2017 Toyota C-HR: A reliable entry-level crossover

Since the last decade, there has been an ever-growing demand for crossovers all over the world. 

Several studies have shown that people find cars with higher wheelbase to be "safer" and prefer driving cars from a higher point of view. The results seem to be consistent for all age groups.

To cope with the increasing demand for SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) and crossovers, automakers have been manufacturing and investing more, driving their interest onto such platforms. 

Japanese automaker – Mitsubishi, has completely shifted to making crossovers and SUVs. It has even stopped manufacturing the legendary Lancer Evolution - a car praised by petrolheads all across the globe! 

Even the popular Mitsubishi Eclipse was put to sleep for a decade and it finally came back as a crossover in 2018.

In 2016, Toyota introduced their own version of a subcompact crossover SUV to the world called the Toyota CH-R at the Geneva Motor Show, joining the already competitive market of crossovers. 

Team Wheels managed to get hold of a beautiful CH-R unit and share our thoughts on it. 

"Compact High Rider", "Cross Hatch Run–about", or "Coupé High–Rider", whatever C-HR stands for, is a completely new platform developed by Toyota from scratch.

The styling of the C-HR is anything but subtle to be precise. One thing common in the C-HR is the aggressive lines which can be found everywhere! From the front to the sides to the roof and even the rear.

Other than that, its 3D headlights and taillights, low roof lining, and comparatively large factory wheels definitely make it a 'head turner". 

The C-HR is offered with either a 1.8 litre hybrid engine, the popular 2ZR-FBE which is common across most hybrid cars in Toyota line-up, or a 1.2 litre turbo engine. 

Both engine variants come with a front wheel drivetrain however, if you prefer AWD (all-wheel drive), Toyota only offers it with the 1.2 litre turbo engine. 

While the performance figures are not jaw dropping and are comparable to any other regular car on the road, 1.2L C-HR is a little more fun to drive with 140 horsepower and about 185Nm of torque. 

The 1.8 hybrid variant, on the other hand, ensures maximum fuel economy and should be the ideal variant for Bangladesh given the poor fuel quality and the never-ending everyday traffic. 

Compared to the exterior, the interior of the C-HR is rather bland with only a single black colour trim. However, it does come with semi bucket seats in the front and all the modern features such as an adequately sized 7-inch infotainment system, buttons to control it in the steering wheel, etc.

The legroom is not too bad either and can surely be lived with. But do not expect it to be on par with any Allion or Premio. 

The C-HR comes with a 377-litre boot space which is surely sufficient enough both for groceries and for small road trips. The C-HR also comes equipped with eight airbags and has also scored an amazing full five stars on Euro NCAP crash test. 

Offered in a wide array of colours ranging from the basic black or pearl to more vibrant yellow, orange, maroon, and even a cyan one or "green metallic" as called by Toyota. 

The C-HR starts at about Tk30 lakh and can go up to Tk42-45 lakh depending on colour, specifications, mileage, and the auction grade. 

The C-HR is a direct competitor to the Nissan Juke and Honda Vezel. 

While the former has not been much of a threat to Toyota due to the controversy about its looks and build quality, the latter has proved to be a worthy rival and is a quite popular entry level crossover SUV in Bangladesh. 

Nevertheless, the C-HR is a Toyota and one can never go wrong with a Toyota as it will undoubtedly ensure the most reliability in the near future and also a greater resale value a decade later if selling it off is the plan.