Toyota C-HR

Never thought I'd own a C-HR. Glad I went for the 1.2 turbo version as it is more engaging to drive compared to the Hybrid version. Yes the fuel economy isn't as good but for normal drives and overtaking on expressways, the Turbo version fares better. Highly specced and high ARF of 33k for the Luxury Variant is also more attractive than PI models. Cheap road tax as well. Great build quality from a Toyota, just like a mini Harrier. Definitely a step up from the Vios and Corolla.

Sound-proofing is decent at low speeds, better than the usual Jap bread and butter sedans but tyre noise gets more apparent above 130km/h. Fuel consumption is average at 12-13km/l. This is not a car for families with kids as the rear is claustrophobic for kids and shorter people. The boot on the Borneo unit is also smaller (317L) as it comes with a spare wheel.

Horrible car design. Surely its designers are only bothered about it having cool looks and that's it, not bothering about their functionality and practicality. Driving wise the C-HR is fine just like most other cars in the market of similar costs. However, for passengers whom seat at the rear row, it is VERY HORRIBLE. The window curveline of the rear door is just SICKENING AND HORRIBLE. This resulted in the window being EXTREMELY SMALL, making the interior dark and hence unpleasant, not allowing passengers to have a clear view during commutes especially on PHV services. I've to really condemn this knowing that most Toyota cars are well-designed and practical. But for the C-HR I really don't know what on earth are they doing to the C-HR. SILLY TOYOTA, LOOK WHAT YOU DID.

This is a muscular car with an imposing road presence. The looks are polarising and not to everyone's taste. I personally liked it but I doubt the styling is going to age well. The striking exterior presence is somewhat of a double edged sword. It looks athletic and is probably styled to look different from the pack but when you have hundreds or even thousands of c-hrs roaming the island on a daily basis, it quickly loses its visual impact. If anything it looks more like a high riding taxi. Like taxis, there are plenty of these on the road. Cars like the Mazda 3 are pleasing and have an age defying design language that is classy without coming across screaming, which means even though Mazda is one of the most popular models around it never overloads your senses to the point of nausea. The C-HR's gutless engine doesn't gel with its muscular looks, and I'm guessing its drivers largely belong to a segment that prioritizes form over function. It's not an SUV in any traditional sense. Boot space is not fantastic and ground clearance is average. The higher hip point is about the only characteristic that is more SUV-like. If you can look past its SUV and athletic pretensions this is a highly refined ride with a load of safety features. Build quality is good and there is a hint of lexus in there. Fuel consumption is fantastic, largely thanks to an underpowered engine. Overall, the c-hr does the job pretty well as a city vehicle, and I suspect that is enough for most Singapore drivers.

Extremely underpowered which might be good for this car considering how noisy it is at high speeds. Handling is terrible. Even larger cx-9 is slightly better so don't even need to compare cx-3. Bumpy ride and claustrophobic interior is extremely displeasing to motion sickness passengers.

I got the 1.2 Turbo version recently from Borneo Motors and I must say I have never been happier. Considering the low COE, this is the best purchase decision I have ever made for now. Toyota's C-HR entered the market slightly later and at a slightly higher premium versus the Honda Vezel. While the Vezel made a national record for selling in a quantity as large as Xerxes' army, the C-HR stands strong as the elite Spartan counterpart. Spartan? No wait. Toyota Sense is standard on the C-HR and that means a whole lot of safety technology from auto engaging parking brakes, hill hold, dynamic cruise control, lane assists to blind spot monitors.

I am actually wondering what was I doing without all these in the past.

On the exterior - Edgy, masculine, fighter jet profiles with even a matching cockpit-canopy-stance sets it as a class above the Vezel. The C-HR turns heads everywhere - as it is a clear exit from the previous decade's signature curvy designs and an announcement into a new polygonal design dimension. Apart from engineering influenced trade-offs that lend the vehicle any bit of voluptuousness, the dominating box design cues would blend perfectly with stealth fighter colors and perhaps even dazzle camouflage. If not for motor shows, the C-HR would pass off on a catwalk as a work of Tobias Rehberger.

This is definitely something you cannot park and walk away without looking back to have a moment.

Always drive on Sport Mode. With all the safety tech & a superbly comfortable high ride lacking typical SUV body roll, the car is meant to be driven beastily. It provides what I feel is an invincible commandeering stance - one worthy of getting adopted by Sammo Hung. Because it is a 1.2T, it doesn't really fringe into hyperspeed territory nor set off speed cameras or red and blue chasing lights like its meatier hybrid counterpart. While turbo charged vehicles such as these would readily exude the spirit of borderlining insanity like A Team's Captain Murdock, the overwhelming safety tech adds layers of maturity and confidence for road-pilots.

The C-HR has truly figured out the basics of a perfect Crossover.

This is a car that will make heads turn. 2 things impressed me immediately when i drove the car, the dampers and the handling. Adding to its good looks, it is so easy to love in love instantly with it. It helps that accessories are so cheaply available online now. The car is designed to give much room for enhancement. Those that hate it, finds it already overly loud in stock condition. For me, the dual tone fits perfectly for the C-HR. Especially the black roof. This is a car that need a bright color. It is a total waste to go conservative with this car design.

If you noticed, there have been sellers that let go of the car just months or a year driving it. Those that are disappointed are expecting an engine performance to match its aggressive look. This car, is made zippy for urban, it is tuned more for low and mid rev, it doesn't have the horsepower of a racer. So, this is NOT your GTR. The small window is surprisingly cooling, cheap to install your sola film. I got 3M crystalline for only $700.