Toyota’s quirky little C-HR crossover has simply been renewed for a second season.
The Toyota C-HR broke the model’s moderately conservative mould when it launched in 2016, taking the underpinnings of the top-selling Corolla and turning them right into a coupe-styled crossover with turbo petrol and hybrid choices.
It didn’t launch in Australia till 2017, and added the hybrid choice to the native vary when the facelifted mannequin arrived in October 2019.
Some 53,271 items of the first-generation mannequin have been offered in Australia, with a 42 per cent mixture of hybrid gross sales because the choice went on sale in 2019. The C-HR has been a success overseas, taking the title of Toyota’s greatest promoting hybrid in Europe.
Quick ahead to in the present day, and the second-generation is right here sporting an much more avantgarde design than its predecessor and packing a hybrid-only lineup. The place the previous mannequin was sourced from Japan, the brand new one strikes to Turkish manufacturing.
It arrives as a way more costly proposition than earlier than too, with the worth of entry up by greater than $10,000; and the top-spec GR Sport AWD is nudging the $60,000 mark on the street.
Has Toyota’s sporty little crossover coupe packed in sufficient upgrades to justify its larger pricing?
How does the Toyota C-HR examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Toyota C-HR towards equally sized automobiles.
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C-HR
How a lot does the Toyota C-HR value?
Costs are effectively up on the earlier Japan-sourced mannequin, with the entry level some $11,000 larger – however the brand new 2024 Toyota C-HR is healthier geared up as commonplace, and now comes out of Turkey.
2024 Toyota C-HR pricing:
2024 Toyota C-HR GXL 2WD: $42,9902024 Toyota C-HR Koba 2WD: $49,9902024 Toyota C-HR GR Sport AWD: $54,990
Costs exclude on-road prices
To see how the C-HR strains up towards its rivals, take a look at our comparability instrument.
What’s the Toyota C-HR like on the within?
You may’t accuse the C-HR of being dreary within the cabin like a few of its stablemates. It’s really moderately fetching.
As the unique pushed the boundaries for Toyota and blurred the strains with the posh Lexus model, the C-HR takes loads of high-end appointments from dearer automobiles and crams them right into a compact cabin.
All fashions characteristic high-resolution 12.3-inch shows for the central touchscreen, operating Toyota’s newest interface and absolutely featured by way of connectivity and net-based providers. The bottom GXL will get a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, whereas the Koba and GR Sport get Toyota’s flagship 12.3-inch digital cockpit.
All of it seems to be and feels swish, and it’s offered in a cabin that’s fairly driver-focused and properly trimmed, particularly in comparison with one thing like a RAV4 or Corolla Cross that are noticeably extra utilitarian. One other good contact is the color head-up show commonplace on the Koba and GR Sport, which will be configured to point out velocity, help options and the like.
The sweeping sprint and cockpit-style design additionally give off a sporting really feel, and no matter variant you get comfy seats, heaps of adjustment, and premium-feeling supplies which all have no less than partial recycled properties.
Toyota says the woven textile upholstery is made out of 100 per cent recycled supplies, whereas the suede bits in Koba and GR Sport fashions have 45 per cent recycled supplies. PET bottles are a essential ingredient of those.
Step as much as the Koba and GR Sport and also you additionally get pretty bucket-style sports activities seats with built-in headrests, energy adjustment for the motive force, in addition to heating up entrance. Regardless, the accessible entrance seats are comfy and supply good adjustment, as does the steering wheel.
It’s all fairly purposeful. There are first rate door bins to retailer bottles – although I don’t suppose a 1L Frank Inexperienced will squeeze in there – in addition to a grippy telephone holder that doubles as a wi-fi charger on the Koba and GR-S. There’s a giant cubby beneath the centre armrest too, along with a shelf forward of the entrance passenger.
Construct high quality feels fairly good throughout the board, and there’s a pleasant solidity to the motion of the varied buttons and controls littered all through the cabin. We’re glad Toyota determined to retain bodily switchgear for essentially the most half, too.
The second row has by no means been a C-HR standout given its coupe-like styling, although it’s doable for shorter journeys offered you don’t have nausea-prone passengers.
Leg- and knee room in notably are on the cosy facet for taller passengers behind taller drivers, and there are restricted facilities to go together with the rising shoulder line that considerably obstructs outward view for the vertically challenged.
You get cupholders within the doorways, however that’s about it. There’s no fold-down centre armrest, no directional rear air vents, and no map pockets.
ISOFIX and top-tether factors characteristic although, if you have to cart alongside your little ones. Koba and GR-S variants additionally decide up a USB-C charging port on the rear of the centre console.
Cargo capability differs barely between variants. The 2WD GXL and Koba quote 388-1155L, whereas the AWD GR Sport drops that barely to 362-1134L – bear in mind the GR-S has a second electrical motor beneath the boot flooring.
