Toyota shows its pulling power with attractive hybrid SUV

Published on 20 June, 2020

Balancing act: Toyota’s new 2-litre hybrid C-HR SUV

Overview

We usually associate hybrids with the practical concept of saving fuel. In the main, that is the case. But it need not be the only benefit of the term 'self-charging hybrid' as is widely used by Toyota (much to the annoyance of several competitors).

The technology involved - petrol engine, motor and battery - can also add a powerful dimension. When all is boiled down, it is about balancing what you want from your car. In the case of this week's review car, the Toyota C-HR compact hybrid coupé crossover, it is a blending of performance and prudence.

This version has a 2-litre petrol hybrid system, a new type of battery and a potential turn of foot that brings its substantial 184hp into sharp focus. So this model is the 'performance' flag-bearer of the C-HR range, which also has a less powerful, more frugally oriented 1.8-litre system (different battery too).

Be careful you don't pigeonhole the two varieties. Just because the 2-litre has a bit of edge to it doesn't necessarily mean fuel consumption is overlooked.

You are still entitled to expect, and I got, the benefits of a hybrid system that travels in electric-only mode for a majority of your driving (or else you are taking liberties with speed and how you should drive). To that end, there is a clever monitor that now comes as standard to show you what percentage of time you have driven in electric-vehicle (EV) mode for each journey.

In my case, that percentage was not so much for a brisk and bright drive to Enniscorthy (55pc of the time in EV). But it was at the other extreme - an impressive 78pc for a one-kilometre nip to the shops (it was raining, honestly). On a number of cross-town sojourns, I regularly ended with 62/63pc of the time on battery power.

As we all know, fuel consumption is heavily dependent on how you drive any electrified vehicle, be it hybrid, plug-in or pure electric. I mixed the energetic with the more responsible for a decent cross-section.

There is no doubt that the power was there, though it did not deliver by way of massive accelerative boost. It was more a matter of gradual-to-moderately-fast pick-up rather than the head-jerking slingshot effect you get from some of the more powerful electrified cars.

However, I can report there was impressive mid-range pulling power and that's where I got most satisfaction and enjoyment.

Toyota has worked hard to reduce road noise and any notable suggestion of harshness. The result is a nicely quiet cabin. That 'quietness' is in contrast with the visually vibrant two-tone orange-and-black exterior of my range-topping Launch Edition. If their plan is to attract attention, they have succeeded.

Predictably, there is  a drawback with the high level of tech and spec. The special edition carries a serious price - nudging €39,000. I reckon Toyota went for it a bit to show what a hybrid can look like and do. Far more sensible C-HR choices lie in wait for €5,000-€6,000 less.

The C-HR is one of the most curvaceous cars on the road; it is low-slung and a veritable variety of macro-to-micro shapes. I've gone through phases with the looks. Too much? Just right? Too much? I'm back at 'Just right.' Maybe that has to do with the fact they have managed to up-style it a bit more at the front and rear.

They have also had some success in addressing, the first-generation's problem of a decidedly dark rear-seat interior. There wasn't a lot they could do with back-passenger space, which is not so generous. But as many people point out when I criticise such shortcomings, it is mostly younger, smaller passengers who are carried there, so I won't dwell on it. I have to admit I didn't linger long there anyway; sitting behind the wheel was far more interesting. What a nice, simple array of instrumentation and straightforward gear lever. I don't understand why others I could mention end up with such fussy arrangements.

There's a twin-level boot, which took a fair load of bags and carry-on, and it's at a good height for loading.

So would I buy it? I would for the looks and the performance, though I would baulk at €39,000. I'd probably opt for a lower-spec 1.8-litre, being the penny-pincher I am. But it was wonderful to see how power and purse-strings can be accommodated to such great effect.

Facts & figures

Toyota C-HR

SUV Coupé: 2-litre petrol hybrid, nickel metal hydride battery, 184hp, 119g/km, 5.2 l/100km, €200 tax; special Launch Edition: €38,515. Range from €30,620.

Launch edition spec includes: black perforated leather, electric driver seat, 18in alloys, JBL sound system, satnav, intelligent park assist, driving data monitor, Toyota  multimedia system/Safety Sense.