TOYOTA Motor Company Australia (TMCA) has taken its first significant steps in increasing its GR efficiency division, this week confirming the upcoming arrival of the C-HR GR Sport, its first mannequin to don the GR Sport branding.
On account of hit native showrooms by the top of the month, the C-HR GR Sport follows the same recipe to that of Hyundai’s N-Line fashions in providing sportier seems to be and dynamics than the common variations with out rivalling the efficiency flagships.
Based mostly on the C-HR GXL Hybrid 2WD, the GR Sport dispenses with the usual automotive’s angular, slatted entrance finish in favour of the GR Yaris’ gaping entrance fascia whereas retaining its swooping headlights.
No modifications have been made below the bonnet, which means peak energy continues on at 90kW/163Nm, all of which continues to be despatched to the entrance wheels by way of a constantly variable transmission.
The identical can’t be mentioned for the suspension nonetheless which has been given a firmer tune than the usual automotive to boost its cornering capabilities.
Contained in the cabin we discover “bespoke trim highlights” and sports activities seats whereas rolling inventory has been upgraded to aggressive 19-inch alloys wrapped with decrease profile tyres.
TMCA vice-president of gross sales and advertising and marketing Sean Hanley mentioned the launch of the C-HR GR Sport demonstrated the model’s dedication to increasing the attain and availability of GR impressed autos.
“After we launched our GR efficiency model final yr with the GR Supra, Toyota hadn’t had a severe high-performance sportscar in its line-up for 17 years, however along with the brand new GR Yaris that arrives subsequent month, we’re properly and actually again on the efficiency monitor,” he mentioned.
“Now with the upcoming arrival of the primary GR Sport mannequin, we’re extending the GR feeling to clients who might not need a high-performance race-bred sportscar, however nonetheless want a automotive with sporty styling and a level of efficiency modifications to set it other than the usual Toyota line-up.
“The brand new C-HR GR Sport is precisely that, providing clients better driving enjoyment and daring purposeful styling that ship the exhilarating feeling on the coronary heart of all GR merchandise.”
Pricing and specification particulars of the C-HR GR Sport are but to be revealed nonetheless it could solely be a matter of days earlier than they arrive to gentle.
TMCA has bought 6613 C-HRs to date this yr ending October, accounting for an honest 8.8 per cent of the sub-$40,000 small SUV section, however down 16.9 per cent on the 7958 models it shifted over the identical interval final yr.