Solely the bottom GXL comes with an area saver spare wheel, whereas the Koba and GR-S make do with a tyre restore equipment.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
There are two hybrid powertrains accessible within the new-generation C-HR.
In Europe, there’s additionally a ‘Plug-in Hybrid 220’ variant that will get a beefier 120kW entrance electrical motor and 13.6kWh li-ion battery pack, quoting system energy output of 164kW and WLTP electrical vary of 64 kilometres (claimed).
It’s not on the playing cards for Australia simply but, although Toyota Australia hasn’t dominated it out completely for a future launch.
How does the Toyota C-HR drive?
The unique C-HR was one of many early adopters of the TNGA platform and supplied a fantastically balanced drive – this new one is even higher once more.
Our launch drive took us from the inner-city out via Victoria’s japanese hall to Launching Place, covers an metropolis and suburban site visitors, highways, and winding B-roads via the hills.
My first leg of the drive was within the mid-spec Koba, which will get an upgraded 1.8-litre hybrid system making 14 per cent extra energy than the previous one at 103kW, courtesy of a brand new hybrid transaxle and energy management unit, in addition to a beefier battery pack which runs lithium-ion chemistry in comparison with the previous nickel steel hydride unit.
The additional grunt is noticeable, with higher electrical help at regular speeds after which a bit extra energy when getting onto the freeway. It’ll additionally spend extra time in EV mode because of the extra power dense battery and stronger electrical motor.
With that stated, the bottom C-HR isn’t any efficiency automobile, and is greatest pushed in a sedate method to maximise effectivity and refinement. You’ll reap the advantages in gas financial savings too – a cool widget within the instrument cluster can even let you know your ratio of EV driving, which was exhibiting between 60 and 80 per cent within the Koba.
It’s properly settled on the freeway too, with a full suite of energetic help to take the load off longer stints.
Toyota’s semi-autonomous freeway assistant does an admirable job at sustaining a protected distance from the car in entrance whereas remaining centred in your lane.
There’s the odd event the place it tugs somewhat an excessive amount of on the wheel and it might be somewhat conservative with the gap from a automobile coming into the lane forward, however it’s nonetheless intuitive.
All variations of the C-HR additionally come commonplace with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert which is helpful given the coupe styling and huge C-pillars.
It additionally ties in with the ambient lighting – it’ll glow purple when it detects an oncoming car, and can do comparable for the Protected Exit Help perform to go together with the audible warning.
Our time in each the Koba and GR Sport additionally revealed the superb experience and dealing with stability baked into this little crossover.
Just like the final technology, the brand new C-HR affords fluid and correct steering which makes it very nice to pilot each on the town, on the freeway, and on winding nation roads. It has a really upmarket and European really feel to it.
Couple that with a candy chassis that gives deft dealing with and a properly resolved experience throughout all situations, and you’ve got a car that’s stress-free and comfy.
The turn-in is sharp and physique management effectively sorted, giving off the extra athletic DNA Toyota is pitching, nonetheless I’d argue each drivetrain variants lack the spark required for correct engagement notably on larger velocity roads.
A slurring CVT – even when Toyota claims it has seven synthetic speeds – is rarely going to be as enjoyable to drive as one thing like a equally priced Volkswagen T-Roc with a DSG dual-clutch auto. The GR Sport doesn’t even have paddle shifters.
In saying that, the additional kick from the beefier 2.0-litre hybrid system is notable and welcomed, and you may actually really feel it within the preliminary response because of the extra e-motor on the rear which facilitates electrified AWD.
The GR Sport builds velocity properly however it’s not as fast because the aforementioned T-Roc or one thing like a Hyundai Kona N Line 1.6T. Like I discussed earlier, the CVT isn’t a very inspiring transmission and there’s no paddles or a a guide mode both.
For me this can be a key motive why I don’t suppose you actually need to improve to the GR Sport. Except you actually need the additional grunt or AWD, the C-HR 2WD Hybrid in GXL and Koba trims is considerably cheaper and continues to be good to drive.
Whatever the model you select, you’ll take pleasure in wonderful gas consumption that might see you journey as much as 1000 kilometres between fills. Each the Koba and GR Sport variations we examined have been returning an indicated determine across the 5.0L/100km mark, regardless of prolonged freeway stints and a few extra dynamic driving.
On a secondary loop with the Koba on the town the next day, the C-HR returned excessive 3.0s and low 4.0s which is a greater indicator of real-world each day situations for most individuals. Value noting is also the small 43-litre gas tank throughout the vary will fortunately run on cheaper 91 RON unleaded.
Lastly, general refinement was usually fairly good within the Koba and GR Sport.
You do get a little bit of tyre roar over rougher street surfaces, however the C-HR does an excellent job at maintaining the cabin subdued and if you happen to want some additional ambient noise to drown out the skin world the eight-speaker JBL premium audio system within the Koba and GR Sport works effectively.
