News

Amman, October 2018 - The GAZOO Racing World Rally Team took first and second place at the challenging Rally Turkey, with drivers Ott Tänak and Jari-Matti Latvala racing to victory. This is considered the team’s first result of its kind since its return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) at the beginning of 2017, moving it to the top of the manufacturers' standings. The win is also the third in a row for Tänak and the Toyota Yaris WRC; an unprecedented streak for any driver or team since introducing the current era of World Rally Cars last season.

Appearing on the WRC calendar for the first time since 2010, Rally Turkey provided a considerable test to all teams and crews with its entirely new stages over rough and rocky gravel roads that were extremely demanding for the cars and their tires. In this rally of attrition - where only five World Rally Cars completed the event without having to retire from at least one of the three legs - the approach of the Toyota team focused on reliability and avoiding mistakes.

At the end of the second day, Tänak and Latvala occupied the fifth and fourth positions respectively. Through measured driving, they took over the top of the leaderboard early on the third day as their rivals faced problems. The two drivers continued to avoid issues throughout the remaining stages, with Tänak winning by 22.3 seconds over Latvala, who finished almost one and a half minute ahead of the third place crew. Tänak, who also took three bonus points for third place on the rally-ending Power Stage, climbed to second in the drivers' standings and is just 13 points from the lead. Meanwhile, Latvala, who finished fourth on the Power Stage, moved up to fifth place.

Commenting on the victory, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, said: "Following Finland and Germany, we at GAZOO Racing have achieved excellent results for the third consecutive rally. I really appreciate the fans who are supporting us from all over the world. Rally Turkey was very tough and beyond our imagination. To have run through such roads and reached the finish with these great results, I appreciate the drivers, co-drivers and all team members. Thank you all and congratulations.”

Over the years, Toyota has been participating in many different forms of motorsports, including Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race. Toyota’s participation in these events was overseen by separate entities within the company until April 2015, when Toyota established GAZOO Racing to consolidate all of its motorsports activities under one in-house brand. Underlining Toyota’s belief that roads build people and people build cars, GAZOO Racing highlights the role of motorsports as a fundamental pillar of Toyota’s commitment to making ‘ever-better’ cars. Harnessing years of experience gained under the extreme

conditions of various motorsports events, GAZOO Racing aims to forge new technologies and solutions that bring freedom, adventure and joy of driving to everyone.

Amman, September 2018 - The GAZOO Racing (GR) World Rally team is celebrating its second consecutive victory, after Ott Tänak followed his Rally Finland triumph by securing first place at the recent Rallye Deutschland during the World Rally Championship (WRC) organized by the International Automobile Federation - Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The race also marked the Toyota Yaris WRC’s maiden win on asphalt. As in Finland, the team achieved a double podium result, with Esapekka Lappi finishing in third place, enabling Toyota to climb to the second position in the manufacturers' championship and placing the team within 13 points of the lead.

With tire choice and car setup further complicated by the often-changeable weather conditions, the versatility of the Toyota Yaris WRC proved a decisive factor in the team’s victory. The car features a 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct injection engine that produces over 300bhp, a six-speed hydraulic shift gearbox and a solid chassis shaped by advanced simulation, testing, and production techniques.

“We are very excited by the team’s outstanding performance, and I would like to congratulate them on attaining a double podium finish in this challenging race - a magnificent achievement that demonstrates their skill and determination,” said Yugo Miyamoto, Chief Representative of the Middle East and North Africa Representative Office at Toyota Motor Corporation. “Toyota is committed to building ever-better cars, and motorsport is one of the means by which the skills of our people and the quality of our products can be further honed to achieve that aim. We extend our gratitude to our fans for their ongoing support, encouragement, and belief in our abilities and their constant encouragement.”

Tänak was the front-runner for most of the race, only briefly conceding the lead after SS2. He carried an advantage of 43.7 seconds into the final day, which he managed carefully through the two runs over the 29-kilometer Grafschaft vineyard test. The win was sealed on the Bosenberg Power Stage, where he came within 0.1 seconds of repeating his fastest time in Finland.

