TOYOTA C-HR HATCHBACK SPECIAL EDITIONS 1.8 Hybrid Orange Edition 5dr CVT

In second generation form, Toyota's C-HR remains one of the trendiest compact Crossover model choices you can make. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

This second generation C-HR takes the successful formula established by its predecessor and improves it in most key areas. Which means this small coupe crossover is a little better to drive, slightly more practical and, arguably, smarter to look at too. There's even now 4WD and Plug-in Hybrid tech if you want it.

Background

Toyota's been producing so-called 'European' cars for decades, but the C-HR, originally launched back in 2017, was the first one that really felt properly targeted at the preferences of our continent. This small coupe-crossover was built in Europe (just about - in Turkey), developed in its capital (Brussels) and sold like hot cakes, quickly becoming the brand's fourth best selling model, with 59% of customers poached from other manufacturers. So hopes were high for this, the second generation C-HR, introduced by Toyota in the Autumn of 2023. Since the old car sold mainly on its appearance, this one's evolved styling needed to look sharp, keeping it at the fashionable end of the segment for small crossovers (a Volkswagen T-Roc or Taigo rival, rather than a T-Cross competitor, if that helps to pigeonhole it for you). Yet this time round, the designers have tried to balance those looks with more practical rear seat and boot space. Plus the Hybrid engine range has been broadened with the addition of a PHEV variant to give this model line longevity in markets about to make the switch to full EVs. And the front-of-cabin experience is now better connected and more premium. Sounds promising. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

The C-HR has always set its stall out to be 'sporty' and this second generation version is no different. This time round, the car needs less mental adjustment if you're coming to it from a model without a fully-electrified powertrain. Though you might not expect that because at first glance, the core engines on offer here - 1.8 and 2.0-litre full-Hybrids - seem much the same as they were in later versions of the previous version. Actually though, much is different. As before, you're never quite certain where the source of motion power is coming from - generator, battery or engine. And, also as before, heavy throttle applications see the left hand power meter dial reading lurching violently back and forth like a windmill. But this time round, a better optimised level of throttle calibration means that there's far less lag between requesting extra acceleration and it being actually delivered. Nor is the 'elastic band' 'moo-ing' of the e-CVT auto gearbox quite as prominent. On undulating roads, new Adaptive Hill Control Logic modifies acceleration according to the incline. And for quieter running, engine speeds during highway driving have been reduced by up to 500rpm, improving refinement. The Hybrid engines have more power too - with the 1.8-litre VVT-i unit almost everyone will still choose up from 122 to 138bhp, taking nearly a second off the 0-62mph sprint time (now 10.2s) and, more importantly, boosting mid-range pulling power by a significant 43Nm (now 185Nm), enough to make overtaking that swaying artic in front slightly less of a white-knuckle affair than it was before. As with the old car, there's also a larger-capacity 2.0-litre version of this Hybrid powertrain available - which also gets more power, up from 182 to 195bhp. We tried that and it propels this Toyota along with more of the kind of urgency its rakish looks suggest it ought to have, with 206Nm of torque and 62mph dispatched in a far more satisfying 8.1s. That larger engine also provides the basis for a newly-introduced PHEV twin-motor drivetrain with a useful 223bhp total output, which dispatches the 62mph sprint in 7.3s. That's despite the extra weight of a 13.8kWh battery that when fully-charged is supposed to be able to take you up to 41 miles between spells of replenishment. But that's a weightier model that won't have the appealing agility of the more ordinary conventional Hybrid variants, which benefit from the installation of the brand's stiff new TNGA-C chassis. Ride quality's on the firm side, but in compensation, the car feels well planted through the turns.

