They say that “tastes are not disputed” – so far we are in agreement. But it is indisputable that design has not been one of Toyota's strengths. I could write endless lines about Toyota's history, the brand's reputation for reliability, and the care they put into after-sales service. But regarding the brand's design, the compliments are not so high and the lines are reduced to a few words. It's not that Toyotas are ugly… they aren't usually pretty.
Eager to design models to please customers in markets as different as Europe and Asia (among others), Toyota sometimes does not particularly appeal to any market. A decision that in Europe is especially penalizing because our market places design as one of the main purchase factors.
the exception to the rule
In terms of design, the Toyota C-HR is the exception to the rule. Whether you like the style of the C-HR or not, there is no doubt that the Japanese brand made an effort to present a model with aesthetic appeal. And got it. The shapes, according to the brand, are inspired by a diamond.
Toyota C-HR Hybrid
The crossover exterior dimensions go well with the dramatic lines and stylistic accents scattered throughout the bodywork. Nobody is indifferent to its passage. Trust me, no one – and it's an effect that goes far beyond the novelty effect.
Inside, the extravagance we find abroad continues. The interior has an impeccable presentation where only the somewhat dated graphics of the infotainment system stand out. As well as the design, the quality of the materials is also a few holes above what is usual for the brand. As for the assembly, there are no repairs to be done: rigorous as the Japanese have always accustomed us to.
Toyota C-HR Hybrid
There is life beyond design
The Toyota C-HR isn't just a stylish crossover. On the road it is comfortable and quite easy to drive. The front seats provide excellent support and there is more than enough room for a comfortable ride. At the back, only the small size of the rear windows can bother the occupants – there were those who said they felt safer this way (well… tastes).
Toyota C-HR Hybrid
The 1.8 VVT-I Hybrid engine (assisted by an electric motor) handles itself very well in an urban environment, being even possible to drive in 100% electric mode in the city's stop-and-go. Out of town, the continuous variation box (CVT) is competent but still not to our full liking.
On flat roads the performance is good, but as soon as we have to overcome some incline (mainly above 100 km/h) the engine speed shoots up and the noise of the 1.8 VVT-I engine invades the cabin.
The CVT box is really the only feature that pinches what is our general perception of the Toyota C-HR: that it is a very easy-to-drive model and pleasant to use on a day-to-day basis.
Toyota C-HR Hybrid
As for consumption, depending on the «right foot», they can be quite interesting. Interestingly enough, read only 4.6 liters on a mixed cycle, a value that is not difficult to achieve once we get used to “understanding” the CVT box.
As for equipment, the C-HR lacks nothing – not even an adaptive cruise-control with traffic assistant (it controls the speed in stop-go, immobilizing the vehicle if necessary). Heated seats, automatic air conditioning, GPS, this C-HR has it all and more. The price naturally follows the interior…