It is a best-selling car from the first moment it was released, but Toyota likes that we put the car brand before the name so that people immediately connect with their values as soon as they read something about this model. And you? Do you know the Toyota CH-R? These are its strong points -and some weak- in the face of a possible purchase.
Yes, it is curious how some marketing managers squeeze their brains to convey at a glance those qualities that, with so much effort, the rest of the team has captured in a specific product. It is never an easy job, of course, but there are sectors such as the automobile in which it must be especially difficult.
In it, the competition is especially tough and it is normal for some to continue to confuse the origin of an automobile firm with tradition and recognized prestige such as Toyota. Not to mention the range that could best be adjusted to their tastes and needs, even showing interest in keeping up to date.
For this reason, although it may seem secondary, one of the weak points of the Toyota CH-R is precisely its name, which is anything but intuitive and easy to remember, both in memory and when writing it. And this weakens a vehicle that, for almost everything else, is very, very interesting.
The CH-R (sorry, the Toyota CH-R) is a compact with SUV shapes whose ‘ninja’ look you either hate or fall in love with. And seen what has been seen, after having sold more than half a million units in Europe since 2016, it seems that this ‘look’ is still very fresh and current, especially after the facelift experienced in 2020. So no one doubts that there are many more of the first group!
But there is more: if it was already interesting to approach a real or virtual dealership to find out a little more about this hybrid car (or in other words, Hybrid Electric Vehicle -HEV-) with an Eco label -which is sure to be an argument every time more powerful in the face of a possible acquisition-, for two years it has been offered with elements and improvements that can make it even more appealing.
For example, the 125H version with a combined 122 hp is now accompanied by the 180H, with a total of 184 hp, developed by an electric motor that supports another thermal, four-cylinder in-line engine and 1,987 cc. Likewise, the interior continues to be modern and functional, with a most pleasant driving position, from which new ‘contributions’ are controlled to please.
For example, the external buzzer to warn of the presence of the vehicle when traveling at low speed, the lane keeping system that works in coordination with the cruise control, the DAB digital radio (compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto ), 8-inch screen and messages and recommendations for more economical and ecological driving.
Thus, the general behavior of this front-wheel drive SUV -which starts at 28,600 euros- is quite good and shines in an especially striking way in the city and surroundings, because that is where its hybrid mechanics make the most sense -and it is more economical. as well as the way it works.
However, it is true that its smoothness, its low or non-existent noise and the excellent driving sensations that it transmits in everyday urban ‘battles’ penalize when you go out on mountain roads or highways and demand too much of it, because the automatic gearbox by continuous variator CVT ends up being slow and noisy. However, their consumption is adjusted.
Finally, we finish this review of the Toyota CH-R regarding its strengths -and some weaknesses- in the face of a possible purchase with the issue of habitability, which is not its best asset. Due to its coupé shapes, the three rear seats are rather small (especially in height) and the trunk only holds 377 and 358 liters, in the 125H and 180H versions, respectively.