Toyota has redesigned its C-HR C-segment SUV, claiming a focus on sustainability with increased use of recycled and animal-free materials and reduction in carbon emissions through weight saving and new production processes.

A new digital key will become available. As well as previous 1.8 and two litre hybrid electric powertrains, a new two-litre plug-in hybrid option with increased EV capability becomes available.

A geofencing function on the PHEV automatically switches the car to EV operation when it enters a low emission zone (LEZ).

The original C-HR was Toyota Europe’s best-performing model for conquest sales.

The new model was conceived in Europe with local customers in mind and it is being built exclusively in Europe including assembly of its high voltage battery units.

Flush door handles are used on a Toyota for the first time and new style of two-tone paint design will be available, extending the contrast black roof down to the rear bumper and into the car’s rear three-quarter section.

A welcome scenario automatically unfolds as the driver approaches the vehicle with a brightening of exterior lights – including illumination of the new C-HR light signature on the back door.

The latest C-HR has a new, 12.3-inch fully digital combimeter and the display can be adjusted to prioritise different content according to driver preference or the kind of journey being made, for example making the active ADAS function information prominent when joining a motorway. There are three pre-set layouts which can be personalised using switches on the steering wheel.

Ambient lighting offers up to 64 colours and introduces options for interior direct and indirect lighting to reflect the cabin environment – cool or warm – or the time of day. A programme of 24 changing shades has been designed, synchronised with the passing of each hour to progress from bright morning tones to more relaxing ones in the evening.

The lighting scheme will also help enhance safety: the audible and visual alerts of the safe exit assist system will be reinforced by interior lighting changing to red, to warn of a door being opened when there is a risk of collision with traffic or cyclists approaching from the rear. The C-HR is the first Toyota to have these extensions to ambient lighting functionality.

The Smart Connect multimedia package includes an eight or 12.3-inch touchscreen, on-board voice agent and wireless smartphone connection via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The system will provide EV range information and local charging locations in its POI function. Owners will also be able to use Toyota’s MyT smartphone app for remote control of vehicle functions, including operating the air conditioning system to heat or cool the car before making a journey.

The high level of innovation includes a claimed unique in class automatic parking function. An app will also be available to allow fully remote parking, with the driver outside the vehicle, allowing for even more precise manoeuvring into limited spaces.

The latest Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driver assistance features range and functionality have been extended. Future system software updates can be delivered over the air with no need for a dealer visit.

Key developments include new acceleration suppression which slows any sudden use of the throttle when risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead is detected. Also new, proactive driving assist (PDA) works at low speeds, providing smooth deceleration when the driver comes off the throttle when approaching a slower vehicle ahead, or entering a bend. It also enables steering assist which recognises a bend ahead and adjusts steering force to help the driver make a smooth and stable turn.

Owners will also be able to add the option of an advanced safety package for their car, including features such as Lane Change Assist with Front Cross Traffic Alert, a Driver Monitor Camera (enhancing performance of the Emergency Driving Stop System), an Adaptive High-beam System with camera control to adjust light distribution; and (where local regulations permit) hands-free driving to automatically follow the vehicle ahead in a stop-start traffic jam.

Sustainability

Compared to its predecessor, the new car has double the content of recycled plastics used in 100 different parts. These include a new fabric for the seat upholstery made from recycled PET bottles. The bumpers are formed from a new resin material that is pre-coloured in the mould an innovation which is expected to save hundreds of tonnes of CO2. Further savings have been achieved by adopting a new automated painting process using water based paints and by adopting a new animal free material as an alternative to leather for the steering wheel cover.

Design and technology measures have been taken to reduce the car’s weight, including new high-strength steels and a new panoramic roof design. The fixed panoramic roof has low emissive and infra red reducing coatings which keep heat inside the cabin in winter and prevent overheating in sunny summer weather. This avoids the need for a conventional sunshade, saving 5kg in unit weight, improving headroom by 3cm and reducing the need to use the air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature.

The new powertrains have had a comprehensive redesign of key hybrid system components to reduce size and mass, including a new transaxle and power control unit (PCU) and a more powerful high voltage battery.

The 1.8-litre HEV powertrain, from the Corolla, is focused on eco performance but has significantly more power than the current 1.8-litre hybrid electric C-HR. The two-litre hybrid offers higher output.

The two-litre plug in hybrid has Regeneration Boost – a one pedal-like driving experience – with three operating levels for easier progress in city traffic. It will also automatically adjust the drive mode to optimise energy efficiency, recognising the best opportunities for energy recharging when following a route via the car’s navigation system. Thanks to the introduction of a new geofencing function, the PHEV will automatically switch to EV operation when the car enters a low emission zone (LEZ), optimising battery usage across the entire trip (when using a navigation system and sufficient battery charge is available).

Suspension, brakes and steering have also been redesigned and tuned to achieve an ideal balance between vehicle poise, ride comfort and responsiveness.

At launch, the new C-HR range will include a special Premiere Edition model, showcasing the highest levels of equipment and styling with a signature sulphur bi-tone exterior, perforated leather seats with contrast sulphur stitching, a head-up display and Skyview panoramic roof.