NEW Look Toyota C-HR
Toyota’s original C-HR swiftly became one of the brand’s most popular models. Compact, well-priced and very efficient, it’s not hard to see why it was snapped up by drivers of all types. Now, Toyota is hoping to recapture the magic with a new version.
Arriving with a bold new look, and which we have some fantastic offers on, the latest C-HR arrives to deliver in all the same areas as its predecessor did, but with some added luxuries and an exterior design that’ll help it to stand out among some very classy rivals. Let’s see what it’s like to live with.
Since it first arrived, more than 850,000 C-HRs have been produced. As a result, Toyota doesn’t want to mess with the formula too much. However, there are some changes to be made in order for the C-HR to move the game forward. It’s still got the same usable boot space and solid material choices as the car it replaces, however.
In addition, Toyota has bolstered the range of engines available on the C-HR. Alongside the ‘regular’ hybrid model, there’s a new plug-in hybrid which brings with it the promise of rock-bottom running costs alongside the ability to run for up to 41 miles on electric power. It’ll be a good option for those able to plug in at home but, for those who can’t, there’s still that standard hybrid model.
The standard, regular hybrid C-HR operates with a 1.8-litre petrol engine which is then linked to a compact electric motor for a total output of 138bhp. The plug-in hybrid, however, gets a larger 2.0-litre petrol engine and, when blended with its electric motor, gets 193bhp – so quite a decent chunk more power than the ‘standard’ version.
It’ll do 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds, too, so it’s quite brisk away from the lights while the arrival of the electric power does help to add some extra zip to the acceleration. Toyota says that – fully charged – the plug-in hybrid could deliver up to 353.1mpg while CO2 emissions are impressively low at 19g/km. Remember, too, that once fully charged you can do just over 40 miles on electric-only power, so you’ll really get the best out of this plug-in hybrid C-HR by regularly charging it.
Toyota has really drilled into the refinement of this latest C-HR. After all, hybrid powertrains and their ability to run on electric-only power do showcase rattles and noises more than standard petrol and diesels, so everything has to be right on the money. Fortunately, that appears to be the case with this Toyota as everything feels smooth, quiet and relaxing – particularly when you’re at cruising speeds. The ride can be a little firm at lower speeds, mind you.
As with other Toyota models, the hybrid powertrains have to be driven calmly to get the best from them. Act too aggressively with the throttle and the CVT automatic gearbox flares and creates quite the racket. Instead, the C-HR in a more considered fashion and it remains quiet and easy-going instead.
The original C-HR was quite a futuristic-looking thing and this latest version takes that ethos a step forward. It’s quite the head-turner – particularly cars with a dual-colour paint scheme – and it’ll be great for drivers looking to make a statement as a result. Sure, it may be a little controversial for some, but it’s a car that’ll get people talking from a design perspective.
There are numerous trims to choose from which alter the look of the C-HR, too. Sport trim, for example, adds in a lot of sporty touches that draw inspiration from the brand’s sportier models. The 20-inch alloy wheels on our test car certainly looked the part, though probably at the expense of ride quality overall.
While the interior of the C-HR may be a touch more straight-laced than its wild exterior, that’s not a criticism. Everything is made to a good standard with plenty of decent materials used throughout. We really like the overall user-friendliness of the cabin, too, as there are plenty of physical buttons used across the dashboard which make accessing key functions – such as the heating and ventilation – much easier when you’re on the move.
While there are some harsher plastics found lower down the cabin, you can excuse the C-HR for this – they’re in areas prone to scuffs and marks, so it’s good to have them coated in something a little more hard-wearing. In terms of boot space, the C-HR has 388 litres to offer – though it’s a shame that the rear seats don’t downfold flat entirely.
All versions of the C-HR come well equipped, with even base-level cars featuring 17-inch wheels as standard, alongside an eight-inch infotainment system that incorporates Apple CarPlay – so it’s simple to mirror your smartphone. However, only flat white paint and black upholstery come as standard, so it’s likely that this model could look a little bare-bones from a design perspective.
You might be better suited to step up to Design grade which adds 18-inch alloy wheels alongside a larger, more useful 12.3-inch infotainment system which adds a more technology-focused feel to the car overall. Also, the plug-in hybrid only starts at this grade – you can’t get it in that base-level Icon specification.
It’s more than likely that Toyota was fearing the C-HR’s previous success when creating this new version. However, thanks to a striking new look, a well-made and equipment-laden interior and a good driving experience, it feels as though it has all of the tools to live up to the car which came before it.
The plug-in hybrid offers the chance of some very low running costs, too, but if charging up at home isn’t a possibility then the regular version will be more than efficient enough for most.
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