This is the only Toyota that evokes many emotions and attracts the eyes of everyone around. And for good reason. The new image finally corresponds to the essence and reflects the character. Even Lexus would not be ashamed of such a car.
You get strange and mixed feelings when you get to know the C-HR. This is the most emotional Toyota of all that has been in the lineup recently. It was impossible to imagine such courage from the brand. But it has happened, and for the second time. Yes, now we are meeting the second generation of the bright crossover, and it has really matured technically and become much more fun to drive.
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Positioning of the Toyota C-HR
Over the past decade, the C-HR coupe crossover has become a major player in the European market for the Japanese brand. It has conquered Europeans with its design, apt dimensions, and comfort multiplied by the manufacturer’s reputation. When it first appeared in 2017, the C-HR shocked even old-timers, who could not believe that a conservative brand had made such a decisive leap. Did you know that the name C-HR stands for Coupe High Rider?
I still remember that test drive on the outskirts of Madrid and the Spanish sun shimmering in the strange facets of the car. Back then, we were presented with a version with a gasoline engine and a «mild» hybrid system. It did not have impressive dynamic performance, although its appearance promised a lot of excitement. The compact crossover later became a worthy rival to the Nissan Juke, as it offered a little more space in the cabin and luggage compartment against the background of an equally eccentric design.
Over the years, the C-HR has become firmly entrenched in the European market, well, maybe not breaking the Toyota Corolla record. This was quite an impressive result, even for the manufacturer itself. In addition, the crossover conquered not only the European market: according to the company, up to 330,000 C-HR cars were sold worldwide per year. To this day, Toyota still calls the C-HR «an iconic model». Interestingly, most crossover owners honestly say that they chose this car because of its design.
Over the years, the real challenge for designers and engineers has been to make the model even more avant-garde and add technology, modern systems and appropriate environmental friendliness. So this new Toyota is a true work of art and the embodiment of modern technological solutions.
The second generation was developed at Toyota Europe and created in accordance with the trends and tastes of Europeans. The crossover is manufactured exclusively in Europe, including the assembly of high-voltage battery packs. And this is the first Toyota to receive a battery produced in the Old World, as only hybrid versions are on the market.
And this time, the C-HR got a bunch of trump cards: original two-tone paint, contrasting roof with inserts, elegant multi-tiered LED headlights, aerodynamic styling and a single light bar at the back that connects the lights. It seems to be a mandatory element in modern design. All this is complemented by sharp edges on the sides that protrude strongly. It seems that they will cut through the air like additional wings, and it turns out that this is indeed the case.
Similar to the concept headlights, the illuminated C-HR logo on the taillights create the image of a prototype rather than a finished road car. New technologies were used to create the two-tone body (automated painting process using water-based paints). In addition, the bumpers were made of a new polymer material that was pre-painted in a mold — an innovation that is expected to save hundreds of tons of carbon.
Toyota’s design and engineering teams worked closely together to ensure that the exterior was aerodynamically efficient while still providing a strong visual impression. This ensured that airflow over and around the vehicle was optimized, including the precise profiling of the front bumper and the format of the rear roof spoiler.
The Toyota C-HR has a separate place in the lineup: it is larger than the Yaris Cross, but smaller than the RAV4, which is still a bit bulky and plain. There’s also the Corolla Cross, which is the same size as the C-HR, but it has much more interior space, a different design, and more modest equipment.
Each powertrain is calibrated to achieve the perfect balance between acceleration and handling, and the throttle responds sensitively to every movement of the accelerator. According to the figures, the CH-R accelerates to the first 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, and this seems to be true, except that the response is not as sharp as you expect. Still, the settings are moderately soft and do not frighten with threatening sensitivity.
This is enough for the crossover. The engine does not howl from a slight effort and the car will move on electricity until you provoke it to go faster. Only a sharp acceleration can make the gasoline unit connect. It’s good that they did a good job with the noise insulation of the engine compartment, and in addition, they installed double front glass, so this engine hum can be heard from a distance.
In our case, an additional electric motor is installed on the rear axle, which adds 40 hp to the standard (152 hp from the gasoline engine and 112 hp from the electric motor). But it will be connected only when necessary, and the system itself decides this. It will be possible to add force from the rear wheels on slippery roads or in difficult conditions when the front axle cannot cope. I never had a chance to verify their work, although I drove on dirt roads.
The Toyota C-HR moves briskly in traffic, easily overtaking at any speed, which is even impressive. And if you turn on the Sport mode, it even shoots like a cannonball.