Design and Build

If you liked the edgily-styled original version of this model, it's likely that you'll also appreciate the visual efforts Toyota's made with its replacement. As before, dramatic lines, sharp bodywork creases and sculpted headlights catch the eye. Plus the nose gets Toyota's latest 'hammerhead face', there are flush-fitting pop-out door handles and pricier trim levels get two-tone paintwork. A new pre-coloured resin finish for the bumpers also gives a two-tone vibe. Contrary to expectations, this MK2 model is a little smaller than its predecessor, a little shorter and sitting 15mm lower. It's 35mm wider though and has bigger wheels - up to 20-inches in size. The cabin needed an uplift in quality - and it's been given it, courtesy of various recycled plastic fabrics, contrasting soft-touch surfaces and a pair of so-called 'sail panels' that stretch from the fascia top into the doors. Avoid base trim and you get twin 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment. You sit quite high, but it's not enough to alleviate the rather compromised rearward visibility, though this is a little better than it was previously. You access the rear through conventionally-sited door handles (previously, they were embedded into the C-pillar). And once inside, it's still tight because the 2,640mm wheelbase length isn't any different from before. Legroom is fractionally better though and extra space for heads has been freed up by the fact that the optional panoramic glass roof no longer needs a shade. But rear seat visibility is still limited and the sloping roof line restricts ceiling space. The boot's still restricted too, though at least it's not noticeably smaller than before: it's rated at either 388 or 364-litres, depending on your choice between 1.8 or 2.0-litre Hybrid drivetrains. Either way, the rear seat back still splits 60:40.

Market and Model

Prices for this second generation model start from just over £31,000, which gets you the 1.8-litre Hybrid engine with base 'Icon' trim; the same package also comes with mid-range 'Design' spec or top 'Excel' trim. The 2.0-litre Hybrid is priced from just over £40,000 and comes in 'GR Sport' or 'Premier Edition' guises. Expect to pay in the £39,000-£44,000 bracket for the PHEV version. All variants are pretty well equipped. Even base 'Icon' trim gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, cloud-based navigation, a wireless smartphone charging mat and 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. Plus there's a very complete 'Toyota Safety Sense' camera safety package. Mid-range 'Design' trim builds on this with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and a parking sensor system with automatic brake function. There are heated seats and you get a 12.3-inch instrument display, along with a 12.3-inch 'Toyota Smart Connect+' central infotainment screen. The top 'Excel' model has 19-inch alloys, bi-tone exterior paintwork, front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery, ambient interior lighting, a panoramic roof and a 360-degree panoramic view monitor. On the 2.0-litre model, the 'GR Sport' grade has 20-inch machined alloy wheels, a head-up display and a JBL premium audio system.

Cost of Ownership

Self-charging full-Hybrid engines are still quite rare in the segment for small crossovers: only Nissan's Juke, Renault's Captur, Kia's Niro and Hyundai's Kona can offer petrol/electric technology of that sort in this class and those models look pretty frumpy in comparison to this one. As for efficiency, well a 1.8-litre Hybrid-powered C-HR can return up to 60.1mpg on the combined cycle and 105g/km of CO2. For the 2.0-litre Hybrid, think 57.6mpg and 110g/km of CO2. For the PHEV variant, you're looking at up to 294mpg on the combined cycle and up to 19g/km, with an EV range of up to 41 miles; in the real world, it'd be more like 35 miles. You can select an EV mode or use a Hybrid setting that will work with the sat nav and uses Geofencing technology that will prioritise electric power in low-emission zones. The navigation system can also suggest a route that will take into account your state of charge and identify possible charging spots. In a C-HR PHEV, you can also adjust the strength of the regenerative braking. The 13.8kWh battery can use a 7kW charger for a home top-up that will take two and a half hours. Whatever C-HR you decide upon, as usual with Toyotas these days, if you keep the car serviced at a franchised dealer, the warranty can be extended up to a maximum of 10 years.

Summary

As before, almost everyone who chooses a C-HR will do so on the basis of the way it looks. But second time round, this car's appeal is more than skin deep. Toyota still thinks its target market is 30-something fashionistas, but the old car demonstrated a much broader customer base than that amongst more regular folk who will no longer have to make quite so many of the practical compromises demanded by the original model. We can't imagine that too many of these people will want the cost (and extra weight) of the added PHEV flagship model; as it always did, the C-HR makes most sense in a nice level of spec fitted with the base 1.8-litre self-charging Hybrid engine and sold with a sensible price tag. In that form, we can see why you might want one. And if you do, you might be agreeably impressed by the cabin improvements Toyota has made here. If cars were bought on purely rational grounds, you still wouldn't choose one of these, but thankfully, they're not. The C-HR celebrates that. Which is exactly why it's been so successful and will continue to be.

