of South African history.
You see, it was in this vicinity 150 years ago where 15-year-old Erasmus Jacobs found a transparent rock on his father’s farm, De Kalk. Having no idea what this particularly shiny pebble was, he took it home for his sisters to play with.
'The star of Africa
Some sources state that young Erasmus found the pebble in December 1866, others maintain that it was January 1867.
Of importance, though, is that a neighbour, Schalk van Niekerk, identified the “rock” as a diamond. This “rock” would later be named “Eureka”, and weighed an impressive 22 carats.
Then, in 1869, an 83.5-carat diamond, which became known as the Star of South Africa, was found nearby. This discovery – as well as diamond deposits found by the cook of a prospector named Fleetwood Rawstorne and his group of fortune hunters (the Red Cap Party) near Kimberley – sparked a diamond rush.
The famous “New Rush” saw nearly 50,000 prospectors flock to the Kimberley area to seek out their fortunes. During the course of the next decade and a half, South Africa produced more diamonds than India had in the past two centuries.
The rush also led to the formation of the largest man-made hole on earth, which had been dug out in the search for diamonds. This hole, with a perimeter spanning nearly 2km, yielded roughly three tons of diamonds, and during the mining process, over 20 million tons of earth was excavated.
Nowadays, it is one of the Northern Cape’s (and, ultimately South Africa’s) biggest tourist attractions – The Big Hole. And, after leaving Jozi earlier that morning, this was our next destination…
On the quite rutted tar road from Hopetown to Kimberley I could again appreciate the link between the exterior and interior design of Toyota’s brand-new C-HR.
“Sensual Speed-Cross” – Toyota’s new design language which combines a diamond architectural theme and facetted gemstone-like shapes with fluid surfaces and elegantly integrated detailing – distinguishes the C-HR from its humdrum stablemates.
This distinctive styling combines powerful lower body lines and a raised ground clearance with a slim and sleek coupe cabin profile; and – like a well-cut diamond – it creates a delicate balance of precision and sensuality.
This diamond motif is also visible on many interior parts, including switches, the door trim pattern, the headliner, and even the needles of the analogue dials in front of the driver.
The design concept, which combines high-tech functionality with fashion, is reinforced by the layered architecture of the instrument panel. It continues through to the door trim with stylish ornamentation and a piano black panel. I could also appreciate the driver focussed detail – with all the operating switchgear and audio touch-screen angled slightly towards the driver seat.
Speaking of which, the unique two-tiered front seat design – which combines the slender, sporting upper section with a strongly bolstered lower area – was very comfortable on the long road.
The Big Hole
By now, we were in the bustle of mid-town Kimberley, and we had to rely on the navigation system – part of the standard Multi-Information Display (our Plus model had a full-colour TFT) – to lead us to The Big Hole.
Kimberley, eventually named after the then British Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Kimberley, was the first city in the Southern Hemisphere (and the second in the world, after Philadelphia in the USA) to have electric street lights. It also housed the first Stock Exchange in Africa, as early as 1881.
Yet, the largest and capital city of the Northern Cape Province is still world-renowned for the hole that used to be the Kimberley Mine, which actually used to be a flat-top hill called Colesberg Kopje.
After diamonds were found on Colesberg Kopje in 1871, thousands of prospectors descended on the hill. Within a month, 800 claims were cut into the hillock. From mid-1971 to 1914 the kopje was carved away completely.
Once at The Big Hole, we headed for The Old Town; a collection of historic Kimberley buildings from the time when it was the second largest town in South Africa. These buildings have now been restored and feature shops and food outlets open to the public.
Here, one of the knowledgeable guides told me that the hole is 463metres wide and was excavated to a depth of 240 m. Under the surface, the Kimberley Mine was mined to a depth of 1097 metres underneath the Big Hole.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not, in fact, the largest man-made hole on the world; the Jagersfontein Mine appears to hold this record.
Lime Acres
Having finished out photo-shoot in Kimberley, we followed the R31 over Barkly West to our destination: the Finsch diamond mine belonging to Petra Diamonds at Lime Acres.
This diamond mine is South Africa’s second largest diamond operation by production (after the De Beers’ Venetia mine). The mine, opened in 1967, has supplied over 130 million carats of diamonds in its half century life-span, and plans to produce 2 million ROM carats per year by 2018.
It is an impressive operation, but the little town of Lime Acres was even more impressive – neat as a pin and obviously well-run by the mine management.
From here, it was still a 3-hour long trip to Upington, so we decided to stay on tarred roads and the N14 highway in order to make up some time. Even with only a 1.2-litre petrol engine under the bonnet, the C-HR easily kept up to speed on the long, flat stretches of tarmac.
