Toyota C-HR

The Toyota C-HR was first introduced by UMW Toyota Motor Malaysia back in March 2018, and it underwent a minor styling and feature update in 2019. It was discontinued in Malaysia in late 2020 due to its relatively high price, which led to declining sales. Fully imported from Thailand with the sole variant available was the 1.8L AT, priced at RM150,000, which puts it against the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru XV. Later It was later replaced by the Toyota Corolla Cross, which was launched in Malaysia in late March 2021.

Yes, Toyota discontinued the C-HR in Malaysia in late 2020 due to declining sales and its relatively high price. The C-HR was a fully imported model from Thailand. It was replaced by the Toyota Corolla Cross, which was launched in Malaysia in late March 2021. 

Mazda CX-30 vs. Toyota C-HR comparison, why not a Honda CR-V?

In Brief: Toyota C-HR, where style is king

Design

The Toyota C-HR, designed around the theme of ‘Distinctive Diamond,’ features a unique and polarizing design adorned with various geometric shapes both inside and out. By blending a coupe-like aesthetic with crossover functionality, the C-HR targets individuals seeking something bold and different in the market.

Dimensions

Lighting

The Toyota C-HR features front projector headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), which comes with a follow-me-home function. Also, LED tail and stoplight for the rear.

Wheels

The sole 1.8L variant wears 17-inch wheels shod in 215/60/17 tyre.

Dashboard

The dashboard features a multi-layer wraparound design, angled towards the driver, which incorporates soft padding materials and is finished in silver ornament with a touch of piano black for added suave.

Material quality is high, with a mixture of soft-touch and hard plastic which feels premium.

Space and Practicality

The space inside is ample, with a wide range of seat adjustments for both the driver and passenger. The panoramic windscreen and wraparound dashboard create a feeling of airiness in the interior.

Even rear-seat passengers have a decent amount of legroom and headroom, although the view out is limited due to the wide roof pillar design.

Boot

Boot space is at 377-litres. Compared to its competitors, it is bigger than Subaru XV’s 340-litre but loses out to Mazda CX-30 with a massive 430-litre boot space.

Safety Features

The Toyota C-HR is equipped with numerous safety features such as seven airbags (including one for the driver’s knee), ABS with EBD and brake assist, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and ISOFIX rear child seat anchors and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Comfort Features

The C-HR features dual-zone automatic climate control and black combination leather seats. Standard amenities include an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustments.

Infotainment

The C-HR's infotainment system includes a 6.75-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, delivering sound through the standard 6-speakers. However, the head unit's design appears ‘inexpensive’ and does not look too dissimilar to the one in the lower-grade Toyota model.

Engine

The Toyota C-HR is equipped with a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i engine, generating 140 PS and 171 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission

The C-HR comes with a 7-speed CVT with ‘Sequential Shiftmatic’ manual mode.

Drivetrain

Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels.

Acceleration

Based on our test, the C-HR completed the 0-100km/h in a slow 12.3 second. Certainly not impressive.

Engine Performance

While it is not the most powerful engine, it delivers smooth performance for both highway and urban driving. However, the C-HR feels better suited for urban environments, as the engine is tuned for low to mid-range torque.

Transmission Performance

Gear shifts from the CVT feel sporty and smooth, which makes driving the C-HR enjoyable. Kick-down is done in a soft yet responsive manner.

Steering and Handling

The steering is nicely weighted, feeling natural and confidence-inspiring. The C-HR's MacPherson front suspension, with angled strut bearings and a large-diameter stabilizer bar, ensures quick front-end response.

Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and featuring rear double wishbone suspension, the C-HR is comfortable, fun, and agile in corners.

Sound Proofing

The soundproofing of the Toyota C-HR is excellent. The sound level meter recorded an average of 68 dB while driving at 100km/h.

Passenger Comfort

The ride comfort of the Toyota C-HR is excellent. It effortlessly absorbs bumps, smoothly navigating the road with elegance. While the rear seats provide comfort, the wide rear pillar might make your passenger feel a little claustrophobic as it can be a bit hard to see.

Fuel Consumption

As tested, the Toyota C-HR returned 7.7-litre/100 km over mixed driving conditions.

If you enjoy driving, standing out from the crowd, and don’t mind the steep asking price, then the Toyota C-HR is for you. The C-HR needs to be looked at from a different perspective, as it offers something neither Subaru XV or Mazda CX-30 can offer: individuality.