So far stole in the small crossover segment Nissan with the Juke all the show. Unusual, extravagant (some also say ugly) and compact. The design recipe worked. The Juke sells brilliantly. Not long, they say at Toyota. Because at the beginning of 2017, the world's largest automaker will launch the C-HR. The production version is called the same as the study shown at the IAA in Frankfurt last year. And it looks very similar.
It remains to be seen whether the exaggeratedly playful crossover will really hit the hearts of its customers. At Toyota, at least, you are very optimistic. "We have ordered 14.000 C-HRs for the first full sales year," reveals Toyota Germany CEO Tom Fux. Much of it will have hybrid propulsion. The Japanese are thus once again expanding their range of alternative drive technology. Not least because of the diesel scandal at Volkswagen and the increasingly strict exhaust gas laws. "Customers have become even more open to hybrid," said Fux. Across all model series, Toyota has a diesel share of only 25,4 percent across Europe.
The C-HR, short for Compact High Rider, is 4,35 meters long and is the second Toyota model after the Prius to be based on the newly developed TNGA platform (Toyota New Global Architecture). Consequently, he also uses its technology. Its 1,8 liter petrol engine currently holds a top value among gasoline engines with a thermal efficiency of 40 percent. In the C-HR Hybrid, the combination of internal combustion engine and electric machine delivers 90 kW / 122 hp. The standard consumption should be little more than three liters. Toyota estimates the minimum CO2 emissions at 90 g / km. In addition to the hybrid version, there will also be a normal version with a petrol engine. Here, a 1,2-liter turbo delivers 85 kW / 116 hp. A diesel is not planned. Prizes will be announced later. The basic version should be based on the Nissan Juke, which starts at 15.550 euros.
The C-HR is manufactured in the Sakarya plant in Turkey. The production capacity of the plant has been massively expanded, from 150.000 to 280.000 units annually. If the C-HR should initially only be limited to Europe, the group headquarters in Japan has now decided to market it worldwide. Non-European models are built in the home country and in the USA. There was also a new strategic decision for North America. “The original plan here was to run the C-HR under the Scion brand,” says Tom Fux. Scion, however, was recently hired. The Crossover C-HR remains a Toyota worldwide.
Another equally global vehicle is the Hilux, Toyota's second premiere. The robust pick-up has a reputation for indestructibility and is one of the most popular vehicles in its segment. Since 1968, more than 16 million have been built by him and exported to almost all countries. In Europe, the Hilux is at the top with a market share of 23 percent. Last year there were over 34.000 units. Its robustness is also having a positive impact on the used car market. The residual value is far above average.
The new Hilux should be characterized by a "significantly more robust driving culture" as Toyota says and a higher quality interior design. Chassis and loading area have been strengthened (20 percent higher torsional stiffness), but the comfort has been trimmed more towards cars. Among other things, there is a 7-inch touchscreen.
The only drive used is a 2,4-liter diesel four-cylinder with 110 kW / 150 hp, which sends its 400 Nm of torque into the gearbox from just 1.600 revolutions, thus enabling confident pulling through. The customer can choose between a manual six-speed gearbox or a six-speed automatic. If you want to use the Hilux as a workhorse, you can look forward to a selectable all-wheel drive with limited slip differential and a high trailer load. Toyota promises an impressive 3,2 tons. The prices are slightly above the previous level, starting at around 23.000 euros.
Author: Michael Specht / SP-X