Toyota C-HR review

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The European small SUV segment has exploded in the last few years, and Toyota has launched the C-HR to steal more sales from its rivals. It's designed the new C-HR with Europe in mind, which is why Toyota has taken a radical new styling direction compared to its other offerings.

Under the skin it uses the Toyota New Global Architecture which delivers composed handling and a comfortable ride, while not many cars in the class can rival the C-HR hybrid for its advanced powertrains and efficiency.

Crucially for this image conscious class, Toyota has worked hard to deliver a distinctive interior. There are plenty of high-grade materials, and a decent tally of kit, while the layout is good and features plenty of bright colours. The small back windows do make the rear claustrophobic, however.

Smartly styled, good to drive, practical and featuring a classy cabin, the C-HR is a tempting alternative to more mainstream crossover models.

The Toyota C-HR is the latest addition to Toyota's crossover line-up, a range that was spearheaded by the RAV4 when it first launched in 1994. While the RAV4 has grown in size and maturity over the years, the C-HR aims to inject some style into the line-up. C-HR stands for 'Coupe-High Rider', and the car's styling mixes chunky crossover lines with a low-slung roofline like a coupe.

But while the looks are sporty, the C-HR is actually pretty versatile, and it rivals the very best crossovers, such as the SEAT Ateca, Skoda Karoq, Peugeot 3008, Honda HR-V and Nissan Qashqai. There's decent space inside, yet the car's individual style helps it stand out in the class.

Toyota C-HR - side action

Toyota C-HR - side action
Toyota C-HR - start/stop button

7. Toyota has included a lot of kit in the C-HR, including climate and cruise control, automatic lights and a seven-inch touchscreen.
Toyota C-HR - rear tracking

4. The CH-R balances decent handling with comfort, using supple dampers to control body roll relatively well.
Toyota C-HR - sat-nav

Toyota C-HR - sat-nav
Toyota C-HR - C-HR badge

Toyota C-HR - C-HR badge
Toyota C-HR - screen

Toyota C-HR - screen
Toyota C-HR - dials

Toyota C-HR - dials
Toyota C-HR - front tracking

Toyota C-HR - front tracking
Toyota C-HR - Front Action

Toyota C-HR - Front Action
Toyota C-HR - boot seats down

Toyota C-HR - boot seats down

Even under the skin, the C-HR isn't entirely conventional. Power now comes from Toyota's 1.8 VVT-i or 2.0 VVT-i hybrid petrol systems, featuring a CVT auto as standard, as this controls power flow between the petrol engine, electric motor, battery pack and wheels, and is front-wheel drive only.

Electric Toyota C-HR revealed at the Beijing Motor Show

Four trims are available on the C-HR: Icon, Design, Excel and Dynamic, while special editions such as the Orange Edition are offered with specially packaged options. Thankfully, you don't have to splash out on a higher spec C-HR to get lots of kit.

Icon trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone air conditioning, an eight-inch multimedia display, reversing camera, LED daytime running lights and a 4.2-inch multi-information display for the driver. Toyota Safety Sense, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beam, road sign assist and pre-collision alert, is standard across the range, too.

Toyota C-HR - side action

Toyota C-HR - side action
Toyota C-HR - start/stop button

7. Toyota has included a lot of kit in the C-HR, including climate and cruise control, automatic lights and a seven-inch touchscreen.
Toyota C-HR - rear tracking

4. The CH-R balances decent handling with comfort, using supple dampers to control body roll relatively well.
Toyota C-HR - sat-nav

Toyota C-HR - sat-nav
Toyota C-HR - C-HR badge

Toyota C-HR - C-HR badge
Toyota C-HR - screen

Toyota C-HR - screen
Toyota C-HR - dials

Toyota C-HR - dials
Toyota C-HR - front tracking

Toyota C-HR - front tracking
Toyota C-HR - Front Action

Toyota C-HR - Front Action
Toyota C-HR - boot seats down

Toyota C-HR - boot seats down

Most Far Eastern car makers offer their cars with limited options - if you want more kit, you have to spend more on a higher trim level - but the C-HR has a variety of packs that allow you to personalise your car with extra kit or different looks. Prices for the C-HR start from around £26,000 and rise to just over £33,000, which remains competitive in the compact crossover class.

For an alternative review of the latest Toyota C-HR SUV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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