Test drive Toyota C-HR: evolution and more capacity with its new 184 CV engine

The combination of SUV and ECO or hybrid concept scores many points, and with the new 184 CV engine, the success of this new Toyota C-HR is almost guaranteed.

The SUV trend keeps growing. Add a hybrid engine and eye-catching design, and the final product has a strong chance of being well received in the market. That is the case of the Toyota C-HR 2020, which has undergone a restyling that improves its exterior design and incorporates a new 184 CV hybrid powertrain.

Pre-sales of the new Toyota C-HR with the 180 CV hybrid engine are now open, with a financing package that includes four years of warranty and maintenance, for 270 euros a month over four years (an initial payment of 5,700 euros, and at the end of the contract you can swap it for another model, pay the final price, or return it). The rest of the prices will be known next month, January 2020, when the full range is launched on the market.

Designed in Europe

This renewed Toyota C-HR has design features of European origin, since it is the first Toyota model designed in Europe (the Brussels design centre), debuting a more refined and expressive exterior design. It is also available in three new exterior colours (one of them is the orange seen in most of the photos).

A new front grille appears, with redesigned bumpers and new full LED headlights, depending on the trim level. At the rear, the tail lights have been redesigned, joined by a black trim and incorporating LED technology. Even a sporty touch appears on the 180 CV version, with two rear exhaust outlets (though they are not real).

Inside there are hardly any changes, but it still has a cabin with quality materials and correct fit and finish. Seat equipment is improved, with height adjustment available on virtually all trims and electric adjustment on versions with leather upholstery.

Improved dynamics: more power and a new chassis

The biggest novelty is the new 2.0-litre combustion engine, which delivers a combined output of 184 CV. The new 2.0 unit has one of the best thermal efficiencies on the market, at 41%, and also stands out for its performance, with 190 Nm of torque and 152 CV which, combined with the 109 CV electric motor, gives a total output of 184 CV.

It also debuts the fourth-generation hybrid system, which boosts the C-HR’s electric-only operation, up to 80% of the time in EV mode in towns. Electric mode is active even at high speeds, allowing it to drive without emissions up to 120 km/h.

The sporty touch comes from the new suspension, available with the 2.0 engine, which maintains the highest level of dynamism, as well as a new electric power steering that improves steering feel.

Toyota wanted to improve three elements to enhance comfort in the renewed C-HR: engine noise, sound insulation and wind noise. This improvement in interior comfort is evident at the wheel, with better exterior insulation both aerodynamically and in terms of engine sound.

Connectivity and equipment: standard connectivity and safety

There are two main focuses in the equipment of the new Toyota C-HR: connectivity and safety. The Japanese brand has taken these two elements very seriously, which is why the multimedia system debuts connectivity with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even includes the MyT app, with which you can access all the information about your C-HR and learn about efficient driving.

For safety, from the Advance trim level onwards, a series of systems are fitted as part of what is called the Toyota Safety Sense:

• pre-collision braking
• adaptive cruise control
• lane departure warning
• automatic high beam
• traffic sign recognition

And optionally, depending on the trim level, the following driver assistance systems are also available:

• adaptive LED lighting system
• blind spot detector for the mirror
• rear traffic alert
• parking assistant

Another optional element, depending on the trim level, is the JBL premium sound system, which is the perfect complement for enjoying the multimedia system with outstanding sound.

First contact with the Toyota C-HR 180H: smooth and with character

The version we tested over more than 150 km was the 180 CV hybrid, that is, the two-litre engine with top-of-the-range trim. This engine was much needed in the C-HR range, since its chassis rides well and is not afraid of bends, being dynamic, much more than one would expect from a hybrid.

The tuning of the steering does not reach the level expected of a 180 CV car, since the feel remains artificial and takes away some of the feeling, but the new suspension setup is very noticeable, keeping this SUV under control at all times and making it fun on winding roads.

During a short run through urban traffic, we noticed that the new hybrid system runs longer in electric mode, which allows greater fuel savings in traffic jams and towns. Finally, interior comfort has improved considerably, which is noticeable on motorways as well as on country roads, being very comfortable and fully insulated from outside noise and engine noise.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverToyota C-HR17 versions · from 35,750 €