Toyota C-HR International Launch

Published on 23 November, 2016

Toyota launched their exciting new C-HR in Madrid this week.

Overview

What, when, where?

Toyota launched their exciting new C-HR in Madrid this week and we went along to have a look around what looks like the brands most exciting model to date.
Is this really a Toyota?
The C-HR or Coupe High Rider is a Hybrid crossover that looks more like a concept car that slipped onto the production line rather than what you’d expect from a Toyota rival to Nissan’s Qashqai. It works though and particularly with the contrasting roofline makes for a very striking machine.
Future-powered
There will be two models available here. The Hybrid model uses the same system as the Prius – a 1.8l petrol engine combined with an electric motor. It will run off this motor at lower speeds and around town, before the petrol power kicks in at higher speeds and on the motorway. Designed to save fuel on stop/start city driving and those shorter A to B trips – it has an impressive potential fuel economy of up to 3.8l per 100km, or about 74 MPG. It also emits just 86g of CO2/Km giving it an annual motor tax bill of just €180.
There will be no diesel option, and the only alternative to the Hybrid will be a turbo-charged 1.2l petrol with 116hp. Claimed fuel economy for this one is 5.9l/100Km or 48mpg and it will cost €280 a year to tax.
Not just skin deep
One of the nicest surprises is the interior design. Its futuristic layout and high quality soft-to-touch materials make it one of the most impressive cabins we’ve seen in some time – and certainly the plushest Toyota have produced to date. An eight inch colour touchscreen display dominates the centre console, surrounded by a striking blue accent that stretches right across the dash into the door frames. It feels spacious and airy in the front, although the narrow windows don’t allow much light into the rear of the cabin.
Toys
The C-HR is incredibly well-equipped from the ground up. Standard features on the entry level Luna model include the Touch 2 multimedia system complete with reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing window wipers and Toyota’s Safety Sense technology, which includes a pre-collision warning system and adaptive cruise control. Mid-spec Luna Sport will make up the majority of sales here and adds 18 inch alloy wheels, heated seats, privacy glass, and that very striking bi-tone roof. Top of the range Sol models will come with all of the above plus SatNav, Intelligent Park Assist, and a part-leather interior.
Show me the money
Prices will start at €26,895 for the petrol and €29,350 for the Hybrid and Toyota expect sales between the two models to be split evenly. They aim to shift 3,000 of them here next year, which along with RAV4 would give them 15 percent of the total SUV market share.
Ireland is the first country in Europe to have taken deliveries of C-HR so you can see it now at your local Toyota dealer and as usual we will have a full review and test drive on Irish roads very soon.
You May Also Be Interested In

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives