It was spotted testing on Indian soil last year, and the rumour mill suggests that Toyota might still be considering to launch the C-HR SUV in our market to rival the popular Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The SUV segment in the INR 10 – 20 lakh bracket has killed the D1 sedan segment, and has been a reason why Toyota’s Corolla Altis has been limping in the sales department. So keeping in mind the love for SUVs here in our market, the C-HR seems like a nice product to have in Toyota showrooms. Make no mistake, this will be priced on the premium side as Toyota is already working on a rebadged Vitara Brezza from Maruti Suzuki; just like what they did with the Baleno to call it the Glanza.
In the international markets, the Toyota C-HR comes with a 2.0L, 4-cylinder CVTi-S petrol motor which produces 144 HP of power @ 6100 RPM and 139 lb-ft of torque @ 3900 RPM. The engine is matched to a CVT automatic gearbox with shift modes and this is a front-wheel-drive SUV. The Toyota C-HR measures 61.1 inches in height, 70.7 inches in width, 172.6 inches in length, 103.9 inches in wheelbase, has a seating capacity for 5 and the ground clearance is 5.9 inches. Now will the Indian market get a diesel motor? We doubt.
Looking at what Toyota has been offering in the Indian market so far, the C-HR would be a welcome change as it looks rather dynamic. Yes, the new Toyota Camry on sale in India is quite a looker and unlike other vanilla Toyota’s, but that is priced quite high up. The C-HR could surely help the Japanese manufacturer drive some better sales figures. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Creta has been launched in its 2nd generation avatar and the Kia Seltos is biting into the sales of almost every other car in the same price range. Toyota needs affordable cars to survive in the Indian market as just the Innova Crysta and Fortuner won’t make the cut in the long run. The Etios and Corolla brand has now been axed since the existing models in India were not BS6 ready.
So Toyota, bring on the C-HR…
