Performance & drive
What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is
Engine, 0-60mph and gearbox
You get a choice of two petrol-electric hybrids for the Toyota C-HR – a 120bhp 1.8-litre that's also found in the Toyota Prius, and a more potent 181bhp 2.0-litre that it shares with the Toyota Corolla.
In 1.8-litre form, it's fair to say it's no speed demon, managing 0-62mph in 11 seconds and therefore taking a while to get up to motorway speeds. Then again, so do some of its smaller-engined rivals, notably the 1.0 TSI versions of the Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq.
The trouble comes when you go for the GR Sport model, because as well as having 19in alloys, it's fitted with firmer suspension to improve handling. The suspension does help with the handling, but that comes at the expense of a fidgety ride no matter what speed you’re doing, as well as more abrupt shocks when it goes over drain covers or potholes.
Handling
Although the now hybrid-only range is hampered slightly by the extra mass of its batteries, the C-HR is still remarkably agile by family SUV standards, staying upright and hanging on gamely through tight twists and turns. Even its steering is accurate, with a level of precision that gives you confidence through faster bends while remaining light during low-speed manoeuvres.
