Turbo tiddler for Toyota C-HR

Toyota Australia will launch one of its smallest engines in decades in its new C-HR crossover.

The controversially styled mini-SUV will featured a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine of just 1.2 litres. The engine features direct-injection and alternates between the conventional Otto cycle and under low engine loads, the “highly efficient Atkinson cycle”.

This uses similar technology to that the company has used in its hybrid vehicles – badged both Toyota and Lexus.

Toyota Australia says the C-HR’s turbo 1.2 features “a range of advanced technologies, including a new limited-volume intake system that ensures more rapid combustion for immediate response and a high compression ratio to improve power and efficiency”.

“Other cutting-edge features include an innovative cylinder-head design with an integrated exhaust manifold, lightweight valve-train, variable control oil-jet system and resin intake manifold and intake pipes,” the company claimed.

Power and torque outputs are 85kW and 185Nm. Peak torque is delivered from 1500-4000rpm.

Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the new engine is “a direct benefit of the global company's new product-development strategy TNGA, Toyota New Global Architecture”.

The C-HR matches the 1.2 to Toyota's Multidrive S transmission. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) features both auto and seven-step ‘manual’ Sport modes.

A six-speed manual transmission will also be available on the C-HR front-drive variant although that is expected to make up a very small percentage of sales Down Under.

Arriving Down Under in early 2017, the C-HR will be offered in two premium grades, C-HR and C-HR Koba. The latter spec is “a tribute to the car's global chief engineer, Hiroyuki Koba”, says Toyota.