THE small SUV market continues to be bombarded with new fashions left, proper and centre from just about each producer, with Toyota within the thick of it with the 2020 C-HR Koba and Koba Hybrid.
On this case, we’re testing the 2WD model of each variants, with the newest rendition of the car the Japanese automotive maker describes as having the peak of an SUV, the dynamics of a automotive, and radical design of a sports activities automotive having been spiced up a bit extra.
Two engine choices can be found, with both a 1.2-litre turbo petrol motor, producing 85kW and 185Nm (out there in 2WD and AWD), or a brand new 1.8-litre petrol hybrid, that powers the entrance wheels solely.
It develops 90kW from the mixed sources of energy. The Koba variant sits atop the vary, with the merely named CH-R under it (in 2021, the bottom mannequin might be generally known as the GX). All variants carry computerized transmissions.
The C-HR is unconventional, with its edgy seems, big swooping headlights, massive flared wheel arches and rear pillars. It additionally boasts a coupe-like roofline and built-in rear spoiler, and general, there’s a bit occurring.
It received’t be everybody’s cup of tea, however we prefer it. It’s refreshing, youthful and funky. Very Japanese. The inside is much much less ‘on the market’ although, and is sensible and straightforward to navigate. There’s loads of room up entrance too, with first rate head clearance and leg room.
Within the rear, legroom is sweet for a small SUV, however we dislike the small home windows that block your view to the skin world. They virtually make you are feeling like your sitting within Darth Vader’s helmet. That is additionally an issue for blind spot checking.
The seats are snug and supportive all through, however energy adjustment is lacking within the entrance, regardless of being the flagship mannequin. Inside supplies really feel good although, and the plastics are top quality.
There’s an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system planted solidly into the sprint, with Bluetooth connectivity, the latest addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite tv for pc navigation with SUNA reside visitors.
The infotainment display screen is simple to navigate however may do with a little bit of un replace, as it’s beginning to look dated. The steering wheel buttons are additionally slanted in such a means that it’s straightforward to bump the mistaken button when driving.
If boot area is essential to you, otherwise you plan on utilizing your C-HR for big, loaded tenting journeys, the boot gives simply 318 litres, so don’t count on to suit your new fridge or a number of gear, trigger chances are high it received’t match.
You’ll nonetheless, simply handle your weekly procuring run. If you would like more room you may need to drop the rear seats, simply be certain the children aren’t with you.
We wouldn’t name the C-HR a household automotive, it’s particularly suited to a single individual or younger couple whose weekly driving takes place predominantly within the metropolis and suburbs.
All C-HR fashions inherit a beneficiant checklist of security tech and options as commonplace although, and also you get a pre-collision security system (with day and evening pedestrian detection), all-speed lively cruise management, and lane departure alert with steering help.
There’s additionally auto excessive beam and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. However don’t assume it stops there. You additionally seize entrance and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, and dual-zone local weather management.
Leather-based-accented upholstery with heated entrance seats and energy adjustable lumbar help for the motive force additionally function, as does a panoramic-view parking digicam, and a proximity sensor for keyless locking/unlocking.
Disappointingly, there is no such thing as a possibility for a wi-fi cellphone charging pad, street signal recognition, rear air vents, or rear collision mitigation.
Behind the wheel, it’s an fascinating expertise, notably within the Hybrid, the place you may discover it exhausting to know whether or not you’ve turned the automotive off. It’s eerily quiet in EV mode and at low speeds.
Take the C-HR anyplace close to a 100km/h plus velocity zone although and the wind noise coming via the cabin is sort of deafening. We imagine the culprits are the massive wing mirrors, and people curvy strains on the entrance.
On the plus aspect, the digital parking brake turns itself on and off mechanically, that means you’re able to go virtually instantly after you hit the push-button begin. A very good squirt of the go go pedal and the petrol engine roars to life.
Each variants include a CVT transmission, which is usually a draw back to any automotive fitted with one, however the C-HR drive fairly high-quality, even with a bit neck ringing at full throttle. The Koba’s suspension takes our ‘great’ NSW roads with ease too.
It stays poised and composed via the twisty stuff, and whereas sure, it’s no sports activities automotive, it does deal with fairly properly. On lengthy drives, it’s snug, however is a bit claustrophobic within the again due to these Darth Vader helmet home windows.
Reverse parking is a cinch because of multi-angle cameras and the C-HR’s very responsive steering. Reversing out of a driveway with restricted visibility can also be a breeze, with the automotive’s rear cross-traffic alert system warning you of any approaching hazards.
We weren’t in love with C-HR after we first noticed it, however we’ve actually warmed to it. The hybrid component, plus the security and tech choices, makes the worth properly price it, though the inside area and distinctive aesthetics could rule out some potential consumers.
All in all, it’s a complete small SUV with a ton of X-factor. Costs begin from $30,290 (plus on-roads) for the bottom and rise to $37,190 (plus on-road prices) for the Koba Hybrid. Toyota has a GR Sport variant from the lads at Gazoo Racing as properly.
The 2020 Toyota C-HR Koba and Koba Hybrid can be found draped in Hornet Yellow, Ink, Crystal Pearl, Shadow Platinum, Graphite, Inferno Orange, Nebula Blue, Feverish Pink or Oxide Bronze. There’s additionally two roof colors to combine and match with.
Our take a look at automobiles have been supplied by Toyota Australia. To search out out extra concerning the 2020 Toyota C-HR Koba or Koba Hybrid, please contact your native Toyota seller.
