C-HR is Toyota’s smallest SUV. C-HR is youthful and full-filled. Toyota threw caution to the wind with a wild futuristic design. That can go wrong of course, and while I didn’t warm to C-HR in the beginning, it has grown on me.
We drove C-HR at the local launch and liked it, but were a bit iffy about the looks.
OUTSIDE:
C-HR was an early example of Toyota’s new design direction. Toyota wants you to feel something, even if it is a bad case of dislike. Of course, they’d prefer you feel a deep yearning.
Does C-HR elicit that feeling?
C-HR has deep swirls, dashes, lines, and swerves. LED lights at the front are extremely bright. Rear indicators sweep, Audi-style. The optional two tone roof (KOBA only) sweeps down the large rear splitter. An integrated air dam on the lip of the hatch completes the sporty look.
18” wheels on the top model look great, with the base model getting 17 inchers.
There is Smart key/push-button start, and a decent boot for shopping bags. 301L might seem snug, but there is space for a spare tyre. It is just a space saver, which is better than a repair kit
The Cabin:
The interior design continues the asymmetric language. There are angular motifs on the doors, the roof lining, and other surfaces. The diamond plakky door inserts are not my cup of tea. Leather seating uses a similar complex set of angles in the stitching, especially around the headrest.
The dash has a similar range of curves and angles, with asymmetric buttons for the climate control, and seat heating.
A floating tablet infotainment system is easy to use, fast to respond, and includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Sound is respectable for a car in this price range
Finally, the central LCD driver’s screen sits between the dials, and displays driving data, with a digital speedo.
The Drive:
On the road, C-HR is thoroughly enjoyable.
There are 2 drivetrains, a front wheel, or all-wheel drive 1.2L petrol, and a front wheel drive 1.8L petrol/electric hybrid. Both use a CVT automatic. The hybrid’s 1.8L petrol engine recharges the batteries as you drive. Hybrid is available only as a front wheel drive Koba.
The motors work together, or seperately, with the driver oblivious to the changes going on under the bonnet. Acceleration is brisk, with the extra torque of the electric motor making C-HR feel more powerful than the numbers would have you believe. Interestingly Toyota never publishes the Torque figures.
Suspension is MacPherson Strut at the front, and Trailing Arm Double Wishbone at the back. Ride is supple, smooth, and quiet, on all but the worst of Australians roads.
You can feel the weight of batteries, cars ride better with a load on. Cornering is leisurely. Remember, despite the look, C-HR is not a sports car. Steering has almost no feeling. It is light and breezy, but when you point the plucky little SUV, there is no hesitation.
C-HR has the full suite of safety gear.
- Active Cruise control
- Active Blind Spot Monitor
- Active Lane Control
- AEB (autonomous emergency braking)
- Reversing camera
- All-round view cameras
- 7 airbags
For more detail, visit Toyota’s website HERE
Conclusion:
Although I wasn’t in love with C-HR when I first saw it, I’ve really warmed to it.
C-HR good to drive, looks good, and is very economical economical. It is great around town where it is most fuel efficient, but can be used for the odd roadtrip. If you are going to do a longer drive, you’d be more comfortable with just 2 on board. Price: $37,190 plus on road costs.
Facts and Figures: 2020 Toyota C-HR hybrid
- Engine: 1.8L four-cylinder hybrid producing 90kW/163Nm
- Transmission: Multi-speed CVT
- Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited km
- Safety: Five stars
- Origin: Japan
- Price: from $36,440 MLP*
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options
Also Look at:
- Subaru XV Hybrid
- Mitsubishi ASX Exceed
- Suzuki Vitara Turbo
- Nissan Qashqai
Toyota C-HR Koba Hybrid
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Rating
Summary
Although I wasn’t in love with C-HR when I first saw it, I’ve really warmed to it.
C-HR good to drive, looks good, and is very economical economical. It is great around town where it is most fuel efficient, but can be used for the odd roadtrip. If you are going to do a longer drive, you’d be more comfortable with just 2 on board. Price: $37,190 plus on road costs.