Rallye Deutschland is the third race that Tänak and co-driver Martin Järveoja's have won since joining Toyota this year. It is also the pair's second victory at this event and one that brings Tänak closer to the two drivers currently ahead of him in the championship.

The 2018 season marks the second year of the GR team’s mission to harness experience from motorsport to make ever-better cars. The team enjoyed a successful debut year in 2017 that included victories at Rally Sweden and Rally Finland and finished third in the manufacturers’ championship.

Three years ahead of 2020 target

Amman, April 2018 - Toyota Motor Corporation recently announced that it reached a landmark milestone in annual sales of electrified powertrains in 2017, with over 1.52 million sold worldwide as of 2 February, 2018, surpassing the prior record set in 2016 by eight percent. The numerical milestone marks back-to-back years of growth and the accomplishment of one of Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050 goals, selling more than 1.5 million electrified vehicles in a single year, three years in advance of the original target set for 2020. Additionally, cumulative sales of electrified vehicles now exceed 11.47 million, which represents a reduction of more than 90 million tons of CO2 compared to sales of equivalent conventional vehicles.

Yugo Miyamoto, Chief Representative of the Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “We are excited to achieve this significant milestone, which reinforces our commitment to tackling environmental challenges. Toyota has the competitive expertise and know-how in the core technologies of electrification, thanks to its experience in developing, producing, and improving major electrified components and many years of collecting feedback from markets around the world. We are deeply grateful to our customers in the MENA region for being an integral part of our journey of success, and for continuously extending their support towards our commitment to ‎environmental sustainability.‎”

Since the introduction of its first commercially available electrified powertrain on the Prius in Japan in 1997, Toyota has worked on improving the technology as the basis for its electrification efforts, having launched the first mass-produced Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the Mirai, in 2014, the fourth generation of the Prius hybrid electric vehicle in 2016, and the second-generation Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in 2017. The company will continue the development and diversification of electrified vehicles as it now turns its sights to include the mass production of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) from 2020. Toyota also aims to further expand sales of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) in emerging markets to further contribute to lowering CO2 from new vehicles sales worldwide.

The efforts to improve and increase the diversity of electrified powertrain options is tied directly to Toyota's ‘Environmental Challenge 2050,’ wherein the Company aims to achieve annual electrified vehicle sales of 5.5 million units by 2030, as announced in December 2017. To achieve its goal, Toyota unveiled plans to have 10 BEV models available worldwide by the early 2020s, and by approximately 2025, the company aims to have an electrified version available for all vehicle models across its global lineup.

On his part, General Manager of Markazia, Nadim Haddad, stated, “We are encouraged by the promising results achieved in 2017, and look forward to further growth in years to come. Hybrid electric vehicles are our focus moving forward, as we believe they are the way of the future. They are both economically and environmentally friendly, benefitting drivers as well as the community at large. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their loyalty and commitment to a greener Kingdom moving forward.”

Revitalized with a fresh and sporty design

Amman, April 2018 –  With its commanding presence, the bold, powerful, and captivating all-new 2018 Toyota Camry has been officially launched across Jordan by Markazia Toyota. Back, in its eighth iteration to date, the Camry 2018 has been redesigned in accordance with the principles of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, in its three key areas of design, powertrain and dynamics, resulting in a game-changing mid-size sedan with masses of space, amenities and safety features in one sleek and stylish package.

While retaining the renowned essence of its predecessors, the ever-popular Camry has been revitalized with modern and dynamic overtones, characterized by its streamlined silhouette and scalloped edges. Nestled within, is a fuel-efficient Hybrid 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with automatic CVT, delivering 208 horsepower, making for a smooth, exhilarating driving experience with minimal environmental impact.

In the way of comfort and convenience, the Camry 2018 offers exciting attributes, including an 8-inch information display, wireless charging system for smartphones, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, six-speaker sound system, a panoramic roof, a smart illuminated entry system, back camera and GPS, among others. Moreover, the Camry 2018 is supported by its active and passive safety features such as an innovative Pre-crash system and nine airbags, in addition to Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), thus ensuring the security and safety of all onboard.

