2021 TOYOTA C-HR 1.8 Vvt-H Icon

Why Buy the Toyota C-HR?

The Toyota C-HR (Coupe High-Rider) stands out in the crowded crossover segment thanks to its distinctive, coupe-like styling. It's a car that prioritises visual flair and a uniquely engaging driving experience over outright practicality, though it still offers reasonable space for most city dwellers and small families. If you're looking for a car that turns heads and delivers Toyota's renowned reliability and efficient hybrid technology, the C-HR is a compelling choice. It offers a comfortable ride, a well-appointed interior with decent tech, and impressive fuel economy, particularly in its popular hybrid variants. While rear passenger space and boot capacity might not be class-leading, its compact footprint makes it easy to manoeuvre and park in urban environments.

UK Price Guide (GBP)

Prices for the Toyota C-HR vary significantly depending on age, mileage, specification, and whether you're looking at new or used models. Here's a general guide in Great British Pounds (£):

Model Year	Approximate Price Range (Used)	New Price (from)
2017-2019 (First Generation)	£13,000 - £20,000	N/A
2020-2022 (Facelifted First Generation)	£18,000 - £26,000	N/A
2023 onwards (Second Generation)	N/A	£31,000+

Note: These are approximate figures and can fluctuate based on market conditions and specific vehicle condition.

Specs (Typical First Generation C-HR)

• Engine Options: 1.8L Hybrid, 2.0L Hybrid (later models), 1.2L Turbo Petrol
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, All-wheel drive (AWD) available on some petrol models.
• Performance: 0-60 mph typically around 10-11 seconds for hybrid models.
• Fuel Economy: Up to 70+ mpg for the 1.8L Hybrid.
• Dimensions: Compact crossover SUV.

Common Issues

While Toyotas are known for reliability, like any car, the C-HR can have a few common niggles:

• Infotainment System: Some early models' infotainment systems could be a bit slow or laggy. Software updates may have addressed this.
• Rear Visibility: The stylish design, particularly the high window line, can compromise rear visibility. Parking sensors and cameras are highly recommended.
• Hybrid Battery Life: While very durable, hybrid batteries do degrade over time. However, Toyota's hybrid batteries are generally very long-lasting, with long warranties.
• Interior Noise: Some owners report a fair amount of road and wind noise at higher speeds, especially on motorway journeys.

Running Costs

The C-HR excels in this area, particularly the hybrid models:

• Fuel: Excellent fuel efficiency, especially in urban driving for hybrids, leading to low fuel bills.
• Road Tax: CO2 emissions are generally low, making road tax affordable, especially for hybrid models.
• Insurance: Typically falls into moderate insurance groups.
• Servicing: Toyota dealers offer competitive servicing packages, and the car's mechanical simplicity generally means fewer costly repairs.

Variants

The Toyota C-HR has been available in various trim levels. Common ones include:

• Icon: The entry-level trim, usually featuring essentials like air conditioning, touchscreen infotainment, and safety aids.
• Design: Adds features like alloy wheels, upgraded interior trim, and often heated seats.
• Excel: A higher trim, typically including features like premium audio, sat-nav, advanced safety systems, and leather upholstery.
• GR Sport: A sportier trim with unique styling elements, enhanced suspension, and sport seats.

The most significant variant is the powertrain: the 1.8L Hybrid was the most common, offering a blend of efficiency and performance. Later first-generation models also saw the introduction of a more powerful 2.0L Hybrid, and a 1.2L Turbo petrol engine was available in some markets and earlier models.