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Toyota C-HR Design
The original Toyota C-HR debuted back in 2016 and was designed to stand out. With its bold, coupé-crossover design, the C-HR certainly did that and quickly became a bestseller. Over 15,000 C-HRs have been sold in Ireland to date.
The second generation of the C-HR is built on Toyota’s improved GA-C platform and is even bolder and more futuristic than before. The C-HR gets Toyota’s new ‘hammerhead shark’ design language with slim C-shaped headlamps just like the Prius and BZ4x. There are new diamond-cut character lines along the side of the vehicle and flush door handles for the very first time to help improve aerodynamic efficiency. At the back, there is a new full-width light bar and two winglets cut into the roof spoiler.
Wheel sizes will be available up to 20-inch. The C-HR’s contrasting roof colour can now be extended down into the rear bumper for a dramatic two-tone look. Sporty GR Sport models have also been confirmed.
Toyota C-HR Interior
The C-HR gets a new cabin design with more digital tech as standard. There’s a full digital instrument cluster and new touchscreen with modern graphics (8-inch or 12.3-inch) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The horizontal instrument panel arrangement gives the cabin a more mature and upmarket feel. There are also more recycled materials used and animal-free leather, but the quality remains rock-solid.
New features include a digital key allowing the car to be unlocked from a smartphone. The ambient lighting looks nice but also enhances safety by turning red to warn passengers of oncoming traffic or a cyclist while getting out of the car.
The boot is a bit bigger than in the previous version of the car though Toyota has not yet the exact size. In the back, the cabin is a little bit brighter by removing the kink in the window line. Legroom is decent but it still doesn't feel the most spacious of C-SUVs.
Toyota C-HR Performance & Drive
In Ireland the new C-HR will be available with Toyota’s fifth generation hybrid technology from the latest Corolla and Corolla Cross. The range will kick off with the 1.8-litre hybrid (140hp) and a 2.0-litre hybrid (198hp). There will also be a new 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid available for the very first time, just like the new Prius. It will be the most powerful of the range with 223hp and an EV driving range of up to 66 kilometres (WLTP).
Designed for European roads, Toyota says it has made improvements to the suspension, steering and brakes to improve the handling and comfort of the car. The new C-HR is more rigid than before and also has a wider track so it should be fun to drive. Refinement is also said to be improved over the previous generation C-HR.
Toyota C-HR Pricing
Pricing and trim levels for the 2024 Toyota C-HR will be confirmed closer to launch in Ireland early next year.
Carzone Verdict
The second-generation C-HR has big boots to fill following the success of the first. C-HR was always a car designed to stand out and the new one certainly lives up to that with even bolder, avant-garde design. The new cabin is a big step forward in design, quality and technology. The C-HR is more about style than practicality but Toyota has made some improvements to make it more comfortable and practical overall. It’s sure to be an efficient car with Toyota’s fifth generation hybrid and a new plug-in hybrid option. We look forward to driving it!