New Toyota CH-R: avant-garde hybrid SUV, more aggressive look

The next iteration of the second-generation Toyota C-HR comes with a design reminiscent of recent releases from the Japanese brand, while offering slightly more compact dimensions compared to the previous model.

This vehicle will soon be available on the market and will offer three engine options: two hybrid versions (HEV) developing 140 and 200 horsepower respectively, the latter being available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. In addition, a 223 horsepower plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version will also be offered, bearing the DGT ZERO label, already used by the new Prius.

The Toyota C-HR is smaller on the outside, but only a few inches

Toyota, which pioneered the crossover concept in the 90s with the first RAV4, and which rediscovered it in the late 2000s with the C-HR, a model located between the B and C segments, launched at the end 2016, finds himself in a familiar position.

Since its market introduction, over 700,000 units have been sold in Europe, making it one of Toyota's most popular models.

However, despite its continued success, the age is starting to show and a span of almost seven years is considered long in today's automotive landscape, even though the car has undergone several updates over the years. Therefore, Toyota has already prepared its replacement.

The second generation of the Toyota C-HR will hit the streets this year with a design that closely resembles that of the Toyota bZ compact SUV prototype that we discovered at the end of 2022, at least as far as the exterior is concerned. This means that it adopts the design language already used by other vehicles of the mark, such as the Toyota bZ4X and the Toyota Prius.

Unlike the previous model, this new generation features wider lines and a more pronounced coupé silhouette, mainly thanks to the sloping rear window, its high height and design details such as the split rear spoiler. parties, which have become very popular in recent months. It is therefore not surprising to see similar spoilers on models like the Peugeot 408 or the Renault Rafale.

Another key feature to achieve this aggressive aesthetic is the size of the rear windows. Those of the previous C-HR were already small, but it seems that these are even smaller, although Toyota claims otherwise.

Either way, the combination of a very wide C-size gives the impression of a coupe, although this time Toyota hasn't hidden the door handles, so it's clear to see that it's it's a five-door. The handles are flush with the doors to improve aerodynamics and only deploy when the car is opened.

Regarding its dimensions, it is 4.36 meters long, which is 3 cm less than its predecessor. It is unusual for a car to be smaller than the previous model, but it is important to note that the Toyota Corolla Cross is only 4.46 meters long and the Toyota Yaris Cross is 4.18 meters long. Thus, it was crucial that the C-HR retain its own place within the range.

It also measures almost the same height, either 1.58 meters or 1.56 meters depending on the version (the first C-HR measures 1.55 meters). In addition, its length remains identical to that of the previous model, ie 2.64 meters. As expected, it is based on Toyota's TNGA platform, although this has been revised for this new version, according to the brand.

Regarding its width, it is slightly wider than the previous model, with 1.83 meters compared to 1.79 meters for its predecessor. In theory, this should improve interior space, but in practice interior roominess remains similar, ie adequate for a car of its dimensions.

The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two average-sized adults as there is plenty of room in every direction. However, people over six feet tall will have their head touching the ceiling, and the bench seat is very low, resulting in a seated position with more bent knees than normal. This configuration is similar to that found in electric cars due to their batteries and height from the ground.

As you would expect in this segment, the C-HR is more suitable for transporting two people in the back rather than three, as the space in the middle is very tight. What is less common is the small glazed area located in this area.

The rear cabin is dimly lit due to the small windows and wide C-pillar, creating a cave-like feeling of confinement when sitting in these seats.

Toyota claims that this sensation is reduced thanks to the panoramic roof, but I was only able to verify this in a study. We will therefore have to wait to be on the road to see if this glass surface really reduces this impression of oppression. In any case, in models without a panoramic roof, the passenger compartment will lack brightness.

The rest of the cabin has undergone a complete digitalization, integrating a customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a central 8 or 12.3-inch touch screen, depending on the version.

The vehicle debuts with adjustable ambient light, offering personalization, and it adopts the same infotainment system as the Corolla. Thus, it is compatible with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, while maintaining physical buttons for the air conditioning and other essential functions, such as adjusting the multimedia volume or activating the fully electric driving mode.

Additionally, it has conventional buttons on the steering wheel and has an overall premium feel compared to the previous model, thanks in particular to softer surfaces, such as the top of the dashboard.

ECO label or ZERO label depending on version

As for the range of engines, it consists of two conventional hybrid sets (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid model (PHEV). The HEVs are similar to those found on the Corolla, namely the 140H and 200H, which develop 140 HP and 198 HP respectively. The less powerful engine is fitted with a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit, while the more powerful engine is fitted with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit.

The 140 PS C-HR is only available in front-wheel-drive, while the 200H can be had with either front-wheel-drive or an AWD-i all-wheel-drive system, but only with the GR Sport package. In all cases, the transmission is automatic CVT type.

As for the Toyota C-HR PHEV, it is called 220PH and uses the same plug-in hybrid system as the Toyota Prius. This system includes a naturally aspirated gasoline engine and an electric motor, which together produce a combined maximum power of 223 HP. Thanks to a battery, it offers an electric range of around 60 kilometres. Hybrid vehicles are identified with the DGT ECO label, while plug-in hybrids carry the CERO label.

What sets the C-HR plug-in hybrid apart from Toyota's other PHEV models is its "geofencing" functionality. When entering a Low Emission Zone (LEZ), the car automatically switches to fully electric driving mode, provided the GPS navigator is in use and the battery has sufficient charge.

It will be available this year

We need to know the price of the new C-HR, and Toyota has confirmed to us that it will be similar to that of the previous model. However, depending on the version, it should be slightly more expensive, with an increase of around 1,000 to 2,000 euros.

What is obvious is that the C-HR will be cheaper than the new Toyota Corolla Cross, which recently went on sale in Spain from 36,500 euros. The starting price of the C-HR should be around 30,000 euros.