Even noise from the petrol engines is subdued in comparison with different Toyota hybrid product, although the rumbly engine be aware of the Atkinson cycle motors is one more reason to not push these too laborious.
What do you get?
GXL, Koba, and GR Sport trim grades carryover, although the GR Sport now serves because the halo moderately than being an equal to the Koba as was the case with the earlier technology.
C-HR GXL highlights:
17-inch alloy wheelsLED headlights, guide levellingLED daytime operating lightsLED tail lightsRain-sensing wipers7.0-inch digital instrument cluster12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment systemDAB+ digital radioSatellite navigationWireless Apple CarPlayWired Android AutoToyota Related Companies (1yr subscription)6-speaker sound systemDual-zone local weather controlKeyless entry, push-button startFabric upholstery‘Sporty material’ entrance seats
C-HR Koba provides:
19-inch alloy wheelsBi-LED headlights, auto levellingAdaptive high-beamPower tailgate12.3-inch digital instrument clusterHead-up displayDigital rear-view mirror9-speaker sound systemWireless smartphone chargerPremium sport suede, material seatsHeated entrance seatsPowered driver’s seat adjustment
C-HR GR Sport provides:
Distinctive 19-inch alloy wheelsUnique exterior featuresUpgraded brakesAluminium scuff platesHeated GR-branded steering wheelGR-branded flooring matsGR Sport suede, material seats
Choices
The C-HR has pretty restricted elective objects, restricted to larger grades.
Two-Tone premium paint: $775Two-Tone Plus premium paint: $1550 (Koba, GR-S)Two-Tone Plus premium paint + panoramic roof: $2700 (Koba, GR-S)
Is the Toyota C-HR protected?
The brand new Toyota C-HR is at present untested and unrated by ANCAP and Euro NCAP.
Customary security tools contains:
10 airbagsAdaptive cruise controlAutomatic excessive beamAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Pedestrian detection (day, evening)Bicycle owner detection (day)Blind-spot monitoringDriver monitoring cameraEmergency steering assistIntelligent park assistLane change assistLane departure warningLane maintain assistParking sensors entrance, rearRear cross-traffic alertRear seat occupant reminderRoad Signal AssistSafe Exit AssistSurround-view cameraToyota Related Companies
How a lot does the Toyota C-HR value to run?
The C-HR is roofed by Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre new car guarantee.
Additional, Toyota affords a further two years of engine and driveline guarantee if you happen to stick with your car is “correctly serviced and maintained as per the Guarantee and Service e-book”, and can assure the hybrid battery for as much as 10 years beneath the identical upkeep circumstances.
5 years of capped-price servicing is obtainable too, with intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first. Every go to prices $250, totalling $1250 for the primary 5 years of possession.
Only one yr of Toyota Related Companies is included with buy, with month-to-month paid subscriptions required after that preliminary 12-month interval for varied net-based options. For the complete breakdown, click on right here.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota C-HR
In the event you’re the sort of person who sees Toyota as ‘boring’, you possibly can’t degree that criticism on the new C-HR.
With idea automobile seems to be (have a look at it subsequent to the C-HR Prologue), tremendous environment friendly drivetrains, and good vary of variants with aggressive tools ranges, the second technology crossover coupe is a stable providing that picks up the place its predecessor left off.
Costs are up considerably throughout the board, however that’s additionally testomony to how aggressive the previous one was. Once you take note of the hybrid vary, in addition to the rise in tools and tech, the C-HR isn’t all that unhealthy relative to an more and more dear section.
Most rivals from Asian manufacturers are enjoying in the identical value bracket today, no less than with respect to the GXL and Koba. It’s additionally far more fascinating and premium-feeling than the associated Corolla Cross, even when it will get the two.0-litre hybrid as an choice on all variants.
The upmarket cabin design and finishes in addition to the sporty bucket seats all give off a very premium appear and feel. Whereas the Lexus UX is nearly equally distinctive in design, its latest repositioning sees even the most cost effective one priced according to the C-HR GR Sport.
For me the Koba is the simple decide of the vary. It bisects the GXL and Koba on value, affords the tech and comfort options headlining this new technology, and it’s additionally customisable with the Two-Tone Plus paint choices.
It’ll be fascinating to see how Australians obtain the brand new C-HR. If the brand new one was already area of interest, this new one is nearly unique, no less than in the way it seems to be and the extent of exterior personalisation on supply.
In the event you’re trying already at a high-spec Corolla Cross Hybrid or perhaps a RAV4 Hybrid and don’t essentially don’t want the house, the C-HR might be a cool ticket into the SUV brigade that doesn’t drive you to shell out on a premium equal.
Plus, whereas the preliminary shopping for value is excessive, a budget ongoing operating prices and Toyota’s penchant for long-term reliability imply that there’s some added peace of thoughts that will not include different style-led choices.
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