We drive the most recent model of Toyota’s fashionable C-HR household crossover – and it’s a giant, daring step-up…
If a automotive may very well be judged purely on its styling, the second-generation Toyota C-HR could be best-in-class.
And when you think about that its greatest rivals embody the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Skoda Karoq, Seat Ateca and Hyundai Tucson, that’s no imply feat.
However earlier than we weigh up the brand new C-HR’s execs and cons, let’s return to 2017 when the primary era ‘Coupe-Excessive Rider’ was launched within the UK.
With its radical appears, it was one thing of a departure for Toyota which was nonetheless promoting the conservative Auris and Avensis on the time.
The funky C-HR was a chunky crossover with a low-slung roofline like a coupe. Distinctively styled with a giant roof spoiler and sloping rear window, it was well-equipped, but it surely additionally wasn’t with out its points.
Quick ahead to 2023 and the all-new Toyota C-HR is a looker. A extra grown-up model of the outgoing mannequin, it boasts a wider stance and the unique’s curves have been changed by sharper strains and strong surfacing.
As soon as once more there’s a closely raked tailgate, although this time it contains a dual-element rear spoiler and a full-width LED mild bar under with an illuminated ‘C-HR’.
On the entrance, it options the brand new ‘hammerhead’ face of Toyota SUVs, whereas the ‘hidden’ raised rear door handles aren’t any extra (they’ve been changed by retractable ones, entrance and rear). Total construct high quality, inside supplies and know-how have additionally been upgraded.
Priced from £31,290, the brand new mannequin launches initially with 1.8 and a pair of.0-litre engines paired with Toyota’s newest fifth-generation full hybrid know-how that ups each energy and effectivity. A 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid will arrive in 2024.
The 1.8-litre delivers 138bhp and the two.0-litre ups energy to 194bhp. Official figures put gasoline financial system at 60.1mpg and 57.6mpg respectively, whereas CO2 emissions are from 105g/km and 110g/km.
Each engines are front-wheel drive (there’s no AWD choice) and a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid (with an EV vary of as much as 41 miles) will be a part of the C-HR line-up in 2024.
First impressions rely, and the second-gen Toyota C-HR actually oozes kerb enchantment, particularly in case you select a two-tone paint-job.
By way of dimension, its dimensions are virtually equivalent to the Suzuki S-Cross, which makes it a tad smaller than its most important opponents (together with the Nissan Qashqai), however greater than the category under (eg Nissan Juke).
The driving place is on the excessive aspect for me, however you quickly get used to it as a result of it’s snug with a good quantity of assist.
There are roomier cabins, not simply because the C-HR isn’t as broad as some rivals, however the driver centered set-up with excessive centre console makes it cosy, particularly on the passenger aspect.
The excellent news is that the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (on all however entry trims) mixed with the motive force’s digital show appears the half and works nicely sufficient. And mercifully, the C-HR has some bodily controls for necessities similar to air-conditioning – in contrast to some new vehicles.
There’s cheap house for passengers on the again, whereas the cabin as an entire has a classier really feel, with extra soft-touch surfaces.
Toyota’s additionally ticked the sustainability field as a result of the seat materials are produced from recycled plastic bottles and there’s animal-free ‘leather-based’ on the steering wheel.
Load capability varies between the 2 engines – 388 litres (1.8) and 364 litres for the two.0. Once more, not class-leading, however sufficient. All fashions include 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
Visibility is nice forward, however barely more difficult behind due to these chunky rear pillars and small rear home windows. Fortunately, all variations have a reversing digicam.
The C-HR has a reasonably supple suspension and it handles lumps and bumps nicely. So, it’s one of many extra snug SUVs in the marketplace.
Gentle steering fits its pure city habitat nicely, however the C-HR can also be a pleasing cruiser. It will be an exaggeration to name it dynamic on twistier roads, however there are good ranges of physique management and respectable grip.
We examined each engines (not the GR Sport grade), and each stability efficiency with financial system, delivering 10.2sec and eight.1sec respectively for the 0-62mph dash.
The difficulty with each is that there’s a CVT computerized gearbox which causes the revs to rise and keep excessive till you’ve reached your required pace. The din within the cabin quickly settles down, but it surely places you off driving something however easily.
Apparently, the extra highly effective 2.0-litre hybrid engine is a bit more refined, so manages to iron out the worst of the CVT higher.
The C-HR slips between electrical and engine modes seamlessly, and will be pushed alongside for brief distances utilizing the electrical motor alone, so all in all, the claimed financial system figures are very achievable.
Lastly, it’s at all times value remembering that the C-HR comes with a three-year guarantee that extends as much as 10 years/100,000 miles as long as your automotive is serviced yearly at an authorised Toyota workshop.
Verdict: The cool new Toyota C-HR is an actual step-up from the first-generation mannequin. Simple to drive, economical, nicely geared up and stylish, it actually stands out from the gang.
Toyota UK