The original Euro-market Toyota C-HR made a splash with its bold, coupe-like styling, and the second-generation model launched this week is every bit as eye-catching. But this time, it looks modern under the skin too, thanks to a 100 percent hybrid lineup that includes a PHEV option for the first time.
If you’re getting the feeling that you’ve seen the new C-HR before, you probably have. It’s a production version of the C-HR Prologue we first got a look at back in late 2022, and the ‘hammerhead’ front-end styling has also been used on the new Prius.
There a similarities with the old C-HR, but this one is smoother and less fussy. More practical, too: the smart flush-door handle in the rear door is in a conventional position instead of halfway up the C-pillar, where it was hard for children to reach.
Things are also more sophisticated inside, though the dual 12.3-in screens seen in these pictures are only representative of posher models, the base version making do with an 8.0-in console display. But there’s plenty of technology there for those with the money to pay for it, including a digital key, a suite of advanced safety systems with hands-free driving in traffic jams and a smartphone-operated, fully automatic remote parking function, which Toyota says is unique in the class.
Related: Toyota Previews New C-HR With Prologue Concept Coming In 2023 With PHEV Option
But arguably the biggest tech advance is under the hood, where Toyota makes a plug-in powertrain available for the first time on a C-HR. The front-wheel drive PHEV combines a 2.0-liter petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 223 hp (220 PS) and 7.3-second zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) capability. Toyota says there’s 41 miles (66 km) of electric driving range on offer, but what’s interesting is that it uses geofencing technology to recognize when the C-HR has entered a low-emissions zone and will automatically switch to EV mode, presuming you have sufficient charge.
The other engines are also hybrids, but can’t be plugged in. The lowliest of those is a front-wheel drive 1.8 with 138 hp (140 PS) that needs 9.9 seconds to hit 62 mph, while stepping up to the 2.0-liter version lifts output to 194 hp (197 PS). The 2.0 is also the only C-HR available with all-wheel drive, and going for the all-paw drops the 62 mph sprint from 8.1 to 7.9 seconds.
That’s hardly Gazoo Racing-grade performance, but if you want your C-HR to at least look GR-quick, keep an eye out for the GR Sport Premiere Edition, which comes with a unique grille, 20-inch wheels, GR badges, sports seats with GR logos and a strong list of standard equipment that includes a head-up display and JBL premium audio system. A second special, the High Premiere Edition, loses the GR details but adds perforated leather seats and a panoramic roof.
You can reserve a C-HR in Europe now, where the crossover is likely to start at around €35,000 ($38,200) but don’t bother looking for it at your local American Toyota dealership. The C-HR was axed in North America at the end of the 2022 model year, its place effectively taken by the less funky but far roomier Corolla Cross.