“We are delighted to be introducing the all-new Camry to the people of Jordan; a car which has won the hearts of people the world over since its debut in 1982. The Camry 2018 brings qualities that it has embodied since its inception, namely size, fuel-economy and safety, and injects a dose of style and vitality that meets the needs of the urban customer, particularly those with active, family-oriented lifestyles,” said Nadim Haddad, General Manager of Markazia. “We welcome everyone to our showroom, located on Mecca Street, to see for themselves what makes the Camry 2018, the sedan of the future.”

Believing that schools free from bullying is not impossible

Amman, April 2018 – Aligned with its belief that securing a stable and secure school environment for the country’s students is key to building a conscious generation capable of leading the future,  Markazia Toyota has pledged its support for an anti-bullying campaign, which began on 5 April, 2018, headed by Jordanian artist, Aziz Maraka, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the ‘Madrasti’ initiative – one of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah  initiatives – with the aim of eradicating bullying in schools.

Through its sponsorship of this campaign, Makazia Toyota seeks to help children in overcoming the challenges they face by transforming these challenges into opportunities for awareness and growth, by providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to deal with negative phenomena such as bullying. This falls in line with the Toyota Motor Corporation’s slogan ‘Start Your Impossible’, which it launched last year with the purpose of encouraging individuals worldwide to achieve their ambitions and go beyond obstacles.

As part of the campaign, Aziz Maraka visits schools, utilizing his music and inspirational songs to encourage students to support, accept and empathize with each other, no matter their differences. Additionally, the campaign features a ‘pledge wall’ where students will stamp their hands, under the inscription, “I pledge to help and encourage my fellow students, though they may be different from me and I will support those who need me. #Anti-bullying #NoToBullying.”

Commenting on the campaign, Nadim Haddad, General Manager of  Markazia – the sole distributor of Toyota, Lexus and Hino trucks in Jordan, said, “Childhood is a crucial time where a person’s personality is cultivated, and it’s also the time when they gain human values and form their view of themselves and the world around them. Ultimately, nurturing a child means nurturing the whole community and changing it for the better. In light of this, we decided, as a Jordanian company that seeks to leave a positive mark on the local community, to contribute to the anti-bullying campaign, which will help our children overcome the challenges associated with bullying and to start the impossible, step by step, to eliminate this detrimental phenomenon in our schools.”

Showcasing the latest technologies in the field of automotive armoring with the Toyota Land Cruiser

Amman, May 2018 – With the goal of showcasing the latest technological developments taking place in the field of armored SUVs, Markazia Toyota sponsored the 12th edition of the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX) 2018. The Exhibition took place from 8-10  May, 2018 at the King Abdullah II Air Base under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, under the supervision of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Al Hussein and with the complete support of the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Markazia Toyota participated alongside more than 350 exhibitors representing 35 countries from around the world, all meeting to highlight the latest equipment by way of the Special Operations Forces and national security technologies.

As part of its sponsorship of SOFEX, the world's largest and only Middle East international military show, Markazia Toyota displayed two Land Cruiser SUVs, the ‘Land Cruiser 79’ and the ‘Land Cruiser 200’ which was designed by the Jordan Light Vehicles Manufacturing LLC (JLVM) of the King Abdullah II Center for Design and Development (KADDB). The Company has demonstrated its ability to convert Land Cruisers to serve the needs of the Jordanian army and its objectives, in line with international standards, thanks to its high-caliber mechanical capabilities that are suited to serving the security and preventive purposes of the army.

The two models were designed to be robust and performance-driven, with elements of comfort and safety, advanced navigation and control systems, and other features associated with Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles. However, the Land Cruiser 200 is heavily armored, which makes it a reliable model in the face of any potential threats and in any geographical location. The armored vehicle that was displayed at the SOFEX was equipped with a dual battery, manual fire resistance system, military grade ‘run flat’ tires, a steel tank-protection shield, a battery protection system and ECM shields, as well as additional roof and door protection. In addition, the JLVM enhanced the suspension levels to suit the additional weight of the vehicle.