The Toyota C-HR steers precisely and easily. The steering wheel is not overloaded with effort, but offers enough information from the road. Toyota has recently made the settings so exemplary that even the most demanding consumer will not be able to make a comment. So it’s a pleasure to maneuver. However, there is still a multi-link suspension on both axles (MacPherson in front and independent, spring with two double wishbones in the rear) and you should not expect excellent cornering behavior. Rolls are present and there is no getting away from it, but they will not be critical because the suspension settings are elastic and closer to hard than to soft. When driving on the highway, you don’t feel the unevenness of the road, the chassis swallows them, but at crawling speeds, small potholes are quite sensitive in the cabin.
The large 18-inch wheels are not the largest on offer, because in Europe they also offer 20-inch wheels for maximum configurations. However, for our roads, a larger diameter will be critical and will limit interior comfort if the car does not offer adaptive shock absorbers.
The e-CVT box has already collected a lot of comments, but here we can only attribute it to noise when operating in active driving mode during overtaking and sudden acceleration. The howling can also be attributed to the engine, but this is really a feature of the variators, so you should forgive this flaw. Especially since, in general, it works quickly and accurately. In general, the well-coordinated work of all the units of the hybrid system makes the crossover not only more environmentally friendly and quiet in the city, but also significantly saves fuel.
The average consumption may not correspond to the declared one, but it stays within the pleasant range of 5.4-6 liters per 100 km. On the highway, the figure will not increase significantly and can rise to 7 liters only after starting the engine and turning on the air conditioner to cool the cabin.
Safety in the Toyota C-HR
There’s nothing better than well-established active assistance systems in a car, and even more so if you can turn them off with a single button. And the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense is available for the C-HR. The crossover can now «see» at a greater distance from the vehicle, which improves its ability to react to potential problems and apply the brakes more effectively.
The setup and coherence of the system are excellent: it does not disturb you with unnecessary notifications or jerks. everything happens on time and when you really need it. The crossover can hold a lane or notify you of leaving it, stay in the center of the lane and keep a distance from the previous car. That is, it is almost an autopilot. If you turn on adaptive cruise, you can trust the car to drive in bad weather and poor visibility. Sometimes the system sees better than the driver.
And more precisely. After all, it will stop the car forcibly if you do not react to an obstacle ahead or behind. And you don’t need to turn on adaptive cruise to do this. Sensors, radars, and cameras work together seamlessly and instantly. Even when parking, a critical approach of the bumper to the previous car will trigger the system to stop you. Don’t expect it to allow you to park the car in millimeters.
What’s most impressive is that it’s enough to activate the safety system using the buttons on the steering wheel, without having to go deep into the settings. You don’t need to turn on that autopilot, the system will follow and monitor the situation around you. It will not allow you to change lanes without turning on the turn signal, or if another car is approaching. Plus, you can always use regular cruise rather than adaptive cruise by simply turning it on separately.
Among the innovations is acceleration suppression, which prevents the sudden use of the accelerator pedal if a risk of collision with the vehicle in front is detected. The Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) function is also new here. It operates at low speeds and provides a smooth deceleration when the driver releases the accelerator when approaching a slower vehicle in front or entering a curve. This can be used in conjunction with the Steering Assist system, which recognizes curves ahead and adjusts the steering force to help the driver make a smooth and stable turn.
So this array of systems simply cannot be included in every package. But even the entry-level package has a sufficient number of active assistants. Toyota is thus trying to stay within the status of the manufacturer of one of the safest cars. Only the maximum trim levels will be able to offer adaptive lighting and side illumination of the road when cornering. A long-forgotten feature that is underestimated, in my opinion.
Interior and comfort in Toyota C-HR
If you are not impressed by the appearance of the car, then you should not get into the cabin because you will not want to leave. Even Lexus would not be ashamed of such a cabin. Our respect to the designers for not diminishing the impressive exterior, but even emphasizing it.
In addition to the bizarre architecture of the front console, the rather massive center console with a driver’s orientation is surprising. In addition to the gearshift and handbrake buttons, there is a diamond-shaped gear lever. It’s small and takes a couple of days to get used to, and it also has unusual shifts. Sometimes you get confused, but then you get used to it. The main thing is not to rush because the electronics jumps sometimes quickly, and sometimes it is delayed.
There are plenty of pockets and cup holders throughout the cabin, a convenient shelf in front of the passenger, and a fairly roomy glove compartment below. Only small water bottles can be placed in the door pockets. The armrest is deep with an additional sliding drawer. There are even hooks for clothes on the center pillar.
Compared to its predecessor, the new C-HR has twice the amount of recycled plastic used in more than 100 different interior parts. Among them is a new fabric for seat upholstery made from recycled PET bottles. The steering wheel is also wrapped in a man-made material that is quite soft to the touch. The top models also have a gorgeous soft suede trim on the doors, which makes them especially prestigious.
