The new Toyota C-HR is expected in Ireland in early 2024. The second generation of Toyota’s trendy compact SUV gets a bold new look, more power, and plug-in hybrid technology for the very first time, as well as lots of new equipment features.
The C-HR slots into the Toyota range as a stylish C-segment coupé-crossover between the popular Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross.
The first generation C-HR has been a huge success in Ireland. It’s a consistent bestseller with over 15,000 models registered here since the end of 2016, when it first went on sale.
Caroline travelled to Hamburg with Toyota Ireland for a closer look.
What does it look like?
The 2024 Toyota C-HR gets a radical new front-end with Toyota’s new ‘hammerhead shark’ design language characterised by new slim C-shaped headlights. It looks bold and futuristic and gives the C-HR a resemblance to other new Toyotas like the latest Prius and bZ4x. Wheel sizes are available up to 20-inch and the top-of-the-range GR Sport models get some bespoke sporty trim elements.
Toyota’s design and aero teams worked closely together in the C-HR’s development to make the car aerodynamically efficient and look good while slicing through the air too. New aerodynamic features include flush door handles for the very time on a Toyota and two winglets in the roof spoiler.
A black contrast roof will be available as before and there’s a new option to extend the contrast paint colour down into the rear bumper for a dramatic two-tone effect. At the back there’s a new full width light bar with Toyota C-HR illuminated in the centre – an impressive detail!
What’s it like inside?
There’s a brand-new cabin with a more mature design and plusher materials. Toyota has increased the number of recycled plastics used in the new generation of the C-HR and there’s also animal-free leather available. There’s more in-car tech than before too with a new digital instrument cluster and Toyota’s newest touchscreen (8-inch or 12.3-inch) with over-the-air software updates. There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The cabin wraps around the driver for a snug feel. It’s a coupé-crossover after all! It feels a bit more stylish and upmarket inside than the Corolla or the Corolla Cross.
The C-HR is more about style than practicality but Toyota has given this one a bigger boot. It feels a bit brighter and more family-friendly in the back because the rear window line doesn’t taper off as sharply, letting a little more light into the rear of the cabin.
What’s under the bonnet?
The next C-HR will use Toyota’s fifth generation hybrid like the Prius, Corolla and Corolla Cross, with more compact parts to save weight and improve efficiency. There will be the choice of 1.8-litre (140hp) or 2.0-litre (198hp) hybrid, with fuel consumption quoted as low as 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres.
The new C-HR 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid will be the most powerful of the range with 223hp and an EV driving range of up to 66 kilometres.
Will it be good to drive?
Likely, yes. The current C-HR is already one of the most fun to drive of Toyota’s compact cars and SUVs. The 2024 model is built on the second generation of the GA-C platform and promises to be even more comfortable and engaging to drive thanks to updates to the suspension, steering and brakes. C-HR was tested on the famous Nurburgring to hone its driving dynamics and has a wider track than before to improve handling. Toyota says there has also been improvements to refinement.
Anything else?
Some of the new features include a digital key that allows the car to be unlocked from a smartphone. There’s also ambient lighting with up to 64 colours that also enhances safety by changing to red to warn of a door being opened when there is a risk of collision with traffic or cyclists.
How much will it cost?
Pricing and equipment will be announced closer to launch.
Caroline Kidd