AutoI drove Toyota’s all-new CH-R – if pure EVs aren’t for you it’s an ideal carAvailable in hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Toyota’s new CH-R is a car that ticks many boxesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
AutoI drove Toyota’s all-new CH-R – if pure EVs aren’t for you it’s an ideal carAvailable in hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Toyota’s new CH-R is a car that ticks many boxesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Available in hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Toyota’s new CH-R is a car that ticks many boxes
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Toyota’s all-new C-HR was an interesting pitch for me when I was asked to go and drive it. As a driver of one ofthe best EVs, the C-HR was a different proposition. Yes it’s a hybrid no matter which configuration you might consider, but you’re notrelianton charging even with the plug-in hybrid option – which will arrive in 2024 – and, for many who don’t want a pure EV, it could be an ideal little car option.
Anecdotally, the more I’ve driven an EV throughout 2023 (the year my actual ownership commenced), the more I’ve noticed charging services being far busier. It’s inevitable really: most car manufacturers areonlyreleasing electric cars (or plan on that being the case very soon) – and while myself and the T3 team absolutely love EVs, the more people I speak with in wider circles the clearer it becomes that they’re not for everyone. Here’s why a car like the Toyota C-HR could be the perfect fit for you:
1. Striking design looks ultra-modern
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(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
My Dad owns a first-gen C-HR. That may sound like the least cool thing ever said – sorry, pa! – as the place it occupies in my mind is one that’s, well, rather humdrum. It’s a car for function and nothing more. But the new 2023/24 C-HR? Well, that’s a different thing entirely. I mean, just look at my photos in this very article – this car looks positively futuristic in an ultra-modern, yet easy-on-the-eye way.
In the past I’ve found some of Toyota’s designs to be almost too bold, but the all-new C-HR’s design aesthetic is a great balance. It’s not only the latest EVs that can have more eye-catching looks – I’m thinking of, say, the Hyundai Ioniq 5; or any new BMW based on the updated kidney grille – as the C-HR’s two-tone paint job option shows. I think that gives it a real look of class and quality for a small, mid-range car.
2. Interior comforts and tech
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(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
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(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
But as anyone will tell you these days: what’s the tech like? For many that’s as important as the car itself. I get it, as I’m the same: I want to leave my house, plonk my phone down on a charger, and have it auto-connect so that I’ve got all my music and contacts and maps and whatnot right there available viaAndroid AutoorAppleCarPlay.
Well, you’re in luck, as the C-HR has a Qi wireless charging plate and supports both wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. And if you’re not into using either then no worries: there’s a built-in infotainment system which occupied the 12.3-inch dash-mounted screen that’s easily reachable and can be touch-controlled to do your bidding.
Sitting in the CH-R I found its seats – which are actually part-made from recyclable plastic bottles (PET) – hugging and comfortable, especially with the heated seat cranked up to a full level three. This is a comfortable, effortless cabin to sit in and drive, with a high ride height and even ample space in the back for other passengers. Good going for a small-yet-well-appointed car.
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3. A plug-in is best of both worlds
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(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
At the time of writing charging using your at-home electric rate ismuchcheaper than conventional fuel from a station. About half per my tariff’s calculations. This is the sweet-spot where you can get those EV gains – such as emission-free commutes and short drives in the C-HR’s EV-only mode – without the anxiety of range or having to charge when you don’t have the opportunity.
TheToyota C-HR is available to reserve now, with delivery dates expected from December 2023. It’s priced from £31,290 for the entry-level Icon model. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be available from around April 2024, with pricing to be detailed.
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Today’s best EV Chargers dealsWallbox Pulsar Plus$649$599.99ViewSee all pricesGowe 32A 7.2kw EV Car Charger$599ViewSee all pricesAutel Home Smart Electric Vehicle$599ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best EV Chargers deals
Wallbox Pulsar Plus$649$599.99ViewSee all pricesGowe 32A 7.2kw EV Car Charger$599ViewSee all pricesAutel Home Smart Electric Vehicle$599ViewSee all prices
Wallbox Pulsar Plus$649$599.99ViewSee all prices
Wallbox Pulsar Plus$649$599.99ViewSee all prices
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Wallbox Pulsar Plus
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We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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