Toyota C-HR GR Sport: Beauty skin deep

by Alistair Kennedy What is it? The Toyota C-HR is a compact SUV that arrived here in 2016 filling the gap left by the RAV4 as that model ...

by Alistair Kennedy

What is it?

The Toyota C-HR is a compact SUV that arrived here in 2016 filling the gap left by the RAV4 as that model grew in size. Our test car was the top-spec C-HR GR Sport. The GR stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s global motorsport division, but if you’re looking for a hot-hatch then you’re going to be disappointed. Apart from some suspension tweaks and larger 19-inch alloys, the enhancements are largely cosmetic.

 

What’s it cost?

The complete C-HR range comes with two drivetrains, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and 1.8-litre hybrid, with three grades -- GXL, Koba and GR Sport. You can have either front- or all-wheel drive with petrol-only models, but only front-drive with the hybrids. The C-HR, marks quite a change in styling from the relatively conservative looks that have worked so well for Toyota over the years and is no doubt aimed at younger buyers. The acronym C-HR stands for Coupe High Rider and this does describe its styling, a coupe-like body but with the reasonably high stance of an SUV. The steeply sloped roofline tops off a lower body with plenty of creases and curves, especially around the rear. ‘Hidden’ rear door handles near the top of the C-pillar add to the coupe-look, but can be a bit awkward to use. Enhancements added to the GR Sport include bespoke two-tone 19-inch shadow chrome alloys, a bold vertical grille split by a thick chrome horizontal bar and new fog light surrounds. There are GR Sport badges on the front, sides and rear as well as on the brake calipers. Compared with the expansive wide screens which are becoming increasingly common in many vehicles, the 8.0-inch touchscreen looks quite bland. However, infotainment screens are there to provide access to a large number of functions without distracting the drive from the road ahead and we found the C-HR screen one of the easiest to use. The screen is angled slightly towards the driver and within easy reach. There are four rectangular short-cut buttons on each side that open up the various options on the screen itself. Like many other embedded satellite navigation systems, the version in C-HR is difficult to use with tiny symbols that don’t clearly indicate functions. It’s hardly surprising that many drivers chose to use smartphone maps instead. Bluetooth pairing is simple and allows access to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both wired -- but no digital radio. A 4.2-inch multi-information display sits in front of the driver with the usual features. Standard safety features across the C-HR range include seven airbags, enhanced ABS brakes with forward collision warning, brake assist and autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, road sign assist, rear cross traffic alert, hill-start assist, brake hold function and trailer sway control. Koba (but not GR Sport) adds automatic braking to the rear cross traffic alert. Also standard in all models is the Toyota Safety Sense package which adds lane trace assist, automatic high beam, active cruise control and pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection.

What’s it go like?

C-HR comes with the choice of two powertrains. There’s a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol in the GXL and Koba variants, with either front- or all-wheel drive. Outputs are 85kW and 185Nm at 1500 rpm. The Koba hybrid and C-HR GR Sport use a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre engine, with maximum power of 72kW and 142Nm of torque, with a 53kW/163Nm electric for a combined power output of 90kW and an undisclosed amount of combined torque. The 1.2-litre runs on standard unleaded petrol, the hybrid on premium. Transmission is via continuously variable transmission although there is no manual mode in the hybrid variants. While the C-HR GR Sport talks the Gazoo Racing talk, it certainly doesn’t walk the walk. Unlike the GR Yaris, GR Supra and recently-launched GR86, there are no performance enhancements. Of course, the other three are hatches or coupes, while the C-HR is an SUV. Having said that C-HR is a capable and competent car to drive in normal day-to-day running. It’s easy to manoeuvre around the suburbs and a cinch to park. The option of all-wheel drive in the non-hybrid variants is a bit pointless with a ground clearance of just 137mm effectively ruling out any off-road ventures. Ride and handling in the GR Sport is excellent thanks to adjustments to the shock absorbers, spring rates and stabiliser bars. There’s also a new centre brace which improves body rigidity and contributes to a more direct steering response. Toyota was one of the pioneers of petrol/electric hybrids and almost every vehicle in its large range has a hybrid option. They have been refined the years and fuel consumption is a major selling point, never more so with soaring prices. We were able to average 4.8L/100km during our week-long test, not that far above the claimed 4.3L/100km. The sporty external theme is continued inside C-HR GR Sport with dark silver highlights around the instrument panel and doors, piano black surrounds for the centre console and power-window switches. Enhancements include GR Sport badging, leather accented sports seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The rear seats are quite cramped although headroom is better than expected. Children are not going to like the tall front seats and high tapered side windows which combine to seriously limit outward visibility. There are no ventilation controls and no USB ports in the rear. The boot has a 318-litre capacity, with tie-down and carry hooks. The spare wheel is a space saver located below the boot floor.

What we like?

• Aimed at younger buyers
• Touchscreen one of the easiest to use
• Easy to manoeuvre and a cinch to park
• Ride and handling excellent
• Excellent fuel economy

What we don’t like?

• Premium unleaded
• Only front-wheel drive
• Enhancements largely cosmetic
• No manual mode in hybrid
• Rear door handles awkward to operate
• Rear seats are quite cramped
• No rear ventilation controls
• Navigation difficult to use
• No digital radio
• Misses out on automatic reverse braking

The bottom line?

There’s plenty of competition in the sub-$40k compact SUV segment where the C-HR sits mid-field behind the top-selling Mitsubishi ASX. In addition to this rivalry with other brands, C-HR is certain to face a serious intra-brand challenge from the just-released Corolla Cross. Both vehicles are built on the same platform but the Corolla Cross is marginally larger in all exterior dimensions. The adventurous styling of the C-HR is likely to be a point of difference, especially with younger buyers. We’re currently driving the Corolla Cross shortly and will report back on what is likely to be a game-changer in the small SUV market.

    

CHECKOUT: Toyota Hilux Rogue: Some annoying niggles

CHECKOUT: Toyota tests Tundra Down Under