Body Glass

Anti-jam protection on power windows

Auto up and down function on all power windows

Automatic rain sensing wipers

Front and rear power windows

Noise reduction layer on front windows

Noise reduction layer on windscreen

Privacy glass

Rear window defogger

Rear window wiper

UV-filter on driver and passenger windows

UV-filter on rear windows

Variable front intermittent wipers

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System + Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Brake assist

Electronic parking brake

Front to front oncoming car and motorbike daytime detection

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Pre collision system with pedestrian, cyclist and motorbike day detection

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats - border/stitching

Mat Fitment

Chassis/Suspension

Front and rear stabilizers

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Communication

Bluetooth connectivity

eCall emergency call system

Wireless apple carplay and android auto

Driver Aids

Built-in Navigation

Power tailgate

Push button tailgate release

Remote boot door release in cabin

Smart entry and push button start

Smart voice assist

Wireless phone charger

Driver Convenience

360 degree panoramic view monitor

4 rear parking sensors

Acceleration suppression at low speed

Adjustable speed limiter

Driver monitoring camera

Dynamic guide lines on reversing camera

Electric power steering

Emergency driving stop system

Emergency steering assist with active support

Fixed speed camera notification

Front Cross Traffic Alert with Auto-Brake

Hands on/off sensors on steering wheel

HUD - Head up Display

Intelligent adaptive cruise control

Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) (rear for objects, vehicle and Pedestrians)

Intelligent front parking sensors with clearance sonar and automatic braking

Intersection detection

Lane change assist

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) switch on steering wheel

Lane departure alert with steering control

Lane trace assist

Memory on speed limiter

MyT connected services

Pre-Collision System - with Intersection detection

Proactive driving assist (PDA)

Rear cross traffic alert brake

Remote controlled advanced parking assist

Remote services

Reversing camera

Road sign assist - (RSA)

Safe exit assist

Start and stop

Driver Information

12.3" Digital Combimeter

12.3" multimedia display screen

Blind spot monitor

Colour multi information display

Digital speedometer

Digital tachometer

Hybrid system indicator

I/P center cluster X

Instrument finish panel

Over the air updates

Reversing camera display in audio screen

Smart connect

Driving Mirrors

Automatically retractable door mirrors

Digital rear view mirror

Electric heated door mirrors

Power adjustable door mirrors

Turning signal integrated in door mirrors (LED)

Embellishment Trims

Piano black interior deco parts (wings, IP, door trim and shift knob)

Engine

Electric accelerator pedal

Entertainment

6 speakers

Aux-in connector

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

Front USB Type-C connector

JBL Premium Sound System

Rear USB Type-C connector

Road events

USB connector integrated with radio and CD player

Exterior Body Features

Astral black roof and rear quarter

B - Pillar in Black

Bi-tone premium paint

Bi-tone+ with black rear bumper extension

Black bi-tone roof

Black centre air vent

Black painted insert on boot door

Black side air vents

Black wheel arch mouldings

Body colour door handles

Body colour surround on lower front grille

Body coloured front bumper

Door scuff plates

Emergency brake-light signal (EBS)

exhaust tail pipe and diffuser

Flush front and rear door handles

Fuel caution label

Gloss black lower front grille

Piano black door belt moulding

Piano Black Front Side Grille

Piano black rear roof spoiler

Premium Bi-tone Black Rear Execution

Rear bumper with body coloured insert

Rear side wing doors

Rear tailgate

Satin chrome centre air vent surrounds

Satin chrome insert on centre air vents

Satin chrome insert on side air vents

Satin chrome side air vent surrounds

Silver large centre cap surrounds

Standard Front Side Grille

Toyota Skyview Panoramic roof with thermal comfort

Wing liner front and rear with sil

Exterior Lights

Adaptive high beam system (AHS)

Auto high beam

Automatic headlight levelling

Automatic headlights

Automatic headlights cut-off

Automatic rear flashing hazard lights

Clear headlights design

Cornering lights

Follow me home headlights

Headlight cut off reminder

LED daytime running lights

LED front fog lights

LED front light guide

LED Headlights

LED High mounted stop light

LED rear brake lights

LED rear combination lights - long

LED rear fog lights

LED reverse light

Puddle lights

RHD aiming

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Clean air filter

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Nanoe-X with high quality air purifier