On this occasion, Nadim Haddad, General Manager of Markazia, said, "We are very proud to be at the world's largest and only defense exhibition in the Middle East alongside a host of exhibitors from around the world, showcasing their military products and advanced defense equipment, thereby enhancing Jordan's position as a leading center in attracting and setting up world-class events.”  He added, commenting on their choice of model, "We chose the Land Cruiser because of its enormous potential in becoming a successful conversion vehicle for military and defense purposes."

The exhibition, which revolved around promoting global peace and security, was launched on the heels of a Special Operations Forces conference held on May 7, 2018, and attended by more than 600 participants, including regional defense ministers and Special Operations Forces officers, in addition to decision makers and national and global security strategists.

In support of female football talents and sports-related skills

Amman, May 2018 – Stemming form Toyota’s keen interest in supporting women's football, enhancing women's capabilities and sport-related talents, and sponsoring the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, held in Jordan from 6-20 April, 2018, Japanese forward, Mana Iwabuchi was awarded the title, Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, which included a USD 10,000 reward. This unparalleled player was handed her award by Toyota’s Brand Manager in Jordan, Wafai Mseis, following the final match between Japan and Australia, held at the Amman International Stadium, which ended with a 1-0 win for Japan.

Mseis stated, "Scoring a goal in a football match, albeit a single goal, should be considered a collective achievement that counts as a point in the favor of each and every team member, be they players or coaches. The sheer palpable energy that emanates from female football players in tournaments such as these, has a way of touching the hearts and minds of all those, around the world, who are fortunate enough to witness it. For this reason, we at Toyota are overjoyed to be able to support this tournament, and to award the MVP title, not just to Iwabuchi herself, but to the entire Japanese Women's National Football Team (Nadeshiko Japan)."

This award serves to underscore the long-standing relationship between Toyota and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), as Toyota offers support to many AFC-led championships and football teams, based on its belief that all sport, especially football, possesses the capability to enrich lives and unify diverse communities globally. With the end goal of promoting women’s passion for football, and in order to highlight their skills and athletic abilities, which deserve acknowledgment and appreciation, Toyota chose to sponsor the 19th AFC Women's Asian Cup, hosted by Jordan for the first time in the history of the Middle East as a whole.

Nadim Haddad, General Manager of  Markazia – the sole distributor of Toyota cars in Jordan, said, "There is no question that women's football in Jordan is moving forward and progressing, which is why a match of the magnitude of the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifier provides our young women, specifically the Nashmiyyat team, with the unprecedented and much-needed opportunity of being exposed to professional skills, talents and the global standards of women's football, and is a source of inspiration for all those who wish to pursue football to the highest international standards, realizing their dreams and making them a reality. We at Markazia Toyota are pleased to have been a part of supporting this sport in Jordan, and across the world.”

Toyota GAZOO Racing completed a tight race in the fifth round of the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and claimed a podium finish in the 6 Hours of Mexico. The #8 TS050 Hybrid, led by crew Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson and Kazuki Nakajima, secured the third spot in the round, thereby earning the team’s fifth podium of the season.

The #7 TS050 Hybrid of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María López finished not long behind in the fourth spot and completed what was a fierce challenge posted by competing cars on the race course.

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “I congratulate the Toyota teams for displaying resilience and demonstrating a competitive spirit during this tough race. One of our aspirations for participating in motorsport activities is to test our cars in challenging conditions, refine the machines using insights and experiences gained from the track‎, and reflect those changes in the mass production vehicles to bring satisfaction and smiles on the faces of our customers. Moreover, the support of fans has been one of the driving factors behind our success in motorsports, and I would like to thank each one of them for inspiring us to keep delivering better performance.”

On this occasion, Toshio Sato, Team President, said, “This was indeed a tough battle for the Toyota cars, but they fought well and completed a clean race. The #8 TS050 Hybrid held their nerves and gathered some good momentum especially towards the end to clinch the third spot, and the #7 did well to reach the fourth position too. That said, I am confident that the teams are significantly better than the results of the Mexican round. We detected a relative lack of downforce at the race, despite deploying the TS050 Hybrids with high-downforce on the race course. These learnings are part of a competitive race, and these are areas of opportunities where we scrutinize the performance and work on refinements. We are eyeing the next round at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.”

