Living with the New Toyota C-HR Plug-In:
The Ultimate SUV for a Working Woman In Her 'Toddler Mum Era'

Being a busy mum means my life is a constant juggling act. From nursery runs, constant food shopping trips (why don't I just do one big shop?) and daily commutes from Glasgow to Edinburgh, my schedule is packed, my plate is full and my brain is constantly in overdrive. Enter the 2024 Toyota C-HR Plug-In GR Sport—a car that seamlessly fits into my hectic lifestyle, making everything from running errands to longer drives more manageable and enjoyable. Here's a deep dive into how this stylish, efficient, and family-friendly SUV has transformed my daily routine.​

Space and Comfort for the Family

One of the first things that stood out to me about the Toyota C-HR is its unexpected spaciousness. Initially, I was apprehensive that the car would be able to comfortably accommodate me and the never ending amount of 'stuff' I somehow happen to accumulate! Despite being a compact SUV, the backseats are generously sized, easily accommodating my son's bulky car seat. This means there's plenty of room left for other passengers or additional gear. The rear doors that appear to open wider than it's predecessor, make it a breeze to get my son in and out, which is a lifesaver during our morning rush to nursery. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats add another layer of practicality, ensuring we have all the space we need for family adventures. I need a car that can fit a bulky pram, an extra bulky car seat, shopping bags and luggage for our spontanious family trips, the C-HR does this. Tick!

Winter Mornings Made Easy

Winter in Scotland can be brutal. Is there anything worse than getting up when it's dark and cold and reluctantly getting into your car that feels more like a fridge on wheels? This plight became a distant memory for me this past winter. The integrated MyToyota App has been a true lifesaver. On those snowy and frosty mornings, being able to preheat my car from the comfort of my home is a luxury I now can't live without. I very quickly became spoiled by this feature. It ensures the cabin is toasty and the windows are defrosted by the time we're ready to leave, making our morning routine so much smoother. This feature was especially appreciated when taking my son to nursery, as it kept him warm and comfortable right from the start. The sporty, lower roof of the C-HR mixed with the soft, suede interior and ambient illumination gives the cabin a real cosy feeling on these mornings and was truly a treat during the colder months.

Intelligent Multimedia System

The C-HR's multimedia system is another standout feature that enhances my driving experience. It's incredibly intuitive, anticipating my needs with precision. The memory of the SatNav allows me to quickly input my destinations, storing past journeys and having them ready to go when I connect to Apple CarPlay. This is incredibly convenient for my daily commutes, allowing me to start driving without the hassle of inputting the same destinations repeatedly. As someone who regularly travels between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and yonder, the sensible and easy nature of the Apple CarPlay SatNav is unrivalled in my opinion. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen combined with the driver's digital display looks sleek and functions seamlessly, integrating perfectly with my smartphone for easy access to music, messages, and navigation.

Striking Exterior Design

The exterior of the C-HR can best be described as 'cool!' The 2024 model boasts a more mature and striking design, with a wider stance and sharper lines replacing the original's curves. The heavily raked tailgate, dual-element rear spoiler, and full-width LED light bar add a modern touch, making it a head-turner wherever I go. The retractable door handles and two-tone paint job enhance its kerb appeal, ensuring it stands out in any setting. My son, the most avid Hot Wheels enthusiast possibly on the planet, regularly refers to my C-HR as 'Mummys cool car!' which, coming from the most fastidious and rambunctious toddler there is, is high praise indeed!

Efficiency and Performance

Something I have been repeatedly impressed by is the MPG I am achieving. Of course, we all have different driving styles and this will change somewhat from person to person, but to be averaging 57mpg - I'm pretty pleased! The powerful EV technology powertrain, when used correctly, is incredibly efficient. The hybrid system allows it to slip seamlessly between electric and engine modes, making it a joy to drive, especially when crawling through traffic on the M8. The EV range is perfect for city commutes, providing silent, zero-emission driving that's kind to the environment and my wallet. The powerful 2.0-litre hybrid engine delivers both gutsy performance and superb efficiency, ensuring that every drive is smooth and responsive. Over time, I've noticed significant savings on fuel, which is always a welcome bonus.

