Toyota C-HR Review - “And now for something completely different”

This will certainly divide opinion.

It is interesting to reflect on how you felt about certain things at the time compared to how you feel about them now.

I used to find Monty Python hilarious at the time, but having watched an episode recently I barely raised a smile. I reckon it is similar when it comes to cars. While classics like AC Cobra, Jaguar E-Type, Aston Martin DB5 and Triumph Stag still look fabulous, the same can’t be said about the Ford Scorpio, Triumph TR7, Hyundai Coupé or Fiat Multipla. Oh dear. Some folk rave about the Tesla Cybertruck, but I think it’s as hideous now as it will be in the future.

What about the Toyota C-HR?

It looks like nothing else. Back in 2016 when the C-HR first arrived, it caused a bit of a stir. Toyota keeps doing that sort of thing. They produce a load of sensible cars like the Yaris, Aygo, Corolla and Camry and then lob in a few grenades in the shape of the Supra and GR86. Who could forget the MR2, Celica and 2000GT? Good on them, I suppose.

Thankfully, Toyota has stuck with the C-HR and has now brought out a second generation model which (thank goodness) follows the same “And now for something completely different” design. I think it looks really smart and different from what can often be a bit of a bland choice from other family size SUV manufacturers.

Power Options and Pricing

In terms of power options, you can go for standard hybrid versions or, for the first time, a plug-in PHEV. Prices start from £31,300. The hybrid petrol engine choices are 1.8 litre 142bhp or 2.0 litre 195bhp which rises to 226bhp in the PHEV model. There are five trim levels available: Icon, Premiere Edition, Design, Excel and GR Sport. You can mix and match the trims with the various engines and whether you go for a normal hybrid or full blown PHEV. The GR Sport and Premiere Edition models both crack the £40k barrier and look expensive. The cheapest PHEV is also nudging £40k so I’d leave that to those of you who can get the C-HR as a company car. It then stacks up nicely in terms of your BIK (Benefit in kind). For the rest of us, the cheaper, and arguably better, models are the ones to go for.

The 1.8-litre Hybrid Design that I tested is a good example and comes in at £34,695. The 142bhp engine is seriously smooth and sufficiently brisk with a 0-60mph time of 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 105mph. Go easily and, according to Toyota, you’ll manage 60.1mpg. As with most hybrids, you can travel at town speeds in silence as the battery driven motor does all of the work. Floor the throttle and you’ll find that the engine races and sounds a bit strained but it doesn’t last long before everything resumes what is best described as a long-legged style of cruising. This is largely down to the CVT gearbox which is standard on all C-HR models. When you want to accelerate, you’ll find that the engine revs quickly rises to a certain point and stays there. The car will then pick up speed. Once you hit, say, 70mph and ease off, the revs fall away and calmness returns to the cabin.

Incidentally, you can also get Design trim with a 2.0 litre 226bhp Plug-in Hybrid set-up. Your economy and performance will improve and you can travel up to 41 miles on battery power alone, but you’ll need to find another £4,500 to buy it. Do the sums.

Comfort and Driving Experience

If you enjoy a comfortable ride, the Toyota C-HR will certainly float your boat. The car has plainly been designed as a family car despite its raking, sporty lines. It’s a nice car to drive, but you’d never call it sporty. The soft suspension ensures a cushy journey.

Trim Levels and Interior Features

Icon Trim

Icon trim is perfectly acceptable, but if you opt for Design trim you will get a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen and similarly sized infotainment display, whereas Icon trim means you have to manage with the a 7-inch instrument cluster and an 8-inch central screen. The screen is angled towards the driver therefore making it slightly easier to operate and reduces any reflections. You’ll also get front and rear parking sensors. Even though all trims get a reversing camera as standard, the C-HR isn’t the easiest car to see out of when parking. In other words, any parking assistance is very welcome.

Design Trim

Design trim also means you get a powered tailgate, LED headlights, heated front seats, latest sat nav, adjustable ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, DAB radio and voice recognition.

The seats are supportive and comfortable. Oh, and the fabric is made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles. The cabin has a high quality look and feel. The buttons for audio volume and heating, in particular, are something that other manufacturers could learn from.

Design Trim

In terms of space, it is fine in the back for children but adults may find that the legroom is a bit tight. Front seat passengers have loads of room though. The side windows are quite small in the C-HR which makes the interior rather dark. I’d go for the optional panoramic sunroof because it makes the cabin more airy and also increases the headroom.

Overall Verdict

Overall the Toyota C-HR struck me as a car that not only looks great (and different) but also works as a perfectly good family car. There’s substance as well as style. If you do a high mileage, the PHEV is worth considering, but for most people, especially private buyers, I’d stick with the normal hybrid. It drives nicely, offers excellent economy, and although the 1.8 C-HR is no flying machine, it will be more than acceptable for the way that most people drive.