The dimensions of the new C-HR have hardly changed compared to its predecessor, but it is hardly visually recognizable. A little shorter with the same wheelbase/height and an increase in width is obviously good for the compact crossover. The interior has been significantly improved with attractive material and workmanship quality, while the practical shelves have remained. If desired, the occupants can see two 12.3-inch displays for instrumentation and navigation as well as convenience functions. It’s comfortable to sit at the front and two adults can also sit comfortably in row two, although the window areas remain small all around. The all-round visibility is as improved as in the first generation, but the driver can rely on the camera systems during parking maneuvers.
With a volume of 310 to 388 liters, the trunk is the smallest in the segment, which is unlikely to impress most customers, as the Toyota C-HR is rarely bought because of its great practicality. The 220-volt socket on the left trunk wall and an underground flap for storing small items such as the charging cable for the plug-in hybrid version are practical. When it comes to charging, it’s hard to understand why Toyota, as a manufacturer with so much expertise in hybrid propulsion, has made such conservative choices in terms of battery capacity and charging power by opting for an energy storage system with only 13. 6 kWh and charging with alternating current only allows up to seven kilowatts.
The C-HR 220 plug-in hybrid is at a disadvantage compared to competitors from Volkswagen or Cupra, which can be refueled with up to 50 kilowatts of direct current and eleven kilowatts of alternating current. According to the current status of homologation, Toyota announces a purely electric range of 66 kilometers. In total, the Toyota C-HR is offered in four drive versions. There is the 1.8 Hybrid with 103 kW / 140 HP, 2.0 Hybrid with 142 kW / 196 HP with two- or all-wheel drive and the 164 kW / 223 HP 2.0 PHEV. The same two-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 152 hp is used here as in the C-HR 200H, which is supplemented by a more powerful electric motor (163 versus 113 hp). The plug-in hybrid’s battery is larger at 13.6 kWh than the standard hybrid’s at 0.91 kWh. With the most powerful version, the 223 hp plug-in hybrid, the C-HR has a very dynamic engine. From a standstill it goes to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and the top speed is limited to 180 km/h. After the first test drive, the on-board computer showed 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers – even if this was well above the promised standard consumption of less than one liter, a good value for the efficient Toyota C-HR.
The new platform and the relationship with the new Toyota Prius have clearly benefited the C-HR in terms of driving behavior. The new generation offers significantly more communicative and balanced steering, which is pleasing not only on winding roads but also on motorways. The driver can choose between the individual driving modes – Custom, Sport, Normal and Eco – although the differences between them are hardly noticeable in the driving behavior. Switching between the individual driving modes and the drive train is not very intuitive and does not require direct buttons. The chassis filters out uneven ground so well that there is no excessive lateral movement of the body.
