Toyota C-HR, convincing for the hipster?
It’s almost 10 years ago that Toyota pulled the curtain of the first-gen C-HR. Some people loved the bold new look of the -at that time- rather boring-looking Toyota and some people just didn’t. Tastes simply differ. Can the second-gen be just as trendsetting?
Continuing on the same flow
Or trying to do so. The first-generation C-HR was really something different for Toyota back then. At the time, it came with a new design language, new technology and a new way of thinking about Toyota. The second-gen is trying to do the same and is improving on a few “faults” of the first-gen.
At first, you have 3 engine choices: the 1.8-liter VVT-i Hybride (the one we are testing), the 2.0-liter VVT-i Hybride and the 2.0-liter VVT-i plug-in Hybride. Our 1.8-liter delivers 140 horsepower and 142 Nm (+185 Nm from the electric motor) of torque, the 2.0-liter gets 197 hp, while the 2.0-liter plug-in can enjoy 223 hp! For all engine options applies that the power is sent to the front wheels -except for the AWD option on the 2.0-liter hybrid- through an e-CVT gearbox, it’s still a Toyota you know. That being said, the e-CVT works splendidly with the hybrid system of the car which results in a very matured driving feeling. The fastest C-HR will hit 100 km/h in a little above 7 seconds, while the slowest will need almost 10 seconds and goes onto a top speed of 170 or 180 km/h. Those aren’t numbers that make one smile, but we imagine that people who buy a C-HR don’t give sh*t about those numbers. A number that will be interesting is the consumption figure. We averaged 5,2 liters/100 km thanks to its possibility to drive electric even though it was for a small amount of time.
Yes, the C-HR feels more mature, but the car still feels young and vivid in the corners. A pretty direct steering feel and the TNGA platform works in its favor. This makes the ride in the corners fun and firm, but never too harsh.
Family face
If you haven’t noticed yet from the new Prius and bZ4X, Toyota is using a new typical design language. You could call it a “Hammerhead shark nose”. I must say this makes the new Toyota look more aggressive and also moving on with the times. Just look at the LED daytime running lights that extend into the black lines of the bumper and the fact you won’t find the “C-HR” type plate on the back but illuminated between the rear lights. That’s what we call high-tech design elements.
All of this results in a car that’s more coherent and looks sharper. Emphasized by the recessed door handles -that’s pretty loud in closing- and the duo-tone color scheme. In addition, the car is 3 cm shorter (less overhang) than the first-gen but also 3,5 cm wider making it look more bulky.
Not a space wonder
Since the dimensions aren’t being changed dramatically, the C-HR is still pretty cramped and that feeling only grows when you’re moving to the back. Also, the 388 liters of boot space isn’t life-changing. But at the wheel, there is a sense of Lexus in the car. The gearstick is almost a one to one of that of the LC and the seats are supportive and soft. The 12.3-inch infotainment system blends into the dashboard and the interior is finished with LED strips that change colour every hour of the day.
Upmarket
You can feel it in the way it drives, you see it in the way it looks but also in the price. The Toyota C-HR is put upmarket. This Toyota wants to be more exclusive, more premium and Toyota also wants to earn the premium price! The Toyota C-HR will set you back at least 37.760 euros (BE) and with some options you will end up well above 40.000€. It is hard to see why and to defend that price.