The #7 and #8 drivers started the race strongly with a third and fourth spot, but both subsequently conceded their leads to competing cars. Both cars endured setbacks, but right after the 90-minute mark, driver Sébastien Buemi of the #8 TS050 Hybrid gathered speed to move up to the third place and survived a brief scare when the #28 car hit him in a slow corner. The caution flags went off yet again when a baseball from the nearby sports complex landed on the race track, but the #8 TS050 Hybrid built on the momentum while entering the final stint within the closing 35 minutes of the race.

The #7 and #8 cars were once again neck-to-neck as the final lap closed in, but to maximize the points total for the World Championship-chasing #8 crew, driver Kamui Kobayashi of the #7 TS050 Hybrid eased off so that Sébastien Buemi of the #8 TS050 Hybrid could secure the third position as he drove past the chequered flag.

Toyota GAZOO Racing and the Toyota crew are now gearing up for the sixth round of the season which is slated to take place across the United States border at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on 16th September.

Race Notes:

• TS050 Hybrid#8 (Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson, Kazuki Nakajima)

  • Race: 3rd, 239 laps, 6 pit stops

  • Grid: 4th

  • Fastest lap: 1 min 26.445 secs

• TS050 Hybrid#7 (Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, José María López)

  • Race: 4th, 239 laps, 6 pit stops

  • Grid: 3rd

  • Fastest lap: 1 min 26.240 secs

Introducing our newest addition to the Toyota family, the all-new C-HR! Check out our launch event that took place in Amman

The future has arrived

While we can't predict the future, we can inspire it. So what will our cars look like and how will they function? Will we drive them or will they drive us? That seems to be the question on everyone's mind. Well, we have an idea. Cars are for people who want to go to more places safely and efficiently, and enjoy the thrill of the drive at the same time. We're excited to introduce you to a vision for the car of the future. Toyota Concept-i and its forward-thinking UX hold a mirror up to a future that is warm, friendly, engaging and, most of all—fun. Without further ado, meet Concept-i.

Learning makes this smart car brilliant.

The forward-thinking minds at our Calty Design Research center have dreamed up a concept of automotive UX that is intelligent, friendly and helpful. Intelligent cars that continually learn, and, in turn, keep getting smarter. Brilliant cars that get to know you and your needs, and then start to anticipate them for you. A bond between car, driver and society that, like any great relationship, revolves around trust and loyalty. Helping to bring this vision to life is Yui. Yui is a liaison between you, your passengers and your car. More pal than interface, Yui, in tandem with AI, anticipates your needs and informs the car so that Concept-i can consider and execute that next action accordingly.

Less of a machine. More of a pal.

Concept-i follows our belief that vehicles shouldn't start with technology—they should start, and end, with the experience of the people who use them. Therefore, Concept-i was built from the inside out, with a focus on making it immersive, energetic and, most importantly—approachable. Thanks to artificial intelligence, we foresee an automotive future wherein our cars can connect with us. Thanks to Yui, Concept-i will enhance that relationship between car and driver.

Concept-i puts the “i” in team.

In the future, we envision you, Yui and the car working together—like teammates. Now, here comes the really fun part. Thanks to the car's advanced automated driving technologies, people with all levels of ability can enjoy the ride. You're still in charge of the car. However, through biometric sensors throughout the car, Concept-i can detect what you're feeling. That information then gets analyzed by the car's AI. That's when the automated features kick in. Let's say, for example, that you're feeling sad; the AI will analyze your emotion, make a recommendation and if necessary, take over and drive you safely to your destination. So safety and protection are a major benefit of this relationship. By knowing you better, Concept-i can help protect you better.

Our concept of the future will make history.
 

