In this review…
In an overabundant crossover market, the new Toyota C-HR brings the SUV experience to city roads with coupe looks and considered practicality.
When the Toyota C-HR launched in 2016, the world-famous Japanese manufacturer was looking to create a seemingly impossible niche. How do you blend a chunky crossover with a low-slung coupe? Somehow they managed to not only build it but sell it in droves as drivers have taken to its distinctive style.
Standing for “Coupe-High Rider”, the new Toyota C-HR is being described as an “urban SUV” – a city-sized machine with 3 doors but still with the commanding stature and spaciousness of an SUV. The new model has been tinkered with and redesigned to improve on a winning formula, but with other choices such as the Fiat 500X and Citroen C3 Aircross promising similar experiences, does the new Toyota C-HR still hold up? We look at it inside and out to give you the answer.
Design
“Modern” and “intelligent” must have been the two words circled in bold when designing the bodywork of the C-HR. From the front, the C-HR commands attention with its striking LED headlights and large, prominent grille. Its wraparound LED headlights feature intricate detailing that gives a welcome touch of aggression to the look. The grille, with its honeycomb pattern and chrome accents, balance this with elegance at the front end.
Another key area where the C-HR makes a statement is the two-tone colour scheme, which gives the rooftop a complimentary colour to the body. Like the DS 3, it indicates an unconventional character.
Interior
The difference between the previous C-HR and the new edition is night and day. Gone are the plastic-feeling materials in place of new high-grade armour that is soft to the touch. Toyota has also found the perfect medium between easy access to features and escaping the feeling of claustrophobia that some feature-packed models have today. There’s everything you need on the steering wheel – call functions, cruise control and infotainment navigation – and nothing you don’t, for example.
On the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, you have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard, but with Toyota’s new system able to receive over-the-air software updates à la Tesla, this area will only get stronger as time goes on.
Drive
The new Toyota C-HR is powered by either a 1.8L or 2.0L hybrid engine that can deliver almost 200bhp in the top trim. Being a front-wheel drive car, the handling is very functional while being able to tuck into tight corners with not just ease but a thrill. Plus, with the new update, Toyota has focused on enhancing its fuel economy, which is now utterly superb.
Despite the surrounding competition looking to break Toyota’s stride, the new C-HR is polished from all angles. If you’re looking for something different in the overabundant crossover market, the Toyota C-HR brings the SUV experience to city roads with coupe looks and considered practicality.
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