There is a wireless charger in the center area with an intelligent smartphone overheating sensor. As always, Toyota cares about user convenience and makes it mandatory to install keys to control the most important functions. There is a separate panel for climate and heating controls. You can press the keys or buttons — the functionality will change. An interesting solution. The switch set for the climate control has a premium look and feel, and the automatic mode operates in three power settings.
The climate is generally organized in such a way that the interior is quickly cooled or heated. Convenient air deflectors, a powerful heater motor, and fast cooling or heating. The steering wheel and front seats are heated, as well as the windshield. And although the rear passengers are not left with a chance for air, the temperature is maintained quite well there.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system offers multiple screen settings, built-in navigation, an on-board voice assistant, and wireless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It connects quickly and works steadily, without falling off or overloading the smartphone itself. There are separate buttons for volume control and screen off. There are duplicate media control keys on the steering wheel, which has many buttons that allow you to quickly switch the necessary functions.
The digital instrument cluster offers several display styles, and the information can be conveniently switched between, with several screens with the necessary data remaining. A projection onto the windshield is also available as a top-of-the-line option.
The lighting throughout the cabin is LED, and the decorative lighting not only enhances the overall look of the interior, but also performs a very important function. The light strips offer a wide range of colors (64 to choose from) and they reflect the cool or warm atmosphere or time of day. You can enable a program of 24 shades that will be synchronized with the time and change every hour along with the brightness.
The lighting will also help to improve safety: the sound and visual signals of the safe exit assistance system will be accompanied by a change in the color of the lighting to red if there is a risk of collision with vehicles or cyclists approaching from the side. The Toyota C-HR is the first Toyota model to receive this feature.
Space in the Toyota C-HR
Given the modest size of the crossover, you might think it’s a bit cramped. But there is enough space for four adults. A person of any height will be able to sit freely in front. The seat is height adjustable, among other things, and the lumbar support can be adjusted. The steering wheel is also adjustable in height and reach.
Rear passengers are left with a little legroom. And even with the front seat fully extended, you can still get in. The coupe-like silhouette eats up a little space above the passengers’ heads, but not critically. The rear row is quite comfortable, and the main thing is that the sills are covered by doors and will not stain clothes.
The luggage compartment is not big, but it is comfortable and has a beautiful branded carpet. There are only 290 liters, and the maximum capacity with the seats folded down is — 1062 liters. The spare tire and necessary tools are hidden under the floor.
Conclusions
The Toyota C-HR demonstrates that Toyota can still be fun and impressive. It offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, well balanced with economy. So it’s a stylish car for anyone who likes to stand out. This crossover is chosen with both heart and mind. After all, they agree on one thing.
However, only your wallet can be against it because it costs almost as much as a premium car. There are much more interesting prices from competitors, but each of them will have its own flaws and advantages. Thus, the price for Nissan Juke starts at 1,135,400 UAH, and for the most affordable C-HR you have to pay 1,435,920 UAH. Peugeot 2008 generally costs from UAH 998,600, but a more interesting and rich version with a diesel engine will be close to UAH 1,333,100.
The truth is that the Toyota C-HR immediately wins points for its stylish design, which looks really cool. Accompanied by the overall impressions of its predecessor, this crossover will be one of the most reliable representatives of the segment. Toyota offers a fantastic reputation for making cars that don’t break down, let alone lose value over the years.
PROS: economical hybrid engines, comfort, manufacturability, control, maneuverability.
CONS: price, modest space for passengers and luggage.
Specifications of the Toyota C-HR GR Sport Premiere Edition
| Body, type | SUV |
| Dimensions (LxWxH), mm | 4362/1832/1558 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2640 |
| Declared ground clearance, mm | 157 |
| Trunk volume, liters. | 2901062 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1655 |
| Engine | 2.0 Dual VVT-i (M20A-FXS) |
| Power, hp. | 152 |
| Torque, Nm | 188 |
| Type of hybrid installation | HEV |
| Electric motor power, kW | 112 hp + 40 hp. |
| Type of drive | AWD-i |
| Pendant | Macpherson/independent spring with two twin cross arms |
| Transmission | 7 e-DCT |
| Dynamics 0-100, s | 7,9 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 180 |
| Fuel consumption, l (mixed) | 4,1 |
| Cost, UAH | 1 435 920 |
| The cost of the test car, UAH | 1 954 318 |
| Competitors | Nissan Juke |
| Kia Niro | |
| Peugeot 2008 | |
| Seat Ateca |
Автомобіль надано Toyota Ukraine
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