HYPER SPACE
The dearest C-HR, a hybrid, puts looks above roominess
Shopping for a Toyota hybrid SUV? The choice just got tougher with the arrival of a petrol-electric version of the C-HR. The smaller, funkier counterpart to the practical and sensible RAV4 will have hybrid power for the first time as part of a mid-life update that also includes new lights, wheels and grille.
Toyota has six hybrid choices in the RAV4 line-up — each of the three grades comes with front or all-wheel drive — but there’s just a single version in the C-HR.
It’s the Koba Hybrid and it’s not cheap, starting from $36,440 before you add thousands in on-road costs. The most expensive C-HR you can buy, it’s at the upper end of the small SUV segment and is even $950 dearer than the most affordable RAV4 Hybrid.
On paper, the RAV4 looks more convincing. Its electric motors aid the 2.5-litre engine to produce a combined 160kW and the larger body has loads more space.
The C-HR has less rear legroom, no rear air vents and a smaller boot (377L versus 580L). Its 1.8-litre engine, as used in the Prius stablemate, combines with the motors to produce a less than enticing 90kW.
The C-HR fights back with a more adventurous design, outside and in, and the safety suite includes autonomous emergency braking and blind spot warning.
There are 18-inch alloys, tinted windows and smart key entry.
One of Toyota’s more elegant interiors, the cabin stands out for diamond patterns, quality finishes and partial leather trim on the seats, which are still adjusted manually.
Among the numerous classy touches are the matt metal surface on the gear selector and stitched panels on top of the dashboard.
Lack of digital radio tuning is a rare tech omission but smartphone connectivity makes it easier to seek out additional tunes.
Fuel saving is a big part of the Hybrid’s sales pitch. Claimed average consumption is 4.3L/100km and around town Toyota’s figures suggest 3.8L.
In other grades, the C-HR starts at $29,540 with a standard auto and the 1.2-litre turbo uses 6.4L/100km. It produces 85kW on premium unleaded — the Hybrid makes do with regular fuel.
Given premium fuel generally costs at least 10c a litre more, there is the prospect of recouping the extra investment earlier than usual. On typical annual distances, it can take four years to make up for the Hybrid’s $2500 premium over the regular Koba.
As with the 1.2-litre, the 1.8 set-up in the Hybrid is leisurely rather than exciting, doing its best at city speeds. There is a generous surge from standstill, however, ensuring good around-town response.
The C-HR Hybrid is also fun through corners, its grippy 18-inch rubber marking a departure from the eco-focused tyres Toyota often fits to its fuel-misers.
Combined with crisp steering and well controlled body, it makes for enjoyable motoring — and that’s a large chunk of the appeal for what is a premium priced small SUV.