Overview
TOYOTA says the second-generation C-HR affords consumers who don’t need or want the practicality of a Corolla Cross another choice within the small SUV phase.
And in the event you’re single, in a pair with no children, or an empty nester, then it may be suited to your wants. However as with the first-generation model, this isn’t an excellent automobile for consumers who’ve children and plan to make use of the again seat usually.
If that sounds such as you, you actually ought to simply purchase a Corolla Cross.
Even so, it’s a tall ask this time round, with pricing having risen about 35 per cent for the C-HR vary, thus positioning it in a distinct spot to the first-gen mannequin. The brand new mannequin is just bought in Europe and Australia, and it’s sourced from Turkey. So, it’s not the most cost effective choice for imports to our market.
The bottom grade GXL is $42,990 plus on-road prices, whereas the mid-tier Koba is $49,990 +ORC. The latter shares the identical powertrain as the bottom automobile, and naturally contains extra package, whereas the pricier once more GR Sport – from an formidable $54,990 +ORC – incorporates a extra highly effective hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive.
The GXL and Koba variants run a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain, which is paired to a repeatedly variable transmission and front-wheel drive. It has a most mixed output of 103kW, which is a bump over the past model, however hardly enthralling.
What’s attractive is the official mixed cycle gas use determine: 4.0 litres per 100km.
The GR Sport variant get a larger-capacity, extra highly effective 2.0-litre engine with twin electrical motors (one on the entrance axle, one rear) for all-wheel drive, and with a mixed 146kW it’s much like what you get from a turbocharged Kia Seltos or Hyundai Kona.
Once more, the plus facet is its official mixed cycle gas use of 4.1L/100km.
Regardless of providing a very new exterior look, the brand new C-HR runs the identical wheelbase size and is a bit shorter nose-to-tail than the mannequin it replaces. Nonetheless, the model’s new Hammerhead design offers it a much more pointed look than its predecessor. It additionally debuts flush-fit door handles for Toyota, and people rear handles are positioned decrease on the door to appease dad and mom of youngsters who couldn’t fairly attain the last-gen mannequin’s rear handles.
The inside of the new-gen mannequin once more incorporates a driver-centric cabin, with a clearly delineated area between passenger and driver. Neither zone is particularly roomy, and bigger people might discover this automobile too squishy, irrespective of the place they sit.
The brand new 12.3-inch touchscreen media system options sat nav, smartphone mirroring, DAB digital radio and acts as a monitor for a standard-fit surround-view digicam, and whereas some menus aren’t that intuitive, it’s nonetheless higher than some rivals.
There are bodily controls for the local weather system and seat heating (if fitted) beneath, whereas the GLX misses out on a wi-fi cellphone charger within the storage zone beneath, however there are first rate cup holders between the seats, bottle holders within the doorways, and an affordable centre console part.
The shelf above the glovebox is helpful, until your passenger is an enormous physique, then it simply appears to take up valuable area.
The again seat may very well be a deal breaker for consumers – however not due to an absence of area. At 182cm I may simply match behind my driving place, however there’s a severe lack of consideration for these within the again. The view out is sort of non-existent, the darkish headliner makes it really feel such as you’re sitting on the finish of a tunnel, and the plastic finishes on the doorways are scratchy and nasty.
Plus there aren’t any directional air vents, and when you get a USB charger and map pocket within the prime grades, there aren’t any armrest/cupholders in any spec. At the least you get bottle holsters within the door playing cards, however that’s it.
Boot area is affordable, with GXL and Koba fashions providing 388 litres and the AWD GR Sport with 362 litres. There’s a space-saver within the GXL, however the others have a tyre restore package. All have tyre strain monitoring.
The usual security gear listing contains autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, bike owner, junction and head-on detection, adaptive cruise management, lane preserving help, and a driver monitoring digicam.
You’ll positively admire the entrance and rear parking sensors with low-speed auto braking, and there’s a surround-view digicam, plus blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Plus, the highest grades get a digital digicam mirror, too, and the C-HR additionally scores 10 airbags.
There’s a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee, plus if logbook servicing is maintained you get seven years of powertrain cowl. Service with Toyota and also you’ll be eligible for as much as 10 years’ hybrid battery cowl.
Service intervals are 12 months/15,000km, at $200 per go to for the primary 5 years/75,000km.
Driving Impressions
The 1.8-litre hybrid system doesn’t really feel all that totally different in contrast with different Toyota hybrid fashions. With engine changes and a brand new lithium-ion battery, there’s 13kW extra and 0.3L/100km much less, respectively, however in the event you’ve pushed some other Toyota hybrid small automobile, it’s going to really feel very acquainted.
The powertrain will cleverly shuffle between petrol and electrical (or mix them), however nonetheless with some trademark CVT whine. No points with traction for this FWD mannequin, both.
The primary C-HR was enjoyable, and this one is just too, because it possesses a reliable steadiness to its dealing with, with correct and properly weighted steering. The experience is best within the GXL, which rides on 17-inch wheels with higher-profile tyres, however even within the Koba it’s by no means too unsettled or uncomfortable.
The GR Sport runs the identical MacPherson entrance, impartial rear suspension setup, and likewise affords a great steadiness of consolation and management.
The AWD system nonetheless feels very front-biased however may provide the surefootedness you want in the event you’re driving within the moist or to the snow or gravel tracks to campsites. The two.0-litre hybrid mannequin’s efficiency is markedly extra speedy, so if that’s additionally a precedence for you, it may be price spending as much as the top-spec.
Is it extra enjoyable or extra compelling than a Corolla Cross? Not likely, contemplating the practicality compromises, but it surely does have a nimble and likeable character.
