Review
Toyota C-HR Hybrid
The C-HR or Coupé High-Rider is a brand new model within the Toyota range. The car is the result of the decision to give designers at Toyota more creative freedom. We can only applaud that and the result is certainly impressive. We were introduced to this striking newcomer through a test drive with the Hybrid.
For cool people
The intention of the C-HR was to create a unique style within Toyota’s lineup while giving a new direction to the compact crossover segment. The car is made for a target group that attaches great importance to style and quality and who are also looking for a car that suits their personality. So no gray mouse and Toyota has succeeded very well in that with this trendy bird.
Diamond as a source of inspiration
The silhouette of the C-HR is inspired by a diamond with sculpted lines and stretched surfaces. We certainly like the exterior design of the C-HR. Inside we find a driver-oriented cockpit in a sleek interior that radiates tranquility. The asymmetrical center console ensures that everything is within reach of the driver and in the center we find a 20 cm touchscreen for operating the audio and navigation system, among other things. The diamond was also the source of inspiration for designing certain elements in the interior. This theme is also reflected in, for example, the hands of the instrument panel, the door panels and the headliner. In terms of material choice, the choice was made to cover the rear panels with imitation leather and the contact surfaces are made of nappa leather. The more functional elements such as the control keys were given a technical grain finish. The moldings are in black lacquer and satin silver. We also find a light blue line in the dashboard that creates an airy atmosphere.
Motorizations
In terms of engines, you can choose from petrol models as well as a hybrid. The petrol models are available with a 1.2 turbo petrol engine with front-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox (from 22,580 euros) or an automatic (from 26,080 euros). You can also opt for a 1.2 turbo with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission (from 30,970 euros).
We were introduced to the C-HR through a test drive with the Hybrid. The hybrid system, which also powers the Prius generation, consists of a 1.8 VVT-i petrol engine with Atkinson cycle. In addition, the C-HR also contains 2 electric motors/generators. The power of the C-HR Hybrid is 122 hp and the maximum torque is 142 Nm. The car goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds. and the top speed is 170 km/h. The sporty driver will not find this to his liking, but the car is not made for that either. The C-HR boasts an average consumption of 3.6 l/100 km over the mixed cycle (NEDC cycle). The battery is a compact NiMH hybrid battery that fits completely under the rear seat. The advantage of this is that the suitcase does not become smaller. The base price of the hybrid is 27,850 euros.
Toyota Safety Sense
Toyota offers the Toyota Safety Sense package on all versions. The aim is to reduce the risk of collisions and prevent fatigue behind the wheel. This includes the collision warning PCS with pedestrian detection, the adaptive speed controller ACC, the lane departure warning with active lane assistant (LDA), etc. Depending on the equipment level, certain elements are available as standard or as an option.
Conclusions
The Toyota C-HR is a successful new model within the Toyota range. Especially in terms of looks, the C-HR is certainly not a gray mouse in our opinion, but a strikingly original appearance in the street scene. In its hybrid version, it has become a very efficient car with attractively low consumption.
Additional images of the exterior and interior:
Johan De Haes
Test driver
