FUNKY LITTLE HEAD TURNER
VALUE
The Toyota C-HR occupies the space between the popular mid-size RAV4 and the pint-sized Yaris Cross.
Funky styling and a raked, coupe-style roofline have made it a hit with urban Millennials. Buyers can choose between two-wheel and four-wheel-drive, while hybrid variants are also available.
It comes in three trim levels: GXL, Koba and GR Sport.
Prices start at about $34,600 drive-away in base GXL two-wheel drive petrol form and rise to about $41,600 for the GR Sport tested here. GR stands for Gazoo Racing – Toyota’s new performance sub-brand – but this model is a styling exercise rather than a performance variant.
It’s a lot of money for a small SUV but it brings peppy hybrid performance, a sporty driving character and a long list of standard equipment including nifty styling touches such as 19-inch alloy wheels and GR badging inside and out. The dash layout is functional but lacks wow factor and the 4.2-inch information screen in the instrument cluster isn’t as modern looking as some rivals. The eight-inch centre touchscreen is a decent size, though, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth and satnav. Toyota guarantees the C-HR for five years and unlimited kilometres and servicing is very cheap at $1000 over five years
COMFORT
Leather accented, bolstered sport seats hug front passengers in a tight embrace, but they don’t provide the heating function found in the similarly priced Koba variant. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, along with GR Sport pedals and door trim, make the cabin feel a bit special.
It’s a bit cosy, though, and the back seats in particular feel a tad claustrophobic, thanks to the sloping roofline and small, highset windows. Little ones may struggle to see out of the narrow rear windows.
The lack of rear air vents and USB charging points is disappointing.
The GR Sport has firmer suspension than the rest of the C-HR range, but it still manages pockmarked city streets without much trouble.
SAFETY
Toyota has all the safety bases covered. The GR Sport will brake automatically for cars and pedestrians if it senses a potential collision and it will notify drivers if there is a car approaching in its blind spot.
Rear cross-traffic alert makes reversing out of driveways and tight carparks a breeze, alerting you if a car is coming.
The C-HR will keep you in your lane if it detects you wandering out of it, gently tugging the steering wheel to direct you back in.
DRIVING
The petrol-electric combo doesn’t produce much power but the instant torque of the electric motor makes it feel zippy off the line. Compact SUVs aren’t known for their driving prowess, but the GR Sport hugs corners like a hatch, feeling both stable and agile thanks to its firmer suspension. Sharp, direct steering adds to the fun.
It can feel a bit laboured on steep hills as the non-turbo engine has to rev high to reach its power reserves.
The C-HR’s compact proportions and manoeuvrability make it a cinch to navigate in tight city streets and carparks.
Fuel use is a claimed 4.3L/100km and we managed close to that, especially in city driving. While the standard petrol engine requires premium fuel, the hybrid only needs regular, adding to the fuel savings.
ALTERNATIVES
SKODA KAMIQ MONTE CARLO, FROM $36,990 DRIVE-AWAY
Sporty looks, punchy turbo engine and a cracking drive. Dual-clutch auto can be a bit sticky at low speeds.
MAZDA CX-30 G20 TOURING FWD, FROM ABOUT $39,500 DRIVE-AWAY
Good looks inside and out, nice to drive, but the engine lacks refinement.
HYUNDAI KONA N-LINE, FROM ABOUT $40,200 DRIVE-AWAY
Feisty turbo engine and head turning looks, but it’s thirsty by comparison.
VERDICT
The C-HR is great to drive and fuel efficient but it’s expensive and more suited to couples than families.