Huge car firm loved by Brits launches swish new EV & drivers say it looks ‘amazing’
A MAJOR car firm popular with Brits has launched its latest electric vehicle and drivers have said the SUV looks "amazing".
The brand-new Toyota C-HR has arrived, and it's decked with the most up-to-date tech.
Toyota has big expectations for the revamped hybrid SUV as both it and the popular Corolla are set to cover the hole left by the fourth-generation Prius not coming to the UK.
The Japanese car giant reportedly decided that its second generation C-HR family SUV covers the bases that UK buyers are on the hunt for - meaning the Prius was not needed here.
The latest Coupe High-Rider boasts full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, plus Toyota's latest tech.
And if this wasn't enough, the SUV also offers drivers more space and practical features than the car it is replacing.
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The vehicle has a sportier look with slimmer headlights, a hammerhead-style bonnet, and for the first time in Toyota vehicle history - flush door handles.
At the back of the car is a new fancy rear light bar design but the most striking difference is the bi-tone paint finish which will not be standard on all models.
What Car? stated on their YouTube channel that customers who want the chic bi-tone paint job will likely have to pay extra but will have a vehicle that "looks very different to everything else in the class".
The new C-HR still has the same driver's seat position as its predecessor but all the gear around the seat is placed lower to make the driver feel as if they are in a loftier high-riding SUV.
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The steering wheel has a wide selection of physical buttons as well as the climate control buttons located on the main control panel.
Toyota's new C-HR also includes a mix of high-quality dense and soft-touch materials, according to What Car?
The biggest upgrade, however, is the infotainment system inside the vehicle.
It boasts a 12.3-inch screen and runs Toyota's latest software, making it one of the best available on the market.
The updated infotainment system allows drivers to connect their Apple carplay as well as Android auto and is entirely touchscreen.
There is also a fully digital driver display that's available as well as a massive 64-colour spectrum to choose from for ambient interior lighting.
The light strip on the car door that provides the ambient lighting impressively doubles up as a new safety feature as it will glow red and flash if there is an object located too close to the door if you're trying to open it.
And with decent-sized storage, two cup holders, and a comfortable armrest, What Car? said the vehicle "does feel like a step forward for the C-HR".
The amount of space available in the back seat area is still relitavely cramped according to the car reviewers, especially if you're a tall passenger.
"My head is touching the roof lining and if you're over six feet then you're definitely going to feel very cramped back here," they said.
The latest model offers drivers the luxury option of having a sunroof fitted which doesn't eat into the headroom and allows a lot more natural light to enter the vehicle.
When it comes to boot space, What Car? revealed it was a similar amount to the old model but if drivers opt for the plug-in hybrid model, then the capacity may be reduced even further.
The C-HR engine will include a 1.8litre hybrid and a two-litre hybrid which is the same as what was previously offered - but they're also the latest hybrid options that drivers will find in the most recent version of the Corolla.
In terms of pricing, the C-HR is available to order now in hybrid guise, with the plug-in hybrid coming later this year.
"Icon" kicks things off from £31,290 and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch driver’s screen, an eight-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a powered boot lid, and adaptive cruise control.
Icon and the range-topping Premiere Edition are also the only trim levels that don't come with the option of the plug-in hybrid powertrain.
"Design" is available from £34,685 and drivers will find 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, tinted windows, and dual-zone climate control.
The interior technology is improved with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system combined with another 12.3-inch driver’s display.
A wireless smartphone charger and front and rear USB-C ports are also standard on the Design.
The Excel comes in at £38,150 and features 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-tone exterior paint, front sport seats in suede with a memory function for the driver’s seat, interior ambient lighting, and a panoramic roof.
A head-up display is also an option on the Excel.
GR Sport comes in at £40,645 with GR badging, 20-inch wheels, and a revised front bumper.
A head-up display is also standard on the GR Sport as is an uprated sound system.
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The Premiere Edition will be available from launch and costs from £42,720.
Only offered in "bi-tone Sulfur" paint, it adds leather seats and a variety of extra safety features.