Concept-i looks as brilliant as it sounds—from its expressive sculptural qualities and elegant graphics to its captivating lighting and design. Its minimal yet artful interior is designed to help support its user experience. Lines flow from the center of the dashboard throughout the vehicle, while Yui travels around them, using light, sound and even touch to communicate critical information. It utilizes a single wide-screen, 3-D, full-color Head-Up Display that blends into an interior that is clean and uncluttered. Even the exterior of the car elevates the relationship between the car and the world around it, communicating with others on the road while expressing motion and excitement. Exhilarating, delightful and truly unique, Concept-i is a masterpiece that always looks like it's in motion, even when it's not.

As if to demonstrate the fact of global warming, extreme weather patterns worldwide have been provoking successive disasters. If current conditions continue and increased measures are not taken to reduce greenhouse gases, it is estimated that by 2100 the world’s average temperature will have risen by 3.7–4.8 ̊C. It is further estimated that, to hold the temperature rise since before the Industrial Revolution to “below 2 ̊C,” we will not only have to reduce additional CO₂ emissions to zero, but will need to achieve an actual positive trend through absorption.

While the world is trying to move toward “below 2 ̊C” scenario, Toyota has, under the “New Vehicle Zero CO₂ Challenge,” decided to challenge itself to reduce vehicle CO₂ emissions by 90 percent in comparison with 2010 levels, by 2050. To realize this, in addition to mileage improvement of engine-driven vehicles, Toyota will promote the development of next-generation vehicles with low or zero CO₂ emissions—hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles and further accelerate the spread of these vehicles.

When these eco-friendly vehicles come into widespread use, they can start making a contribution to society. Toyota will also cooperate with relevant stakeholders to provide possible support as an automobile manufacturer toward the provision of the infrastructure for widespread adoption of electric and fuel cell vehicles.

Toyota C-HR – First Reveal of New Crossover’s Sophisticated Interior Design

‘The C-HR gives Toyota a powerful new presence in the growing C crossover segment. It is intended to spearhead a new movement within its segment -to create a new frontier. That’s why we decided it had to be unique: with its own personality, full of originality.’
Kazuhiko Isawa, Chief Designer C-HR

Designed to stand out both within the Toyota line-up and in its segment, the all-new C-HR – or Coupé High-Rider – represents Akio Toyoda’s determination to allow greater stylistic freedom and promote engineering creativity in order to achieve eye-catching designs and enhanced driving pleasure.

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 a testimony to the resolve of its designers to create a style that stands out in the Toyota range, and to establish a new direction amongst mid-sized crossovers.

With the C-HR, Toyota targets a clear and singular customer profile. Predominantly driven by emotional considerations, these customers want individuality, and to be the first to try new experiences and products. Style and quality are essential considerations in any purchase they make, and the car is an extension of their personality.

Inspired by what he learned from meeting with these customers, C-HR Chief Engineer Hiroyuki Koba focused persistently on their requirements throughout the development process, setting high demands for design and perceived quality.

The Toyota C-HR’s unique character demonstrates the flexibility that the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) gives to vehicle developers in the three key areas of design, powertrain and dynamics, enabling them to deliver a new and fresh take on the increasingly commoditized crossover segment.

Pre-sales will begin throughout Europe in September, with the first deliveries to customers before the end of the year. Positioned between the Auris TS and the RAV4, C-HR targets upwards of 100,000 annual European sales.

A New Design Direction for the Crossover Segment

‘Crossover users want something special, something that a traditional SUV cannot offer. They want a high driving position, but they don’t want the boxy shape of an off-roader. And they also want an agile driving feel.

With the C-HR, we are trying to introduce a new value into the C crossover market, and that newness comes from SUV robustness and strength. But we’re not trying to make an SUV that’s dynamic, rather, a dynamic vehicle with SUV-like properties.’

Kazuhiko Isawa, Chief Designer C-HR

The all-new Toyota C-HR introduces a distinctive styling that brings newfound dynamism and sensuality to the crossover market.

4360mm long, 1795mm wide, 1555mm high (Hybrid) and with a 2640mm wheelbase, the production vehicle remains remarkably true to the concept car’s exterior which was first shown at the Paris Motorshow in 2014, and which registered extremely well with target customers.