The small turbocharged unit, that delivers 85kW and a constant torque curve of 185 Nm between 1500 and 4000rpm, gains from advanced technology that allows it to change from the Otto-cycle to the Atkinson cycle under low loads. Direct fuel injection, a water-cooled turbo, and VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent Wide) enhances its performance and efficiency further.
Even at high revs, the small mill was smooth and quiet; and, in Sport mode (normal and eco modes are also available) it was surprisingly keen. However, with the six-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission) one needed to get used to modulating the clutch against the small engine’s revs, otherwise it bogged down.
In this sense, the CVT model is probably the better option, since it automatically synchronises the gear ratios with engine speed, but I quickly became accustomed to the manual ’box.
We arrived in Upington quite late, but were still cordially welcomed at River Bank Lodge, our overnight accommodation, ideally situated on the banks of the Orange River.
After an exhilarating descent down the Ouberg Pass, we were in the home straight after a more than 2000km trip all the way from the diamond town of Cullinan where the local launch of the C-HR took place.
During the trip our average fuel consumption was 7.1 l/100km, and not once did the small Toyota falter, even on some demanding roads not really suitable for 4x2 vehicles.
Apart from millennials, the C-HR will find favour with an older generation who are still young at heart. Its pricing is competitive, and it is a breath of fresh air in Toyota’s line-up. It will shine like a well-cut diamond on the sales charts for sure.
Specifications: Toyota C-HR 1.2T manual Plus
Engine: 1197cc four-cylinder petrol turbo VVTi-W
Power: 85kW @ 5600rpm
Torque: 185Nm @1500-4000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual iMT
Tyres: 215/60 R17
Suspension (front): McPherson type with anti-roll bar
Suspension (rear): Double wishbone with anti-roll bar
Brakes: Disc brakes
Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres
Ground clearance: 200mm
CO2 emissions: 141g/km
Fuel consumption: 6.3 l/100km
Warranty: 3 year /100,000km
Service plan: 5 year /90,000km
Service intervals: 15,000km
Price: R350 000
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/roadtrip-toyota-c-hr-on-the-diamond-route-20171218
To celebrate the discovery of diamonds in South Africa 150 years ago, Ferdi de Vos undertook a journey on the byways of the country’s Diamond Route. His road trip companion? Toyota’s C-HR crossover with its diamond-inspired design…
On the banks of the Orange River near Hopetown, with the parked Toyota C-HR glistening diamond-blue in the Northern Cape sunshine, I pondered the event that would momentously shape the course of South African history.
You see, it was in this vicinity 150 years ago where 15-year-old Erasmus Jacobs found a transparent rock on his father’s farm, De Kalk. Having no idea what this particularly shiny pebble was, he took it home for his sisters to play with.
'The star of Africa
Some sources state that young Erasmus found the pebble in December 1866, others maintain that it was January 1867.
Of importance, though, is that a neighbour, Schalk van Niekerk, identified the “rock” as a diamond. This “rock” would later be named “Eureka”, and weighed an impressive 22 carats.
Then, in 1869, an 83.5-carat diamond, which became known as the Star of South Africa, was found nearby. This discovery – as well as diamond deposits found by the cook of a prospector named Fleetwood Rawstorne and his group of fortune hunters (the Red Cap Party) near Kimberley – sparked a diamond rush.
The famous “New Rush” saw nearly 50,000 prospectors flock to the Kimberley area to seek out their fortunes. During the course of the next decade and a half, South Africa produced more diamonds than India had in the past two centuries.
The rush also led to the formation of the largest man-made hole on earth, which had been dug out in the search for diamonds. This hole, with a perimeter spanning nearly 2km, yielded roughly three tons of diamonds, and during the mining process, over 20 million tons of earth was excavated.
Nowadays, it is one of the Northern Cape’s (and, ultimately South Africa’s) biggest tourist attractions – The Big Hole. And, after leaving Jozi earlier that morning, this was our next destination…
On the quite rutted tar road from Hopetown to Kimberley I could again appreciate the link between the exterior and interior design of Toyota’s brand-new C-HR.
“Sensual Speed-Cross” – Toyota’s new design language which combines a diamond architectural theme and facetted gemstone-like shapes with fluid surfaces and elegantly integrated detailing – distinguishes the C-HR from its humdrum stablemates.
This distinctive styling combines powerful lower body lines and a raised ground clearance with a slim and sleek coupe cabin profile; and – like a well-cut diamond – it creates a delicate balance of precision and sensuality.
This diamond motif is also visible on many interior parts, including switches, the door trim pattern, the headliner, and even the needles of the analogue dials in front of the driver.
The design concept, which combines high-tech functionality with fashion, is reinforced by the layered architecture of the instrument panel. It continues through to the door trim with stylish ornamentation and a piano black panel. I could also appreciate the driver focussed detail – with all the operating switchgear and audio touch-screen angled slightly towards the driver seat.