Safety and Convenience

Looking good is one thing but for me safety is paramount, especially with my little one in tow. The C-HR's suite of safety features provides unparalleled peace of mind. The Assisted Brake System, Wing Mirror Indicators, and Rear Seat Reminder System—which alerts me if anything is left in the back seat—are invaluable. These features ensure that every journey is as safe as possible, whether it's a short trip to the nursery or a long drive to visit family.

The user-friendly steering wheel is another highlight, with intuitive controls that make phone calls, changing music, and switching driving modes as easy as you please, all while keeping my focus on the road. The layout is not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing, adding to the overall luxury feel of the cabin.​

Disney or Duality?

Whether it's blasting my son's Disney playlist or Slipknot 'Duality', the JBL sound system delivers exceptional audio quality. The clarity and depth of the sound make every journey enjoyable, keeping my little one entertained on long drives. The sound quality isn't 'tinny' and genuinely makes blasting your music so much fun. The in-car entertainment system is a lifesaver on those long trips, particularly being able to use the Voice Recognition to change between albums without fussing around with the display whilst driving.

Style and Practicality

The Toyota C-HR delivers on all fronts—style, fuel consumption, and practicality. It comfortably fits car seats and prams, has impressive kerb appeal, and integrates seamlessly into my busy life. The build quality and interior materials have been upgraded, giving the cabin a classier feel with more soft-touch surfaces. The seat fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles and animal-free 'leather' on the steering wheel tick the sustainability box, reflecting Toyota's commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Visibility is excellent ahead, but slightly more challenging behind due to the chunky rear pillars and small rear windows. Thankfully, all versions come with a reversing camera, making parking and reversing a breeze.

Smooth Driving Experience

The C-HR's driving experience is smooth and enjoyable, thanks to its supple suspension that handles bumps and potholes with ease. The light steering makes it perfect for navigating through urban environments, but it also proves to be a pleasant cruiser on the highway. While it may not be the most dynamic on twistier roads, the good levels of body control and decent grip make it a reliable and comfortable ride. The PHEV C-HR has more power (220bhp) and is quicker still, covering 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, making it fast in a straight line compared to some competitors.

Sustainable and Practical

Toyota has ticked the sustainability box with the C-HR, as the seat fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles and the steering wheel features animal-free 'leather.' This eco-friendly approach doesn't compromise on style or comfort, making the C-HR a great choice for environmentally conscious families. The load capacity varies between the two engines—388 litres for the 1.8 and 364 litres for the 2.0—providing ample space for all your family's needs.

Conclusion: My Journey, My Rules. My C-HR.

From being a 'cool mum' to having a reliable partner for my daily grind, the Toyota C-HR Plug-In is more than just a car; it's a lifestyle enhancer that makes every journey a pleasure. The combination of style, efficiency, and practicality makes it a standout choice in the SUV market. With its thoughtful features and family-friendly design, what's not to like?

In the first couple of weeks of driving my C-HR, I had so many of my friends comment on how much they loved it. To be honest, I was surprised by this as the same friends tended to stick to the same manufacturers and models and despite me driving Toyota for a while, they had never expressed such interest and intrigue to my car before. The C-HR appeared to draw them in firstly by it's undeniably gorgeous appearance but what really won them over was the way I talked about my car, as though it was some kind of personal assistant I had hired to make my day-to-day easier. It's one thing to drive something that looks 'cool', it's another to drive a car that delivers above and beyond on your existing expectations. It also helped when I told them I hadn't paid for petrol to work for months now!

Every woman should test drive the Toyota C-HR to experience its exceptional qualities first hand. So often we are left out of the conversation when it comes to EV, and why? After all, young woman, mothers, professionals, we all have the same priorities when it comes to choosing the perfect car - safety, reliability, aesthetic, cost efficiency, comfort, practicality and peace of mind. The Toyota C-HR Plug-In delivers on all of these points and more. I encourage anyone reading to contact your nearest Western or Barnetts Toyota dealership to arrange a 48hr test drive and discover what makes this PHEV such a winner in my eyes.