AT a time the place SUVs are flooding the Australian automobile market, one producer continues its mission to ship an possibility in virtually each measurement attainable. The C-HR is one such instance, examined her in its base GXL type.
The title actually stands for Coupe – Excessive Rider, with the vary spanning from this mannequin, to the beforehand examined 2020 C-HR Koba and Koba Hybrid, together with the Gazoo Racing enhanced GR Sport.
The GXL is new for 2021, changing the earlier base mannequin and including extra security know-how, keyless entry, push button begin and a raft of different updates. It’s a refreshing, youthful and funky little bit of package, pitched right into a knock down drag them out battle with rivals.
These opponents embody the Suzuki Vitara and Hyundai Kona, the latter of which has simply undergone an entire facelift, which incorporates the introduction of a brand new N Line variant, with a full N providing on its approach.
The C-HR has settled properly into its function as one of many bravest Toyotas in years, however with the arrival of the Yaris Cross, it’s additionally undergone some tweaks. It stays unconventional and edgy, with large swooping headlights, and enormous flared wheel arches and rear pillars.
The inside is way much less ‘on the market’ although, and is sensible and simple to navigate. There’s loads of room up entrance too. 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.
Toyota actually does must revisit these again doorways. That apart, the seats are snug and supportive all through, with inside supplies constituted of good high quality plastics that really feel good underneath hand.
The 8.0-inch infotainment system, which was new in 2020, remains to be there, however now sports activities Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s not the very best trying unit, however it’s straightforward to function. There’s a 318-litre boot, that may be expanded by dropping the rear seats.
We wouldn’t name the C-HR a household automobile. It’s particularly suited to a single particular person or younger couple whose weekly driving takes place predominantly within the metropolis and suburbs. It’s constructed for objective although, and fits this atmosphere completely.
All C-HR fashions inherit a beneficiant listing of security tech and options as commonplace, together with a pre-collision security system (with day and night time pedestrian detection), all-speed energetic cruise management, and lane departure alert with steering help.
There’s additionally auto excessive beam and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, with Toyota additionally including 17-inch alloys, a six speaker stereo, dual-zone local weather management, reversing digital camera, satellite tv for pc navigation, auto LED headlights and auto wipers.
Folding heated electrical mirrors, energy home windows and a space-saver spare full the package deal. Disappointingly, there may be nonetheless no possibility for a wi-fi cellphone charging pad, however Toyota has additionally thrown in street signal recognition and entrance and rear parking sensors.
The GXL is powered by a 1.2-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with 85kW and 185Nm, all fed to a CVT transmission. The gearbox is sluggish, and has a thoughts of it’s personal. It makes it a little bit un-fun to drive. It merely feels underpowered in consequence.
Toyota claims gasoline financial system of 5.7-litres/100km, however in our week lengthy check we may solely handle 8.0-litres/100km, in a mix of suburban and freeway driving. Wind noise stays an issue at velocity too. Break 100km/h and the wing mirrors play a tune.
It stays poised and composed on the street although, notably by the twisty stuff, and whereas sure, it’s no sports activities automobile, it does deal with fairly nicely. On lengthy drives, it’s snug, and composed on the street in any circumstance.
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 automobile’s rear cross-traffic alert system warning you of any approaching hazards.
We weren’t in love with C-HR once we first noticed it, however we’ve actually warmed to it. Toyota is constant to finish small updates right here and there as time goes on, and the arrival of a brand new sporty variant can solely serve so as to add to its reputation.
Costs begin from $30,915 (plus on-roads), with the 2021 Toyota C-HR GXL out there in Hornet Yellow, Ink, Crystal Pearl, Shadow Platinum, Graphite, Inferno Orange, Nebula Blue, Feverish Purple or Oxide Bronze. There’s additionally two roof colors to combine and match with.
Our check car was offered by Toyota Australia. To seek out out extra concerning the 2021 Toyota C-HR GXL, please contact your native Toyota supplier.
