Toyota C-HR

Toyota claims that according to customer research, its original C-HR was a breakthrough against mid-size SUVs, with 840,000 sales in Europe and up to 18,000 in the UK alone.

Now there's a new, second-generation C-HR, and those buyers will be pleased to know, that this time round, the basic shape remains unchanged, although it looks much more modern and bolder.    

At the front, the new C-HR is the second model to get Toyota's 'hammerhead' face, which on this car equals high-set, double-deck front LED headlights, and large lower grille with sharp detailing. There's more honed metal work down the flanks, wide arches to give it a chunkier stance, and flush-fit door handles. At the back, there's a high-set light bar, with the model's name integrated into it. Range-topping models are offered with a bi-tone + paint finish, where the roof and rear quarters of the car are finished in gloss black. 

Despite looking longer, this C-HR is 35mm shorter, and 15mm has been taken from the height, although this version is 45mm wider, with the chunkier arches and bigger wheels equalling a  more assertive stance.

Inside, there's no more room for the C-HR, so while space and the driving position are fine in the front of this Toyota, rear space remains more of a challenge. We like the curvy new dashboard design that continues into the front doors. Made from quality-feeling, soft-touch plastic, it's home to the new 12.3in digital driver display and a new central infotainment screen measuring 8in or the larger 12.3in we tried. Thankfully despite the big screen, Toyota has included enough physical controls for most drivers to be at home. 

Like all Toyota models, the C-HR is only available with electrified powertrains in 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid forms. There will however be a plug-in hybrid version available this month. Toyota is predicting that the 140hp, 1.8-litre, which develops 185Nm of torque, and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 10.2 seconds, will be the key seller for fleet, and this is the engine we focus on here. 

Mated with the latest evolution of Toyota's e-CVT transmission, its slick and refined nature generally works well with the laid-back feel of the performance. However, it is less fun when asked to work harder, where it gets thrashier and noisier. 

Choose this Toyota, and you'll benefit from a decent 26% BIK figure, but the C-HR can still only manage second place behind the Kia in this regard. 

The frugal 58.9mpg figure perfectly shows why Toyota's hybrid system just works. But it doesn't take top spot in this group! Instead, again it comes 5.3mpg behind the winning Kia. 

The news is no better when you compare this C-HR, even in mid-spec Design spec, on P11D value, which at £34,455 is the most expensive car of this set. Despite being worth 47% of its original value after three years, this is only good enough for fourth place, with the seemingly all-conquering Kia Niro coming top with just 2% more. All these residual figures are close, with the Renault and Nissan tied for second on just 1% more in. In terms of depreciation, the Toyota comes third, ahead of the Nissan but behind the Kia and Renault. 

To the C-HR's credit, it does boast the lowest SMR figure here at £2,098, in Design trim, with the Kia just behind in second place, and the Renault and Nissan bringing up the rear. 

Despite that low SMR cost, the Toyota is only able to come third in this comparison overall with its 44.63p cost-per-mile figure.

Toyota C-HR 1.8 Design 

P11D: £34,455

CO2 (tax): 108g/km (26%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £149/£298

Fuel consumption: 58.9mpg

National Insurance: £103

First year VED: £185

Subsequent VED: £170

Engine size/power: 1,798cc + 70kW motor/140hp

AFR: 16p

Residual value: 47%

Depreciation: £17,754

Fuel costs: £6,930

SMR: £2,098

Cost per mile: 44.63p

Nissan Qashqai 

The car that was instrumental in the crossover revolution, the Nissan Qashqai, remains one of the most popular on the market. The current third-generation car was revealed just over two years ago, but the clever E-Power self-charging hybrid version was launched last summer.  

The E-Power features a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which supplies power to a 140kW electric motor. Outside, from the front, the Qashqai looks sharp and modern with the slashed headlights that are high up in the body and the latest family grille. 

Inside, the Qashqai driving position is excellent - with plenty of space even for the tallest. Access to the rear seats is also good, with the rear doors that open to 85 degrees, and space is adequate for two adults. Although the battery does reduce the boot space to a still decent 504 litres.  

The E-Power hybrid system works well enough, but its residual value (48%) and P11D figures (£33,765), are the only places where the Nissan comes close to leading this set. Its 48.55p cost-per-mile figure leaves it some way behind the others here. 

Nissan Qashqai 1.5 E-Power Acenta Premium 

P11D: £33,765

CO2 (tax): 117g/km (28%)

BIK 20/40% a month: £157/£315

Fuel consumption: 54.3mpg

National Insurance: £108

First year VED: £255

Subsequent VED: £170

Engine size/power: 1,477cc + 140kW motor/190hp

AFR: 13p

Residual value: 48%