ECO-WARRIOR THAT WORKS

Under the radical panels, the cool C-HR hybrid packs premium quality

The world’s car companies are worried about a potential existential crisis. It’s got nothing to do with technology challenges such as electrification. Pointy-end engineering is as intuitive to A-grade car makers as breathing is to us.

Their big problem is that, for a whole bunch of reasons, the car is no longer the essential coming of age accessory it was in the 20th century. Millennials, now reaching car-buying age, aren’t doing the right thing and signing up.

Surely they can afford a new car? After all, they’re still living at home with mum and dad …

Toyota is responding by giving these sheltered twenty-somethings what market research says they want: expressive design, affordability, connectivity and planet-friendly tech under the bonnet.

Its first serious pitch to their hearts, minds and wallets is the C-HR compact SUV, launched in 2017 and now updated with hybrid power.

VALUE

Ninety per cent of electrified vehicles on Australian roads wear a Toyota badge and the brand now has hybrid versions of five models: Prius, Corolla, Camry, RAV4 and C-HR.

The C-HR Hybrid shares the Corolla’s setup: 1.8-litre petrol engine/twin electric motorgenerator/continuously variable transmission/ front-wheel drive and gets lower final drive gearing for zippier performance.

It is only in the top-spec Koba grade and is priced at $36,440 — a $2500 premium over the 1.2-litre turbo equivalent.

The 2020 update includes Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto and eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with voice control, navigation with live traffic updates plus Toyota’s apps.

The Koba also gets LED headlights, 18-inch alloys, dual-zone aircon, tinted glass, leatherfaced upholstery, keyless entry and start and cabin air humidifier.

A stunning thing to look at, the C-HR has the most adventurous styling on the SUV street, so it certainly caters to Millennials’ apparent desire to be noticed. They can further option a contrasting black or silver roof to specific body colours for $450.

Despite its radical sheetmetal, the C-HR’s engineering is conventional Toyota. Quality is outstanding (it’s made in Japan), it’s bulletproof and servicing is cheap at just $195 a year.

COMFORT

The Koba’s cabin is similarly avant-garde, a premium quality, futuristic cockpit with diamond motif roof lining, dark hues and lashings of gloss black plastic. You feel as though you’re sitting in a sports car rather than an SUV.

Toyota’s infotainment is one of the best in the business for ease of use. The big, close, responsive touchscreen is surrounded by buttons for functions needing frequently access.

Voice control does exactly what you tell it to do, first time every time, whether navigation, audio or phone menus. Most rival set-ups often require several attempts; many don’t even have the smarts to comprehend much more than a contact name or radio station frequency.

There is only one USB connector and wireless smartphone charging is notably absent.

Rear legroom is reasonable but the seat is low and the side windows small, with high sills and dark glass, so passengers feel entombed. No connectors or vents are provided.

SAFETY

The C-HR’s safety spec is the most comprehensive in the class. The big ticket stuff — autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise — is standard in all models, there is effective lane keeping and Koba grade adds a surround view monitor. You get less driver assist safety tech in a BMW X1.

DRIVING

For several reasons, the Koba hybrid is worth the extra $2500 over the 1.2-litre turbo. It’s faster, smoother and pulls more strongly across the rev range.

The four-cylinder runs on 91 regular unleaded rather than the turbo’s preferred 95 premium. It also uses about half as much fuel in traffic, where you can achieve 3-4L/100km, assisted by auto stop-start and the fact that in the bump and grind of peak hour you’re often running on electricity alone.

Selectable EV mode operates up to about 40km/h for short distances; “B” mode increases regenerative braking so you can use EV mode more often. Highway consumption of 4L5L/100km is comparable to the petrol model.

The tight body, low centre of gravity and suspension that strikes a finessed compromise between compliance and control help make the C-HR a class leader on the road.

It’s agile, comfortable, secure on rough surfaces and changes direction without wanting to fall over. The only whinges of note are overassisted steering and brakes that are difficult to modulate at low speeds.

HEART SAYS

I’m 25 and I earn good money. I’ll never be able to afford a house so I might as well drive a decent car. This is very cool, it’s a hybrid and good value. Tick, tick and tick.

HEAD SAYS

I’m 65 so a small SUV is exactly the car for me. This is the most interesting, efficient machine in the class. And it’s a Toyota, so it works.

ALTERNATIVES

KIA SELTOS SPORT+, FROM $34,990

Slightly larger than C-HR, the Seltos Sport+ is arguably the best drive in the class, with a 130kW 1.6 turbo/seven-speed dual-clutch auto/ all-wheel drive. Great quality, backed up by seven-year warranty.

VW T-CROSS, FROM $27,990

Based on the Polo hatch, this arrives in May with 85kW 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder/ seven-speed dual-clutch auto/front-drive. The 110TSi Style with 1.5-litre turbo four (110kW/ 250Nm) arrives in June.