Pollen air filter with deodorising odour eliminator

Remote air conditioning

Interior Features

12v power outlet - front

2 rear coat hooks

3 spoke synthetic leather steering wheel

Assist grips front and centre pillar

Audio and telephone switches on steering wheel

Cover front console box

Dark grey interior door handles

Door Edge Protection Film

Front console box

Front cupholders

Front door pockets

Glovebox with internal light

Hard tonneau cover

Hooks for luggage holding net

Hybrid key cover

Luggage floor board with protection mat

Manual telescopic steering wheel

Manual tilt steering wheel

Multimedia switches on steering wheel

Platinum white and blue stitching on front door armrests

PVC gear shift knob

Rear door cup holder

Rear door pockets

Single compartment glovebox

Slow opening on lower glovebox

Suede front door trim

Suede rear door armrest

Sustainable suede/synthetic leather upholstery

USB-C Cable

Voice recognition switch on steering wheel

Interior Lights

Boot light

Customisable multi-ambient illuminated entry system

Customisable multi-ambient lighting on front doors

Driver and front passenger personal light

Front room light

LED Overhead Console light

Microphone on front personal light

Rear passenger personal lights

Safety

3x3 point rear seat belts

Driver and passenger SRS airbags

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Front passenger airbag on/off switch

Pre-tensioners and force limiters

Rear door child safety locks

Rear seat reminder alert

SRS - Driver and passenger side airbag

SRS - Driver knee airbag

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags - 3 airbags

Toyota safety sense 3

Tyre pressure warning system

Seats

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

3 rear headrests

60/40 split folding 2nd row rear seats

Adjustable rear headrests

Driver and front passenger Whiplash Injury Lessening seats

Front headrests

Front passenger seatback pockets

Front premium sports seats

Heated driver and front passenger seats

ISOFIX child restraint system

Manually height adjustable front passenger seat

Manually reclining front passenger seat

Manually sliding front passenger seat

Memory function on driver seat

Power adjustable lumbar support on driver seat

Power height adjustable driver seat

Power reclining driver seat

Power sliding driver seat

Power tilting cushion on driver seat

Single front passenger seat

Security

Glass-breaking alarm sensors

Immobiliser

Intrusion alarm

Intrusion sensor

Lockable boot lid

Motion sensor alarm

Power door locks

Remote door lock

Smartphone remote door lock

Smartphone remote hazard lights system

Wheel Nuts

Towing

Pre wiring for towing hook

Vanity Mirrors

Light on driver sun visor

Light on passenger sun visor

Mirror on driver sun visor

Mirror on passenger sun visor

Wheels - Alloy

19" 5 double spoke Matt grey alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 0.85

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.098

HC: 0.018

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 67

NOx: 0.003

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 109

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 111

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 109

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 142

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 144

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 142

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 96

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 97

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 96

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 90

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 93

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 90

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 85

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 87

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 85

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1798

Compression Ratio: 13.05:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 80.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88.3

Engine Code: 2ZR-FXE

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 4.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 4.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 4.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 4.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 3.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 3.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 3.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 58.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 57.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 58.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 44.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - High: 67.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 65.5

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 67.3

WLTP - MPG - Low: 70.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 68.9

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 70.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 74.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 72.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 74.3

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 1.8

Badge Power: 140

Based On ID: 103731

Coin Description: Hybrid

Coin Series: Orange Edition

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 2

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 85

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 86

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 86

NCAP Safety Assist %: 79

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Special Edition: No

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.6

Engine Power - BHP: 140

Engine Power - KW: 103

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5200

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 136

Engine Torque - MKG: 18.9

Engine Torque - NM: 185

Engine Torque - RPM: 3600

Top Speed: 109

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/50 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 225/50 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: N

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1558

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4362

Wheelbase: 2640

Width: 1832

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 43

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1930

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 447

Max. Loading Weight: 485

Max. Roof Load: 50

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 725

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 725

Minimum Kerbweight: 1445

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Packs

All weather mat pack - C -HR

Essential protection package - C-HR

Protection plus pack - C-HR

Style pack - C-HR

Utility pack - C -HR

Paint - Special

Bi-tone premium - Metal oxide/black

Safety

Safety hammer evolution

Trim - Part Leather

Suede/synthetic leather - Burgundy