The Toyota CHR: A Futuristic Design with Some Flaws
As soon as you lay eyes on the Toyota CHR, it's hard to ignore its futuristic design. The exterior styling is certainly eye-catching, but how does this wacky theme translate to the inside of the cabin? In this article, we'll take a closer look at what the CHR has to offer.
The Cabin: A Mix of Highs and Lows
Upon entering the CHR's cabin, you're immediately struck by its more extravagant feel compared to some of its closest rivals. However, it's also clear that the interior is not without its flaws. The build quality is generally good, but the materials used can be a bit inconsistent. There are lovely soft-touch plastics, but alongside them, there are harder scratchy materials that don't quite live up to their promise.
One of the standout features in the CHR's cabin is its front seats, which offer excellent comfort and support. These seats can also be trimmed in leather as part of an optional Premium Pack for $1,595, which includes an upgraded JBL Hi-Fi system. This means that all CHR models come loaded with kit as standard, while mid-level XL trim comes with a range of additional features like 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, blind spot monitoring, automated parking, and adaptive cruise control.
Even entry-level models offer some impressive features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights and wipers, an 8-inch touchscreen with a reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and DAB digital radio. However, the system's quality is somewhat hit-or-miss, with some features feeling more like afterthoughts than integral parts of the overall package.
The Screen: A Bright but Messy Display
The CHR's screen is bright and easy to see, even in well-lit conditions. The icons are large and clear, making it simple to navigate through the various menus and options. However, the graphics on the screen can feel a bit messy at times, with some elements looking slightly out of place.
One thing that might be confusing for some drivers is the use of shortcut keys on the display. While these can make navigation easier, they also don't have haptic feedback, making them a bit tricky to use while driving. Fortunately, this doesn't cause any major issues, and once you get used to it, you'll find that finding your way through the menus is never too much of an effort.
Address Entry: A Mixed Bag
When using the satnav, address entry can be set via either a postcode or by entering a street name. The on-screen keyboard is easy to use, but physical key presses can feel a bit clumsy compared to some premium models like Audis and BMWs. However, once you've imported your destination, you're presented with some useful options - including the choice of quickest, shortest, or most economical route.
Adding waypoints is also very easy, thanks to dedicated icons for petrol stations and car parks. However, the map graphics themselves are fairly basic, making it impossible to pinch or drag on the screen to preview the route ahead. On the other hand, scrolling through DAB digital radio stations is simple enough, as is pairing a phone via Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music.
The Sound System: A Decent but Imperfect Option
One of the CHR's most notable features is its upgraded JBL sound system, which offers decent power and clarity. However, it also suffers from quite a bit of road noise on the move, requiring drivers to turn up the volume to get the best out of it.
Overall Impression: A Futuristic Design with Room for Improvement
In conclusion, the Toyota CHR's futuristic design is certainly a hit, but it's not without its flaws. While the cabin looks more extravagant than many of its closest rivals, the materials used can be inconsistent, and some features feel like afterthoughts rather than integral parts of the overall package. However, with some impressive features like comfortable front seats and an easy-to-use infotainment system, there's still plenty to like about this car.