Under the concept of “Sensual Speed-Cross”, and featuring a diamond architectural theme with wheel arches projecting prominently at all four corners to emphasise the new crossover’s strength and rigidity, the C-HR modulated structure combines a powerful lower body and raised ground clearance with the slim and sleek cabin profile of a coupe.

Viewed from any angle, the C-HR’s combination of facetted gemstone-like shapes with fluid surfaces and elegantly integrated detailing create a delicate balance of precision and sensuality.

The front represents a further development of Toyota’s Under Priority and Keen Look design identity. The slender upper grille flows from the Toyota badge into the sleek, aggressive wing extremities of the headlamp clusters and wraps fully around the front corners of the vehicle.

The movement of the blacked out rocker panel towards the front and rear wheels, along with the shoulder axis that runs through to the front and rear, emphasise the fast-looking, ‘lift-up’ feel of the thin body.

The C-HR’s coupe-like styling is further enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C pillar and, essential to the representation of speed within the design, the powerful projection of the sweeping roofline into a large, highly aerodynamic, skeletal frame rear spoiler.

To the rear, the strongly tapered cabin integrates a top-hinged tailgate giving access to the loadspace. This contrasts with the pronounced flaring of the wheel arches, which give the new crossover a wide and extremely powerful stance.

Standing proud of the tapering body work, prominent rear light clusters may also be equipped with LED lamp technology to give the rear view of the C-HR an equally expressive visual signature.

Sophisticated Interior Design with Outstanding Sensory Quality

‘Our aim as Toyota’s European design centre was to deliver a unique style – modern and sensual at the same time. The uniqueness of the C-HR’s interior design is based on a stable structure with ‘Emotional Surfaces’ and ‘Innovative Details’.

These key features provided us with the opportunity to approach the design with a fresh perspective. As a result, the C-HR showcases the emotional appeal of Toyota’s interiors of the future.’

Alexandre Gommier, ED² Design Centre

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 embodies a driver focused area within an airy, expansive cabin space.

The warm, welcoming ambiance of an airy, expansive cabin space was created by the seamless layered architecture of the instrument panel that continues through to the door trim with a stylish ornamentation and a piano black panel. It offers a contrast between sensual surfacing and crisp lines to deliver a fresh, yet comfortable environment.

The driver oriented area incorporates innovative details and intuitive, approachable high technology. All operating switchgear, and an 8″ display audio touch-screen featuring a redesigned and improved HMI (Human Machine Interface) with Toyota’s Multi-Media ’16 navigation platform and enhanced connected services are slightly oriented towards the driver.

In conjunction with the asymmetrical centre console design, this brings all controls within easy reach of the driver, whilst still allowing front passenger access to the relevant switchgear.

Because the touch-screen stands proud of the instrument panel rather than being enclosed by it, the upper dashboard is considerably lower in depth, further helping driver visibility.

A unique new two-tiered front seat design combines a slender, sporting upper section with a more strongly bolstered and supportive lower area, these differences emphasised through the use of differing tones, textures and patterns within the upholstery.

‘The European Sensory Quality team has already worked on various facelifts of existing models, but this is the first time that we were tasked with an entirely new model, so a lot depends on the success of the
C-HR. The designers at ED² did such a good job, we had to ensure that their concept made it to production with the right finishing.

With great support from the engineering teams, we worked on every visual detail and challenged standards to create seamless interior harmony. In the end, we believe this to be the best interior SQ yet seen in a Toyota.’

Mehmet Fatih Kale, Senior Engineer, European SQ team

Targeting class-leading sensory quality (SQ), and knowing that C-HR customers will also have competitors from premium brands on their shopping list, the C-HR interior represents the earliest involvement yet of Toyota’s European SQ team in the design process.

Working closely with the headquarters design team to maintain the original interior styling concept, the SQ team have focused painstakingly on component quality, and the consistency of grain, texture, shape, colour and illumination in every element, even the stitch groove radii of the seats.

Reinforcing the link between interior and exterior design, many switches use a similar shape, reflecting the diamond motif of the exterior body shell. The same diamond theme is also visible in the door trim pattern, the headliner, the JBL speaker grilles and tweeter shape, and even the needles of the driver’s analogue instrument dials.