Speaking of which, the unique two-tiered front seat design – which combines the slender, sporting upper section with a strongly bolstered lower area – was very comfortable on the long road.
The Big Hole
By now, we were in the bustle of mid-town Kimberley, and we had to rely on the navigation system – part of the standard Multi-Information Display (our Plus model had a full-colour TFT) – to lead us to The Big Hole.
Kimberley, eventually named after the then British Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Kimberley, was the first city in the Southern Hemisphere (and the second in the world, after Philadelphia in the USA) to have electric street lights. It also housed the first Stock Exchange in Africa, as early as 1881.
Yet, the largest and capital city of the Northern Cape Province is still world-renowned for the hole that used to be the Kimberley Mine, which actually used to be a flat-top hill called Colesberg Kopje.
After diamonds were found on Colesberg Kopje in 1871, thousands of prospectors descended on the hill. Within a month, 800 claims were cut into the hillock. From mid-1971 to 1914 the kopje was carved away completely.
Once at The Big Hole, we headed for The Old Town; a collection of historic Kimberley buildings from the time when it was the second largest town in South Africa. These buildings have now been restored and feature shops and food outlets open to the public.
Here, one of the knowledgeable guides told me that the hole is 463metres wide and was excavated to a depth of 240 m. Under the surface, the Kimberley Mine was mined to a depth of 1097 metres underneath the Big Hole.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not, in fact, the largest man-made hole on the world; the Jagersfontein Mine appears to hold this record.
Lime Acres
Having finished out photo-shoot in Kimberley, we followed the R31 over Barkly West to our destination: the Finsch diamond mine belonging to Petra Diamonds at Lime Acres.
This diamond mine is South Africa’s second largest diamond operation by production (after the De Beers’ Venetia mine). The mine, opened in 1967, has supplied over 130 million carats of diamonds in its half century life-span, and plans to produce 2 million ROM carats per year by 2018.
It is an impressive operation, but the little town of Lime Acres was even more impressive – neat as a pin and obviously well-run by the mine management.
From here, it was still a 3-hour long trip to Upington, so we decided to stay on tarred roads and the N14 highway in order to make up some time. Even with only a 1.2-litre petrol engine under the bonnet, the C-HR easily kept up to speed on the long, flat stretches of tarmac.
The small turbocharged unit, that delivers 85kW and a constant torque curve of 185 Nm between 1500 and 4000rpm, gains from advanced technology that allows it to change from the Otto-cycle to the Atkinson cycle under low loads. Direct fuel injection, a water-cooled turbo, and VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent Wide) enhances its performance and efficiency further.
Even at high revs, the small mill was smooth and quiet; and, in Sport mode (normal and eco modes are also available) it was surprisingly keen. However, with the six-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission) one needed to get used to modulating the clutch against the small engine’s revs, otherwise it bogged down.
In this sense, the CVT model is probably the better option, since it automatically synchronises the gear ratios with engine speed, but I quickly became accustomed to the manual ’box.
We arrived in Upington quite late, but were still cordially welcomed at River Bank Lodge, our overnight accommodation, ideally situated on the banks of the Orange River.
After an exhilarating descent down the Ouberg Pass, we were in the home straight after a more than 2000km trip all the way from the diamond town of Cullinan where the local launch of the C-HR took place.
During the trip our average fuel consumption was 7.1 l/100km, and not once did the small Toyota falter, even on some demanding roads not really suitable for 4x2 vehicles.
Apart from millennials, the C-HR will find favour with an older generation who are still young at heart. Its pricing is competitive, and it is a breath of fresh air in Toyota’s line-up. It will shine like a well-cut diamond on the sales charts for sure.
Specifications: Toyota C-HR 1.2T manual Plus
Engine: 1197cc four-cylinder petrol turbo VVTi-W
Power: 85kW @ 5600rpm
Torque: 185Nm @1500-4000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual iMT
Tyres: 215/60 R17
Suspension (front): McPherson type with anti-roll bar
Suspension (rear): Double wishbone with anti-roll bar
Brakes: Disc brakes
Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres
Ground clearance: 200mm
CO2 emissions: 141g/km
Fuel consumption: 6.3 l/100km
Warranty: 3 year /100,000km
Service plan: 5 year /90,000km
Service intervals: 15,000km
Price: R350 000
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/roadtrip-toyota-c-hr-on-the-diamond-route-20171218
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Autocar's best of 2017: Top 10 reviews of the year
Which new cars interested you the most? These are the 2017 machines you've read about the most - and expect some surprises
It's hard to comprehend the sheer number of new cars that get released every year, from refreshed versions of established nameplates to all-new designs filling gaps in the market and introducing new technology.
