Just like the perfect Miss Congeniality, the Toyota C-HR delivers on so many levels. Kelly Bertrand takes one for a spin in this Toyota C-HR Review
Capsule x Toyota
‘Weeeeeee!’
It’s a sound the guys at Toyota Head Office probably don’t want to hear from a journalist test-driving a brand-new car, but I just can’t help it. Zipping around a particularly tight corner with ease, the new generation Toyota C-HR GR Sport is handling like a champ – sporty but stable; chic but classic; strong but sensitive (even I don’t know if I’m describing a car anymore or a dream Bumble match).
Quite frankly, I’m still shocked that my pals at Toyota let me test drive cars anymore after I won ‘best drift’ at a media event last year – for context, this was on a race track and the category didn’t exist until I panicked everyone by taking a corner somewhat *aggressively* during a (controlled, obviously) race day lap.
Of course, channelling my inner Max Verstappen is only appropriate when one is, in fact, on a race course, but I have to admit the C-HR is giving real zippy vibes, and I’m crazy into it.
And just like that perfect dating app match, the C-HR is absolutely stunning.
What is Toyota C-HR?
The C-HR is kind of like the Goldilocks of cars – not too big, not too small (I think that’s technically called a ‘crossover’) and it’s the perfect model if you’re looking for something with design and innovation, and is a little roomier than your usual hatchback that can’t really accommodate a pram or other bulky items.
“Is C-HR GR Sport a testament to eco-conscious design? Well, of course! It is a hybrid (the dream), has a 2.0L engine and has an impressive four-star fuel economy. Very important! Some would say C-HR GR Sport is the chic choice that is easy on the environment- and by ‘some’ I mean everyone!”
It’s giving *aesthetic*
Everyone knows Toyota cars are trustworthy and reliable – in fact Toyota New Zealand was recently named as the business with the “best reputation in the country” on the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index – but fashionable? Perhaps not in the past, but Toyota is in the midst of a major design overhaul, and the C-HR is the one leading the way. It’s reminiscent of a coupe in styling, but it’s fun, it’s flirty – and I have to laugh that the model I’m currently driving is, genuinely, in ‘emotional red’ colourway. Perfect for the average woman?!
I mean LOOK at her
It’s awesome shape was crafted in Europe that is giving avant-garde, and on the inside it only gets better – in fact, it’s almost like you’re in a Lexus. There’s a real sporty feel to the inside, with bucket-ish seats that make you feel cosy and ensconced, the entertainment and touchscreen is super-easy to use and looks great, and the materials feel premium (and there’s also wireless charging, as well as two charging ports).
On a practicality front, there’s a super-useful compartment underneath the centre armrest that made me think ‘why the hell haven’t we been doing that in all cars!?’ because the storage space for life’s detritus is massive, especially if you’re juggling kids and all the crap they need on a day-to-day basis (can you tell I don’t have children!?).
I can also confirm Stanley Cups fit in the cup-holders, if you are a fellow basic like me.
Space-wise you can get five people in there relatively comfortably, although if you’re consistently filling the car to the max, I’d level up and move to a Corolla Cross or something a little bigger. I also managed to get a friend’s pram and my netball team’s (huge) gear bag into the boot comfortably (ok fine also a few shopping bags).
What’s C-HR like to drive?
In a word, fun – as you’ve probably assumed. I’m a big fan of hybrids – you don’t have to make the jump to plug-ins which, understandably, can feel like a lot if all you’ve ever had is petrol cars – and in the seven days I was driving Emotional Red (that’s right, I named her) the petrol dial hardly moved. The car even has a nifty little measurement on the dashboard which tells you how much EV vs Petrol driving you’re doing and if you’re anything like me and quite a competitive person, you’ll want to beat your EV score every time (so, less *weeeeeeeee!* around the corners), which is good for everyone.
Although it’s great for the planet, the C-HR still packs a punch in the grunty stakes, giving you the confidence that it’ll be able to handle anything, especially the GR Sport version I’m driving. It’s also packed with safety features that used to make me think of the Jetsons they’re so fancy, but now they’re just comforting and jazzy.
Like I’ve said before with Toyotas, they all feel like a Toyota, no matter if you’re at the beginning of the range or at the high end. Everything is intuitive and just where it should be, there’s no (bad) surprises and the C-HR is no exception.
Why would you buy one? If you’re looking to upgrade yourself from your mid-20s car to your mid-30s car. If you need a bit more space but you don’t have a hoard of kids/pets/stuff to transport. If you want a hybrid that feels luxurious, is bloody chic inside, and is sharply designed on the outside – Yes please! Or, all of the above. Experience it for yourself and take it for a test spin.
