Comparison - Subaru Forester Premium 2017 - vs - Toyota C-HR Hybrid 2017

The European small SUV segment has exploded in the last few years, and Toyota has launched the C-HR to steal more sales from its rivals. It's designed the new C-HR with Europe in mind, which is why Toyota has taken a radical new styling direction compared to its worthy other offerings.

The name C-HR stands for Coupe-High Rider, and the styling suits the name, with rakish lines more in-keeping with models like the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupe than conventional crossovers.

Under the skin the C-HR uses the Toyota New Global Architecture. This also underpins the current Prius hybrid and helps deliver composed handling and a comfortable ride. The choice of a punchy turbo petrol or frugal hybrid means everyone is catered for, but the former is definitely more fun to drive.

Crucially for this image conscious class, Toyota has worked hard to deliver a distinctive interior. There are plenty of high-grade materials, and a decent tally of kit, while the layout is good and features plenty of bright colours.

• Best crossovers on sale right now

Externally, the C-HR is similar in size to a Nissan Qashqai, which means you get a decent sized boot and reasonable head and legroom. The small back windows do make the rear claustrophobic, however.

Pro:
Head-turning looks, smart cabin, great ride and handling

Cons:
Thrashy hybrid power delivery, claustrophobic rear seats, no diesel

There's no doubt about it, the C-HR is a very welcome addition to the small crossover class. The looks will polarise, the infotainment is average and the engine is eager but needs a little extra poke, yet the well-equipped, edgy and comfortable Toyota brings a lot to the table we like.
Toyota has taken its time producing a proper rival to the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3, but the new C-HR delivers the goods
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Indeed, the only thing that that will save Mazda, Honda and others from sweating bullets over potential lost sales are the supply restrictions that are keeping Toyota Australia's order books to 6000 units for all of 2017.

Do what we'd do and buy the base car, choose some nicer alloys, and save a few grand.

Pro:
Genuinely interesting design
Standard equipment levels
Balanced new chassis
Good refinement and comfort
Improved service intervals

Cons:
Small infotainment screen
No CarPlay/Android Auto
Engine acceptable, but nothing more
Koba spec a little expensive
Short supply spells waiting list

Wow, you won’t mistake the Toyota C-HR for anything else.

Nope. When we first saw it at motor shows, the C-HR made a big impression. Now we have reviewed it on the road, we can say this small Toyota crossover sure keeps its impact among traffic.

Actually it’s not as small as you might think. It might look like a Juke rival in photos, but it’s more the size of a Qashqai. But it’s not a family car, because interior space is compromised by the eye-socking looks. So you end up with something that could sit on the same shopping list as a Fiat 500X or the new Audi Q2.

I’m guessing it’s a coupe version of the RAV4 then?

No way. The RAV4 is bigger again. But the main thing is, the C-HR is mechanically all-new.