Car Review: Toyota C-HR
Image-driven, tech-savvy, modern and trendy – these are the adjectives Toyota uses to describe customers who’d perfectly suit the Toyota C-HR.
Last week we attended the launch of Toyota’s latest introduction to its SUV-segment and from the very first look we could see what all the fuss is about! Designed to capture a “fun-to-drive” element, the C-HR certainly stands out in the crowd with striking exterior features and overall urban design.
Toyota claims that the C-HR is its attempt to ‘redesign the Cross-Over segment while the small SUV-segment represents the fastest growing ‘group’ on the South African passenger vehicle landscape. After the birth of the cross-over the trend was set to include variety and diversity of models and so, Toyota introduced the C-HR, a vehicle that claims to ‘perfectly fit the modern environment’.
Also read: SA’s best-selling vehicle…Toyota Hilux
“With its striking, in-your-face design, careful attention to detail and punchy 1.2-litre turbo engine, we believe the C-HR delivers the perfect package for image conscious urbanites. Further setting C-HR apart is its fun-to-drive character which rewards the spirited driver.” says Glenn Crompton, Vice-President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa.
On the outside
A diamond-shaped motif features throughout the C-HR’s exterior while its coupé-like styling is further enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C pillar and a sweeping roofline. Prominent rear light clusters give the C-HR an expressive visual signature. In length it measures at 4, 360 mm supported by 17″ alloy wheels which are featured in all models. Plus models feature blade-style alloy versions.
The Toyota C-HR is available in six different colour options, while Aztec Green and Cosmic Blue are new additions to Toyota’s colour range. If you want to make the most of the C-HR’s bold image, the Aztec Green option is electrifying! For those looking for something a bit less in-your-face, the Cinnabar Red option is a bit more sophisticated yet still maintains the C-HR’s overall captivating style.
A rear spoiler streamlines airflow, reduces drag and further enhances its punchy and attractive exterior image.
On the inside
Inside, the C-HR’s diamond motif is repeated to match its exterior image. A driver-focused cabin with textures and shapes that complement its black, sporty interior make for yet another striking, urban-based feature of the C-HR.
“The driver oriented area incorporates innovative details and intuitive, approachable technology. All operating switch-gear and a display audio touch-screen are slightly angled towards the driver. A unique new two-tiered front seat design combines a slender, sporting upper section (inspired by the ‘bucket’ design of old) with a more strongly bolstered and supportive lower area.”
Seating is comfortable with little need to readjust settings and positions. Leg and headroom is ample however boot space isn’t particularly vast due to a full-sized spare wheel.
Engine and performance
The C-HR introduces a new and advanced 1.2-litre turbo engine and uses advanced technologies that allow the engine to change from the Otto-cycle to the Atkinson cycle under low loads. The 1.2T adds the D-4T direct injection system, VVTi-W, high compression ratio as well as a water-cooled turbo and heat exchanger.
It delivers 85kW and a constant torque curve of 185 Nm between 1, 500 and 4, 000 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 100 km in 10.9 seconds and reaches a top speed set at 190 km/h.
Drivability
Despite being an SUV, it’s punchy and zippy to drive, especially in urban areas like Sandton, which is where we began our driving-date with the C-HR. Two transmissions are available, a 6-speed Manual and/or an automatic CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) option. Before stepping in, a number of us felt that the absence of a diesel option for the automatic variant would curb our level of enthusiasm. But after driving the CVT auto, we truly were impressed with its performance and felt that Toyota has hit the nail on the head after claiming that the CVT-variant aimed to feel “buttery and smooth” when driven. It really was! Driving around corners felt more like a hatchback than an SUV while the CVT variant didn’t seem to struggle much to find suitable gears.
“We wanted to achieve performance on a par with a good C-segment hatchback.” said Hiroyuki Koba, General Manager of the C-HR. With its low centre of gravity and double-wishbone rear suspension, the new TNGA-based platform has formed an ideal starting point.
Three driving modes are available to tailor the powertrain characteristics to suit the following conditions: Normal, Eco and Sport. Toyota states that the target market for the C-HR was clearly that of the urban commuter, rather than that of off-roaders.
It’s not easy to define a direct competitor, but it’s going to be interesting to see how the Toyota C-HR competes with vehicles like the previously mentioned Nissan Juke (the C-HR’s closest rival from a design standpoint), the Honda CR-V and also the new Hyundai Creta!
Safety
A full suite of Active Safety functions is embedded into the C-HR and including ABS, Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
Two ISOFIX attachment points are provided. Driver and Passenger airbags round out the safety specification.
Pricing
While three derivatives are available to choose from, plus grade models add additional specification features to the base package:
Toyota C-HR 1.2T 6MT – R318, 500
Toyota C-HR 1.2T 6MT Plus -R345, 000
Toyota C-HR 1.2T CVT Plus -R356 000
*All C-HR models come standard with a comprehensive 5 year/90 000 km service plan, with service intervals set at 15 000 km. A 3 year/100 000 km warranty is provided.
Source: Toyota South Africa