2020 Toyota C-HR Muscled Up In Europe With New 181-HP Hybrid Model

Toyota is increasing the appeal of the C-HR compact crossover in Europe with a more powerful hybrid powertrain accompanied by design and technology updates.

Joining the improved 122 PS (120 HP) 1.8-liter hybrid is the new 184 PS (181 HP) 2.0-liter Hybrid Dynamic Force system which “blends enhanced driving performance with high efficiency,” according to Toyota.

The 2.0-liter hybrid model also comes with a new suspension design that’s said to improve ride comfort while retaining the C-HR’s handling capabilities. Additionally, both hybrid models receive modified EPS tuning for improved steering feel and an upgraded NVH pack to further reduce cabin noise.

Also read: America’s 2019 Toyota C-HR Gets Significant Price Cut, But No Optional All-Wheel Drive

Equipped with the new powertrain, the C-HR emits as little as 118 g/km of CO2 as per WLTP, while the base hybrid model is rated at 109 g/km. Toyota makes no mention of other engines besides the two hybrids so we can assume the 116 PS (114 HP) 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline unit is no longer available. It’s not unexpected, since around 80 percent of European C-HR buyers choose the hybrid version.

In addition to the hardware upgrades, the 2020 Toyota C-HR gains a new multimedia system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. The interface also supports over-the-air map updates, allowing customers to use the latest versions of European road maps.

Finally, the facelifted Toyota C-HR receives styling updates that serve to highlight the model’s dramatic appearance even further. The headlights are upgraded to LED technology, with the daytime running lights (DRLs) and indicators now being merged into one frontal projector taking the shape of a single line above the main beam.

The refreshed front bumper adopts a painted lower lip, giving the C-HR more visual width. At the rear, the taillights now consist of LEDs as well and are connected by a gloss black spoiler creating a single clean shape.

The facelifted Toyota C-HR is priced from £25,625 ($31,480) in the UK in entry-level Icon guise. Design, Excel and Dynamic grades are also available and can be had with either of the two hybrid powertrains. The 2020 Toyota C-HR lineup is rounded off by an “Orange Edition.”