SLEEK ICON OF THE CROSSOVER MARKET
In the world of increasingly generic car designs, it doesn’t do any harm to stand out from the crowd – and the new Toyota C-HR certainly does that, writes Lee Gibson.
Razor-sharp lines and strikingly angular edges give the latest model to enter the burgeoning crossover market a bold and daring look that really sets it apart.
C-HR stands for coupe high rider and the Toyota designers certainly stuck to the brief – with sleek wraparound headlights tapering into a strong shoulder line which rises along the flanks to meet protruding tail-light clusters that could take your eye out.
A swooping roof is finished off with an imposing rear spoiler, while it all sits atop the typical Suv-style raised suspension, with muscular wheel arches and plastic cladding aplenty.
Amidst all these concept-car flourishes, special mention must, however, go to the rear door handles. These sit at the top edge of the doors, blending into the rear pillar and lending a space-aged feel to the C-HR.
The Japanese designers have worked just as hard on the interior which, although not quite as outlandish, has a fresh, funky and modern feel to it – and represents a big step forward in terms of quality for Toyota.
There is a choice of striking black and blue or black and brown colour schemes or, for the less adventurous, a more standard dark grey theme – but whichever you choose, there are plenty of soft-touch surfaces and shiny piano black finishes, which create a premium feel.
In keeping with this prestige aspiration, all models come well-equipped with even the entry-level Icon car I drove getting dual-zone air conditioning, 8in touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, reversing camera, automatic lights and wipers and electric folding heated wing mirrors.
Toyota Safety Sense also comes as standard on all versions and includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering control, automatic high beam and road sign assist.
The striking design means some compromise in space but there is still comfortable room for four adults, five at a push, and a 377-litre boot, with split-folding rear seats, is capable of handling most family needs.
Some may find sitting in the back a little claustrophobic, however, due to the small rear windows, while the wide C-pillars restrict the driver’s rear view – although the reversing camera compensates for this.
Engine choice is limited to a straight pick between the 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid system lifted out of the new Prius, which is sure to be a winner with company buyers, or the punchy 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit in this car.
Mated to a compact and snappy six-speed manual transmission, this proves livelier than the 0-62mph sprint time of 10.9 seconds might suggest and will pleasantly surprise more enthusiastic drivers.
Built on what Toyota calls its New Global Architecture – also shared with the new Prius – the C-HR also demonstrates commendable agility and stability for a high-riding crossover.
There’s plenty of grip and the car takes all but the most extreme vagaries of UK roads in its stride, allowing the driver to push on with confidence.