New C-HR is as smooth as silk
IT’S AS smooth as silk and a high-riding crossover coupe like no other on our roads. I’m talking about Toyota’s all-new C-HR.
The model I was road testing was the full hybrid CVT version provided by main dealers Hugh Boggan Motors. It was peerless to drive, comfortable, rewarding and delivered a great drive and if I had the money to spare I would would really like one.
The C-HR remains remarkably true to the general features of the concept-cars that attracted so much public attention in Paris in 2014 and in Frankfurt in 2015. Its coupe-like lines are a testimony to the resolve of its designers to create a style that stands out in the Toyota range, and to establish a new direction amongst midsized crossovers.
Under the concept of ‘Sensual Speed-Cross’, and featuring a diamond architectural theme with wheel arches projecting prominently at all four corners to emphasise the new crossover’s strength and rigidity, the C-HR modulated structure combines a powerful lower body and raised ground clearance with the slim and sleek cabin profile of a coupe.
The warm, welcoming ambiance of an airy, expansive cabin space was created by the seamless layered architecture of the instrument panel that continues through to the door trim with a stylish ornamentation and a piano black panel. It offers a contrast between sensual surfacing and crisp lines to deliver a fresh, yet comfortable environment.
The driver oriented area incorporates innovative details and intuitive, approachable high technology. All operating switchgear, and an 8” display audio touch-screen featuring a redesigned and improved HMI (Human Machine Interface) with Toyota’s Multi-Media ’16 navigation platform and enhanced connected services are slightly oriented towards the driver.
The C-HR’s coupe-like styling is enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C pillar and, essential to the representation of speed within the design, the powerful projection of the sweeping roofline into a large, highly aerodynamic, skeletal frame rear spoiler. If I have any criticism of the C-HR it was the small rear window, part of the design of the very strongly tapered cabin, but which some drivers may find a little too petite for 20-20 vision.
Toyota prides itself on its safety aids. The system includes a Pre- Collision System (including Pedestrian Recognition), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with steering control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist, on higher grade models. I think the C-HR is one of the best cars and certainly most distinctive models on our roads. It got more than a few admiring glances during the weekend road test, which is testament to its good looks. The C-HR is equipped with an engine-range that is designed to deliver exactly the fluent, engaging driving behaviour that its customers are looking for. This is most powerfully expressed by the segment-unique, range-topping, full hybrid version, the intrinsic characteristics of which guarantee a smooth, jolt-free ride. Fitted with the latest-generation hybrid power plant, the C-HR generates CO2 emissions as low as 85 g/km and returns combined fuel consumption of only 3.7 l/100 km. It is also available with a new 1.2 litre turbo engine which generates CO2 emission from 128 g/km. Prices start at €26,895.