If I wanted exceptional performance, I would have gone for a sedan or coupe instead of a crossover. the C-HR is just something that's so different from the norm and the build quality is just astounding for what you pay for. You're going to be staring at the dash for years to come, may as well have something nice to look at while sitting in relative comfort.
C-HR Is The Compact Crossover With A Difference
The C-HR is a bold step for Toyota in terms of design and its distinctive styling along with an upmarket interior does not disappoint. AutoExpress had a chance to test drive the new compact crossover and they gave it four stars out of five.
Developed exclusively with Europe in mind, the C-HR prioritizes driver enjoyment and refinement whilst standing out from the crowded segment with striking lines. It may not be as practical space wise as the Nissan Qashqai, but Toyota made up for it in cabin quality. There’s plenty of flowing surfaces covered in soft touch material, diamond pattern around the cabin, gloss black trim and it’s all topped off with a bright blue finish across the dash. Everything combined gives the cabin a premium feel.
Underpinning the C-HR is the same global platform used in the fourth generation Prius. Thanks to the lightweight and strong platform, the C-HR drives nicely despite the taller body. The steering response is crisp and the car is soaking up all the bumps for a smoother ride.
Toyota has even added a Sport setting to the hybrid for a sharper throttle response, but AutoExpress reckons that the difference between Sport mode and Normal is minimal. For those who are looking for a smoother and brisk acceleration, the 1.2-litre turbo variant may be the better choice as maximum muscle is delivered at 1,500rpm.
Where it could use a bit of improvement is the hybrid engine’s intrusive sound when the throttle is squeezed and the jerky changeover between the regenerative and friction brakes.
The C-HR may not be the most fun to drive, but it is “composed, agile, comfortable, and refined.”
