insideKENT Magazine Issue 54 - September 2016 | Page 117

MOTORS

The Toyota C-HR remains remarkably true to
the general features of the concept cars that
attracted so much public attention in Paris in
2014 and in Frankfurt in 2015. Its coupe-like
lines are testimony to its designers’ resolve
to create a style that stands out in the Toyota
range, and to establish a new direction among
mid-sized crossovers. The production vehicle
remains true to the concept car’s exterior,
measuring 4,360mm long, 1,795mm wide
and 1,555mm high (hybrid version) and has a
2,640mm wheelbase.
Viewed from any angle, the C-HR’s
combination of faceted, gemstone-like shapes
with fluid surfaces and elegantly integrated
detailing creates a delicate balance of precision
and sensory appeal. It is equipped with the
longest headlight units in the market, which
feature unique sequential LED turn signals,
whilst the LED rear lamps carry a distinctive
boomerang-shape light signature.
The C-HR has the hallmarks you would expect
of a sports utility vehicle – powerful body,
chunky sill line and large footprint – but above
the shoulder line is a contrasting, coupe-like
cabin. It is formed by slim A-pillars and a
‘floating’ roof design that slopes confidently
backwards, ending in a sharply angled rear
window. Diamond motifs echo throughout the

cabin, from the door trims and seat stitching to
the steering wheel buttons and climate control
switches, even on the roof lining.
A new departure for Toyota, the interior styling
represents a new ‘Sensual Tech’ design
concept combining high-tech functionality with
a sensual and fashionable style. It is interpreted
in a driver-focused area that forms part of an
airy, expansive cabin.
The interior’s warm, welcoming ambience is
created by the seamless layered architecture
of the instrument panel, which flows
through to the door trim and features stylish
ornamentation and a piano black panel. There
are three main surface finishes: leather-like
for all background surfaces; a smooth Nappa
grain for all touch surfaces; and technical grain
for all functional elements, such as switchgear.
The area around the driver incorporates
innovative details and intuitive, user-friendly
high technology. All the switchgear and the
eight-inch display touch-screen for the Toyota
Touch 2 multimedia system are slightly oriented
towards the driver. The multimedia screen
is the largest of any fitted to a Toyota and is
mounted high in the dashboard to be in your
immediate line of sight.

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