Toyota’s C-HR, launched in 2016, is hard to miss as it is one of the most dramatic and quirky looking cars on our roads. This compact mid-sized SUV is Toyota’s third best selling passenger car year-to-date behind Corolla and Yaris Cross. Sizewise, it is smaller than its RAV4 sibling. It competes in the busy, and key C-SUV segment.
The model had a slight refresh in late 2019 that added some new features including an enhanced look, a new multimedia system and some additional features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard as well as adding petrol electric hybrids of 1.8 and 2.0 GR Sport models inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing’s motorsport and rally successes. Each GR Sport model is designed to exude attitude, a sporty interior and premium features.
The racy-looking exterior features a black roof, 19-inch black 5-double spoke alloy wheels, dark chrome front grille, piano black wheel arch mouldings, high side belt lines and the rear spoiler that reflects down onto the rear window and colourful GR badges on the sides and on the boot door. Toyota cars have really good build quality, and high grade stylish interiors.
The C-HR GR Sport is quite a premium car emphasised by its styling and use of soft touch quality materials, lots of piano black trim and beautiful Alcantara and black leather bolstered seats with contrasting red and white stitching - and GR badges in my review car. Front seats have heaters and the driver’s has lumbar support. Doors get beautiful diamond-like patterns that draw the eye. Red stitching also appears on the partly perforated leather steering wheel and on the gear gaiter. The 8ins touchscreen is located high up on the dash and angled towards the driver. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through the screen to get at the air conditioning controls as they are located on a row of switches below the screen. The driver’s 4.2-inch information display looks a bit old fashioned consisting of two indented circles for power source indication and analogue speedometer. But it works well.
I had excellent visibility when driving due to the forward reaching windscreen, narrow A-Pillars and good A-Pillar windows. Also, the design of the rear didn’t interfere with my view out the rear view mirror.
The rear can fit three adults but there’s not great legroom for anyone seated behind a very tall person in front and their view out is hampered by the car's high belt line and the upward sweep of the narrow rear side windows. External rear door handles are located up high on the doors.
Cubbies include a decent glovebox, a deep area below the front armrest, a shelf for your phone beside a 12V socket on the dash, a USB port, storage areas on the central console and fine door bins. Boot space is decent enough at 358 litres. The boot floor is high and there are storage areas below.
While this is quite a high car, due to the steep rake of the door frame, a tall passenger had some difficulty in getting into and out of the car.
Safety technologies include seven airbags, blind spot alert on side mirrors, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, Aux-in connector, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Pre-Collision System with pedestrian day and cyclist detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, front fogs.
This self charging hybrid switches between electric power or a combination of petrol and electric energy, according to driving conditions and you can opt to use the EV mode-only when driving in built up areas, but go easy on the accelerator as otherwise the petrol engine will kick in.
Engines are a 1.8L with 122hp and a 2.0L with 184hp matched to an e-CVT automatic transmission. The more powerful hybrid powertrain allows a 0-100km/h time of 8.2 secs. Average combined fuel consumption comes in at around 4.5L/100kms making this a very economical car to run. Annual road tax is €190 for both GR Sport versions.
Toyota have tuned the steering and suspension to help improve the car’s driving dynamics.
I really enjoyed driving this car and it was very comfy to travel in. Handling is sharp, steering nicely direct, acceleration very good and the car holds the road well. With a turning radius of 5.2m it can turn easily on city streets or in parking lots.
The second generation of the model, to launch next year, will include a choice of four electrified powertrains including a 2.0 plug-in hybrid electric model.
Priced from €34,955; review car from €44,560.
