The Toyota C-HR is a crosso­ver which grabs your attention whether you like it or not.

How could you not give this vehicle a second look with its complex body styling which, at a glance, looks to be over-designed. Except, busy as the design is, it all comes together and creates a strong sense of futuristic aesthetics and sportiness that stands out in an otherwise bland and monotonous urban environment.

It is this bold statement from the C-HR which one can surmise why people gravitate to it. It may very well suit their sense of style and fashion and automatically describes what they are all about without so much as saying a word.



If anything else, they look good driving a C-HR. That is perhaps one reason why people end up owning the C-HR even with the RM150,000 (on-the-road without insurance) price tag.

Considering the competition offers a more competitive price point in this segment, the C-HR has an allure that transcends cost.

Besides its good looks, the C-HR has a lot going for it in terms of features, safety equipment and handling.

Step into the interior of the C-HR and you are greeted with combi leather seats with diamond motifs and a distinct dashboard design in the Toyota stable that sets it apart from the rest.



There is also the 6.75-in infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual zone automatic climate control and the audio system with six speakers. The cabin has an upmarket look and feel to it offering comfort and a surprising amount of head and leg room for rear passengers.

I say surprising because from the outside, it looks cramped. But as soon as you step inside, it’s actually quite roomy.

The safety kit is comprehensive with seven airbags, vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control (TRC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), blind spot monitor (BSM), hill-start assist control (HAC), reverse camera, front and rear sensors, auto brake hold, rear cross traffic alert and tyre pressure monitoring system.

With all the features including the 1.8-litre engine which produces 140PS at 6,400rpm and is mated to a continuous variable transmission (CVT) seven speed automatic pushing out 171Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, the C-HR is well heeled and has the power to go.

It is a lot of fun to be behind the wheel of the C-HR. As the driver, you have an elevated view and you can choose between the three drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport. Personally, I preferred the Normal mode as it offered enough grunt when I needed it and is economical enough when cruising in the city.



What’s really amazing about the C-HR though, is how planted it is at highway speeds. It feels very confident to drive because the crossover just hugs the road the faster you go. It is quite stable around corners and bends too, so if you are looking for excitement in the C-HR, you won’t be disappointed.

The cabin also feels plush and is comfortable and because of its interior design, you do feel like you are driving something special.

The C-HR is pricey for what it is but there is no doubt about its quality and value in terms of features, safety and ride. With its rugged good looks and coupe-like styling, it’s well worth the money if you can afford it.




SPECIFICATIONS



Toyota C-HR



Engine: 1,798cc, 4-Cylinder, In-line, 16-Valve DOHC with Dual VVT-i
Transmission: CVT with 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic
Maximum Power: 140PS at 6,400rpm
Maximum Torque: 171Nm at 4,000rpm
Features: keyless entry and push start, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, Display Audio with 6.75" Capacitive Touch Screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, iPod, Wi-Fi, Voice Recognition, USB, Bluetooth & Reverse Camera, Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control, Electrochromic Rear View Mirror,  seven airbags, vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control (TRC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), blind spot monitor (BSM), hill-start assist control (HAC), reverse camera, front and rear sensors, auto brake hold, rear cross traffic alert and tyre pressure monitoring system
Price: RM150,000 (on-the-road without insurance)






 

Keywords