A carefully considered choice of finishes is essential to the harmonious, consistent, one-piece look of the new interior. There are three main surface finishes – leather-like for all background surfaces, a smooth Nappa grain for all touching surfaces and technical grain for all functional elements such as switchgear.

Decorative elements are finished in high quality piano black and satin silver trim, and the clear blue instrument and switchgear illumination has been carefully fine-tuned to ensure consistency of hue, even on adjacent reflective surfaces of differing colours.

This outstanding new interior design will be available in a choice of three colour schemes: Dark Grey, Black/Blue and Black/Brown.

Equipment Levels to Suit the Most Demanding Customers

Reflecting the demands of its target customer, the Toyota C-HR can be equipped with a wide variety of features.

As part of Toyota’s commitment to democratise advanced safety equipment, Toyota Safety Sense is standard across the range. The system includes a Pre-Collision System (including Pedestrian Recognition), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with steering control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist (Road Sign Assist is not available on the entry grade).

Top-of-the-range customers will be able to specify heated seats, a smart entry system, privacy glass, bespoke upholstery including part-leather seats, Toyota’s revolutionary S-IPA system (Simple Intelligent Park Assist), 18” alloy wheels and Bi-tone metallic paintwork.

Concert Hall Sound

Providing the ultimate in sound reproduction in the C crossover segment, the new C-HR may be equipped with a tailor-made JBL premium audio system comprising an 8-channel, 576 Watt stereo amplifier and 9-speakers, including two newly patented acoustic JBL wave guides, known as horn tweeters.

Because various elements of the interior such as the windows, sunroof and upholstery, as well as the rigidity of the body structure surrounding each speaker, can have a significant impact on system sound quality, the system is the result of particularly close collaboration between JBL and Toyota’s engineers from early in the design process.

An in-depth customer analysis was taken into account for the system design and resulted in the front cabin orientation of the speaker layout and the use of a precisely integrated, A pillar-mounted horn tweeter -a JBL system signature- to deliver crisp, clear sound.

As well the two 25 mm horn tweeters and acoustic wave guides, the system further features two 80 mm wide-dispersion units and two 17 cm sub-woofers in the front of the C-HR, and, in the rear, two 15 cm full-range speakers and a 19 cm sub-woofer in a dedicated, 10-litre, ported enclosure.

Available in combination with the navigation option, the JBL premium audio system also incorporates lossless audio encoding.

The partnership between Toyota and JBL started in 1996 and has been successfully expanded since that time. Trusted by music professionals, JBL audio systems are used in major concert halls, venues and stadiums throughout the world (80% of live concerts, 70% of all recording studios and 90% of all THX-certified movie theatres).

Quality is the common focus of both companies, which has resulted in the all-new, uncompromised premium audio system specifically tailored for the C-HR.

State of the Art Powertrains

The Toyota C-HR is equipped with an engine-range that is designed to deliver exactly the fluent, engaging driving behaviour that its customers are looking for. This is most powerfully expressed by the segment-unique, range-topping, full hybrid version, the intrinsic characteristics of which guarantee a smooth, jolt-free ride.

Fitted with the latest-generation hybrid power plant, the C-HR generates CO2 emissions as low as 85 g/km – a figure unrivalled within its segment – and returns combined fuel consumption of only 3.7 l/100 km.

Delivering 90 kW/122 DIN hp, this new hybrid powertrain is not only more efficient and lighter than the previous system, but also offers sharper performance. Detailed design changes to the engine have resulted in a thermal efficiency of 40% – a world-beating performance for a petrol unit.

Other hybrid system components have been made lighter and smaller, and have been repositioned for optimum packaging, further contributing to the car’s low centre of gravity.

The C-HR is also available with a new 1.2 litre turbo engine, which debuted in the Auris. Delivering 85 kW/116 DIN hp and 185 Nm of torque, this unit generates CO2 emission from 128 g/km and returns combined fuel consumption of from 5.7 l/100 km. It may be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a Continuously Variable Transmission. CVT equipped versions are available with either front- or all-wheel drive.