So where do you turn when you want to cut through the crowded market and decide what to buy? Easy: our huge reviews section. Our in-depth reviews cover the market, telling you what's good and bad about every car.
This list counts down the ten most-read reviews that have been published on our site in the last year.
Autocar's ten most popular reviews of 2017
1. Toyota C-HR
Did you see this coming? No, us neither, if we're being honest. But here it is: the most-read 2017 car review on our site is of Toyota’s C-HR.
Why? Well, it might be another crossover-style SUV, but it stands out for its fearless design and powertrain options. That was enough for us to hand it a Game Changer award at the 2017 Autocar Awards.
Check out the rivals: Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, Seat Ateca
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/autocars-best-2017-top-10-reviews-year
Which new cars interested you the most? These are the 2017 machines you've read about the most - and expect some surprises
It's hard to comprehend the sheer number of new cars that get released every year, from refreshed versions of established nameplates to all-new designs filling gaps in the market and introducing new technology.
So where do you turn when you want to cut through the crowded market and decide what to buy? Easy: our huge reviews section. Our in-depth reviews cover the market, telling you what's good and bad about every car.
This list counts down the ten most-read reviews that have been published on our site in the last year.
Autocar's ten most popular reviews of 2017
1. Toyota C-HR
Did you see this coming? No, us neither, if we're being honest. But here it is: the most-read 2017 car review on our site is of Toyota’s C-HR.
Why? Well, it might be another crossover-style SUV, but it stands out for its fearless design and powertrain options. That was enough for us to hand it a Game Changer award at the 2017 Autocar Awards.
Check out the rivals: Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, Seat Ateca
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/autocars-best-2017-top-10-reviews-year
chopsky
Expert Member
I know these cars have supposedly sold well, but still barely EVER see any of them on the road (I live in the CPT CBD and spend quite a bit of time on the road).
FiestaST
Honorary Master
I must concur. I seldom see them as well.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Seeing a fair number more of these on Cape Town roads lately.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
All-electric Toyota C-HR announced as part of Chinese plug-in plans
New Corolla and Levin plug-in hybrids will come before electric C-HR
Toyota will produce an all-electric version of the C-HR for the Chinese market from 2020.
Announced at the Beijing motor show, the zero-emissions crossover will follow two new versions of existing Toyota plug-in hybrids, the Corolla and Levin saloons, that are due in 2019.
Those cars are claimed to be capable of 30 miles in pure-electric mode.
The trio of newly announced plug-in cars are part of Toyota’s plans to introduce 10 electrified models by 2020. It follows the Chinese government’s requirement for a certain quota of a car brand’s sales to be electric.
Toyota will produce the electric motors, batteries and invertors for its plug-in Chinese models. They will be the first electrified Toyotas to be produced outside of Japan.
China’s demand for plug-in cars is so large that Toyota alone sold 140,000 electrified cars there last year. That figure represented 40% of all Toyota electrified car sales in that market to date.
To satisfy the increasing demand for its plug-in cars, Toyota plans to raise its production capacity for nickel-metal hydride battery modules to 220,000 units in 2020. It will also open a battery testing facility, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, in China.
Toyota recently revealed that it is working to commercialise solid-state batteries by the early 2020s; if achieved, this would make it the first car maker to do so. The technology enables more energy to be stored than equivalent lithium-ion batteries and so is expected to be a game changer for electric vehicles.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...toyota-c-hr-announced-part-chinese-plug-plans
New Corolla and Levin plug-in hybrids will come before electric C-HR
Toyota will produce an all-electric version of the C-HR for the Chinese market from 2020.
Announced at the Beijing motor show, the zero-emissions crossover will follow two new versions of existing Toyota plug-in hybrids, the Corolla and Levin saloons, that are due in 2019.
Those cars are claimed to be capable of 30 miles in pure-electric mode.
The trio of newly announced plug-in cars are part of Toyota’s plans to introduce 10 electrified models by 2020. It follows the Chinese government’s requirement for a certain quota of a car brand’s sales to be electric.
Toyota will produce the electric motors, batteries and invertors for its plug-in Chinese models. They will be the first electrified Toyotas to be produced outside of Japan.
China’s demand for plug-in cars is so large that Toyota alone sold 140,000 electrified cars there last year. That figure represented 40% of all Toyota electrified car sales in that market to date.
To satisfy the increasing demand for its plug-in cars, Toyota plans to raise its production capacity for nickel-metal hydride battery modules to 220,000 units in 2020. It will also open a battery testing facility, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, in China.
Toyota recently revealed that it is working to commercialise solid-state batteries by the early 2020s; if achieved, this would make it the first car maker to do so. The technology enables more energy to be stored than equivalent lithium-ion batteries and so is expected to be a game changer for electric vehicles.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...toyota-c-hr-announced-part-chinese-plug-plans
