The C-HR has always been representative of Toyota’s shift from conservative to cool in the last few years. The original showcased striking styling that was purposefully polarising and a real sense of attention to detail, right down to lots of unique switchgear (not shared with other Toyotas) in the cabin.
The new model takes the unique character of its predecessor and refines it to a high degree. As before, it’s still not the most compact urban SUV in the lineup; you can buy a Yaris Cross for that. Nor is it the most practical; look to the similar-price Corolla Cross for more space.
But it is still very much its own thing, a city crossover with sensational concept-car-like styling (check out the “two-tone plus” contrast body-colour option), and a real sense of class and quality inside. If you want a small SUV that makes every little trip feel a bit special, this is it.
Toyota is a master of hybrid technology, and the C-HR’s petrol-electric powertrains combine good power delivery with absurdly low fuel consumption. It all just works. The official figure of 4.4l/100km for the mainstream 1.8-litre model is quite achievable in everyday driving, the hybrid powertrain powering the car on the electric motor little and often, capturing every piece of coasting and braking energy to feed back into the battery.
New for this model is a GR Sport version. It’s not the rip-snorting equivalent of a GR Yaris, nor does it claim to be. But it adds a little more power, a lot more style and AWD to the C-HR package for even more appeal. It’s a package that makes a special city SUV feel that bit more special again.
Runners up: Jeep Avenger, Lexus LBX.
AA DRIVEN CAR OF THE YEAR CLASS WINNERS FOR 2024
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Large SUV
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Hybrid/EV
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And the overall winner is...!