The CH-R dare we say is the most stylish Toyota we’ve seen in a long time. It’s coupe-like profile means that you can have the rakish style of a BMW X4 without the premium price, but sometimes is the premium price justified?
The CH-R looks like it would have a large turbo
under the bonnet, but you’ll be sad to learn that it isn’t even offered as an
option. Instead you’ll be greeted by a 2-liter four-cylinder which offers
decent flexibility if spirited driving isn’t in your vocabulary. Don’t get us
wrong here, we love the low running costs associated with this engine but the
sporty looks are just deceiving. We were hoping for more. There is no manual
gearbox available just a continuously variable transmission which offers smooth
acceleration around town and doesn’t really make too much of a ruckus on the
highway, unless you flat out flog it.
The previous statement about the CH-R looking sporty
but not feeling sporty at all follows into the driving experience. Steering
feedback is just numb while road holding is more on the safe side rather than
sporty or adventurous, to put it mildly you won’t want to push it through
corners and bends like you would in let’s say a Nissan Juke. The steering is so
numb that you have no clue what the front wheels are doing. We can say however,
that road and wind noise are well suppressed and it is comfortable to drive on
long journeys.
Most people won’t be driving it like hooligans and
well those people who drive it more conservatively will find it quite
comfortable. It’s dinky size makes parking in tight urban areas a breeze and
while the steering is numb, it does make maneuvering around town easy.
The interior of the CH-R is a mixed bag. While the
materials used in the cabin feel sturdy and long lasting, some of the plastics
feel hard and cheap. The infotainment screen is fiddly to navigate through
while on the move, it takes some time getting used to some of the menus. The front
seats offer plenty of space, but those in the back will not want to ride for
too long. The rear windows are downright tiny, and the fact that you can’t get
the CH-R with a panorama sunroof means that those in the back will feel
claustrophobic on long journeys. Visibility is great all but through the tiny
rear window, luckily a parking-camera comes standard to help take the sting out
of that. The boot space is tiny also and well, we understand that with style
you give up practicality, but there should at least be some trade-offs that
make it feel worth compromising for.
The CH-R does come well kitted for the money. XLE
trim comes standard with auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated backup
camera, dual-zone climate control, LED daytime running lamps and 4.2-inch
infotainment screen with Bluetooth for your mobile device. XLE-premium comes
with keyless start, Blind Spot Monitoring system, electronic parking brake and
sport-fabric trimmed front seats.
You’ll either love or loathe the CH-R. It doesn’t
come with all-wheel-drive, visibility isn’t great and the engine doesn’t really
go with the sporty looks. However, you do get a comfortable overall package
here with low running costs. Which for some is good but others it feels
lacking, and even if it does have Toyota’s Legendary build quality, there are
rivals that have caught on and offer a more engaging driving experience to
match.
Likes: Low running costs along with stylish exterior
looks, rock solid build quality.
Dislikes: It’s not engaging to drive, the boot space
is tiny. The rear passenger window is a joke. A panorama sunroof option is much
needed here.
Devon’s pick: We strongly suggest sticking with the
basics of the XLE. It already comes with all the kit you’ll need and is
attractively priced, the XLE-premium only adds a few extra bits that some can
do without. Plus without all-wheel-drive option it feels pretty expensive
compared to those that are priced similarly with all-wheel-drive standard.
