It is not a coincidence that the definitive debut of the Toyota C-HR, a vehicle that, more than any other in the brand’s lineup, targets the younger audience and those seeking design, took place on the beautiful beaches of Ibiza, which in November are deserted and give it the right emphasis.
In this second edition, it aims to address some of the issues highlighted by users and expand its potential audience, thanks to a new type of hybrid and a general increase in power in contrast to reduced consumption. The new Toyota C-HR is available in Denmark and Sweden with prices starting from 357.990 DKK and 350.900 SEK.
New Toyota C-HR: tops & flops
The second-generation Toyota C-HR is an incredible leap forward. The design is even more avant-garde, especially in the dual-color scheme, but above all, the increase in build quality is appreciated, along with the technology featuring an infotainment system that finally meets contemporary standards. However, style comes at a cost: I am not referring to the price increase, but mainly to the rear visibility, a persistent issue for this coupe crossover.
What we like:
- Sophisticated style;
- Interior’s better quality;
- Finally a good and fluid infotainment;
What we don’t like;
- The eCVT transmission continues in being noisy;
- Some plastics do not meet the standards
- The rear seat is poorly equipped;
New Toyota C-HR: lighter and more sophisticated
The work done by the entire design team of the C-HR has led to great results. The vehicle is built on the new TNGA-C platform, positioning itself as an SUV coupe in the most sought-after segment in the European and Scandinavian market.
The new platform, supporting the fifth-generation hybrid, allowed a redesign of the model’s architecture, with a new battery positioning that increased the minimum trunk capacity (+11 liters for the 1.8, +65 for the 2.0) and reduced the weight by 1.5 kg, thanks to new material choices.
This is combined with a sleeker and more aerodynamic shape, featuring a pointed front designed to accommodate the Hammerhead style of the front end, taken from the new Prius. The rear returns with a three-dimensional configuration, even more impactful, and the rear lights are now a single red LED line on a smoked background, including the Toyota C-HR logo, creating a coherent yet dramatic effect.
Other stylistic features include flush-fitting door handles that extend when the car is unlocked. The rear window has been improved, now larger and wider to enhance rear visibility, a point of criticism in the first generation.
Ecocentric
The international launch slogan for the new Toyota C-HR is Ecocentric, a clever play on words. It represents an ecological approach not only to efficient motorization but also to the reduction of plastic and the use of recycled materials for most of the interior, which is much more refined and pleasant than in the past.
Despite some hard plastic in lower areas, the upper part of the dashboard is made of soft plastic combined with leather and a suede-like fabric for the richer Lounge trim, providing a visually and tactilely pleasing experience. The rear benefits from the fairly high roofline and the new rear window design, removing the sense of claustrophobia along with the panoramic roof.
The technological setup is also new, featuring a 12.5-inch digital cluster, with good visibility in most contexts. The central touch screen, standard at 8 inches or optional at 12.5 inches in higher trims, is driver-oriented. The new-generation infotainment system is designed for digital natives, being user-friendly, intuitive, and seamlessly integrating with CarPlay/Android Auto. Ambient lighting with up to 64 colors is not just for aesthetics; it serves a practical purpose. The door panel lights, in particular, illuminate in red to alert someone opening the door if a pedestrian or cyclist is passing by, addressing visibility concerns in the rear due to the design.
A generous-sized rearview mirror, almost borderless and optionally digital, contributes to visibility and safety.
197 HP 2.0 Hybrid is very good
As for the driving experience, the author had the opportunity to test the C-HR Hybrid 200, equipped with a 2.0-liter engine producing 197 horsepower and front-wheel drive. There is also an all-wheel-drive option. This represents a 7% power increase (13 horsepower) compared to the previous 2.0-liter engine. While the 2.0-liter version is appealing, an even larger power increase of 14% (from 122 to 140 horsepower) is seen in the 1.8-liter version, catering to those opting for the base engine for policy or further reduced fuel consumption.
The attention to detail discussed earlier is also evident in the driving dynamics, which are smooth and enjoyable. The C-HR has a soft approach with a light but never dangerously so steering wheel. The weight reduction of 1.5 kg, though seemingly small, significantly enhances the driving experience. The tapered shape of the vehicle and the substantial electric component contributing to torque also play a role.
Acceleration is noteworthy, as is the overall noise insulation, with minimal tire rolling noise and almost no wind noise at a steady speed. The vehicle, conveying a sense of solidity and robustness in assembly, maintains this feeling even during more spirited driving, allowing the driver to enjoy the 197 horsepower, making the C-HR Hybrid 200 one of the most interesting and powerful SUVs in its category and among the most potent hybrids in the generalist segment.
The low fuel consumption is not surprising, considering Toyota’s two-decade experience with hybrid technology. In this fifth generation, the author achieved around 5 liters per 100 km, even less, during a roughly 3-hour drive on the roads of Ibiza. While this route may not provide a comprehensive overview, it included scenic single-lane roads, partly hilly, offering an excellent test of the vehicle’s “lifestyle” driving, which enthusiasts appreciate. Despite spirited driving, fuel consumption remained low, even on inclines, demonstrating the efficiency of the 2.0-liter engine with almost 200 horsepower.
The excellent fuel efficiency comes with a caveat—the e-CVT transmission. Although improved and quieter than the previous version, the technology remains, and when more power is demanded, especially on inclines, it tends to make itself heard.
