THE newest addition to the Toyota C-HR vary wears the Gazoo Racing GR Sport badge, but is provided with hybrid energy. Launched in November final 12 months, it strives to fill a distinct segment of spiced up variants, in an analogous method to the Hyundai N-Line fashions, amongst others.
The GR Sport Hybrid is differentiated from different C-HR fashions by way of a number of sporty styling cues and badging. It’s an interesting look, due to its barely lowered stance.
We picked up our take a look at car on a really moist Sydney morning and headed down south, the place we encountered intense rain and really low stage fog, making driving troublesome at finest.
Though propelled by way of the entrance wheels, the C-HR oozed stability and confidence within the poor situations. The fog lamps and auto wipers sweeping away sheets of rain made the journey tolerable.
The primary Australian GR Sport mannequin launch relies on the entry stage GXL C-HR SUV, and is obtainable solely with Toyota’s easy hybrid system. It’s much less about efficiency and extra about fashion. It’s end is high quality.
A GR badge is mounted to every entrance seat, the beginning button is GR recognized and the roof lining scalloped overhead. Sports activities pedals full the inside end however the steering wheel is range-standard C-HR.
Sporting (pun meant) a singular grille and entrance bumper, it stands out from different C-HR fashions. Painted in Feverish Purple with a black roof, the GR Sport is complemented by the black physique trims and skirts, and appears good.
Fog lights on the GR Sport are located on the backside of the bumper housing under a chrome grille cross bar. White GR logoed brake callipers all spherical are seen by way of the unique 19-inch alloy wheels for additional mannequin separation.
LED lamps at every finish and privateness glass add to the slick end. The GR Sport Hybrid has comfy sports activities seats with black leather-based accents and perforated suede. White distinction panels and stitching invoke consolation with fashion.
Each seats are geared up with seat again pockets for rear passenger comfort. Six speaker audio provides the sound and twin zone local weather management retains the occupants toasty heat on our stormy drive.
The helpful economic system readout within the left facet sprint gauge exhibits actual time recharge standing for those who prefer to know such issues. Further driver data shows within the central multifunction display screen between round gauges.
Two entrance cup holders, one every forward and behind the gearshift are located within the centre console. Entrance and rear door bottle holders are nestled under the GR Sport patterned door trims.
After depositing our flippers into the 318-litre cargo space we famous the nifty tailgate pull cup with fashioned finger hook form. It provides a safer method to pull down the tailgate with confidence.
The GR Sport is powered by a 1.8-litre hybrid with a complete system output of 90kW, which makes it an unlikely sports activities automotive. It labored onerous up the large hills with sufficient engine noise to show it.
That mentioned, we really feel the goal demographic will most instances be comfy with the automotive’s capabilities. The e-CVT transmission has been developed for Toyota’s hybrid automobiles and is sensible and seamless in operation.
This can be a polished hybrid system that’s easy and calibrated to modify between electrical and ICE (engine) propulsion with out ache. Disappointingly, just one entrance USB-A port is supplied and there’s no wi-fi telephone charging and even actually telephone parking house.
A 12-volt console field outlet at the least can be utilized whereas containing the handset. As is nearly anticipated, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal, together with satellite tv for pc navigation, on an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
Lane hint help is way more delicate than anticipated, and radar cruise may be very easy. Taking a velocity bump just a bit quick shouldn’t be so good although, with the stiffer sport suspension making that very clear.
The GR Sport has a alternative of eight colors, together with three two tone (black roof) mixtures. Graphite and Ink are solely obtainable as single colors with Crystal Pearl, Feverish Purple and Hornet Yellow as two tone choices.
Toyota’s first providing from the Gazoo Racing GR Sport nameplate is roofed by a 5-year, limitless kilometre guarantee with conditional extensions, together with the hybrid battery. Capped worth servicing applies for as much as 5 years.
The excellent Toyota Security Suite offers ahead collision warning, a reverse digicam, and energetic cruise management with lane hint help (as we talked about earlier). There are seven airbags and many different security equipment.
Our 2021 Toyota C-HR GR Sport Hybrid take a look at car is priced at $43,002 drive away, together with two-tone paintwork. It’s the car for these in search of Toyota high quality, with a bit sport cachet to face other than an everyday C-HR.
Our take a look at car was supplied by Toyota Australia. To seek out out extra in regards to the 2021 Toyota C-HR GR Sport, contact your native Toyota vendor.
