Overview
WHEN the C-HR initially entered the Toyota steady it did so with character and affordability, providing patrons an entry level to the Huge T’s SUV vary that wasn’t beforehand out there.
Now, Toyota SUV patrons are spoilt for selection. The Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross have broadened the decrease finish of the SUV portfolio significantly, whereas providing well-priced steps alongside the best way to RAV4 possession.
Which form of leaves the C-HR in no-man’s land…
Certain, it’s nonetheless an attractively styled and completely competent car, however is one which now faces far larger competitors than it did again in 2016 – not least of all from inside its home-brand portfolio.
It’s also ludicrously costly; the entry level to the vary virtually $12,000 greater than it was beforehand.
Out there from $42,990 plus on-road prices and topping out at near $60K, the Toyota C-HR is $7000 dearer than a comparable Hyundai Kona Hybrid and $10,000 greater than a GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid.
Sure, the Toyota tax is alive and effectively within the C-HR.
That’s to not say the C-HR is a foul automotive, or that we merely don’t prefer it. Away from the checklist value it has quite a bit to supply and is a completely nice commuter automotive besides. We simply wouldn’t pay the asking value.
Like the vast majority of different Toyota SUVs, the C-HR is a well-built providing with an honest stage of normal gear.
Normal gear for the GXL grade (examined) contains 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, 12.3-inch infotainment array, six-speaker sound, and each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The cabin is relatively monotone by way of its décor, and somewhat on the plasticky facet for the value. That mentioned, it’s a well-laid-out house with supportive ergonomics, view forward, and higher rearward visibility than its predecessor.
We additionally appreciated the inclusion of smart and well-labelled laborious buttons for often-used features.
Oddment storage is somewhat tight, as is the C-HR’s second row lodging. Head- and legroom restrictions imply the again seat is greatest reserved for smaller youngsters or adults for infrequent journeys.
In the event you’re in search of a automotive to maneuver lanky youngsters or full-size grown-ups or a daily foundation, this isn’t it.
Additional again, the C-HR provides 70 litres extra cargo house than earlier than, now 388 litres. The usual 60:40 split-folding rear seats enable the load space to be virtually trebled, Toyota itemizing a complete cargo capability of 1154 litres. An area saver spare wheel is discovered beneath the boot flooring.
Whereas ANCAP is but to fee the security credentials of the Toyota C-HR, EuroNCAP award the mannequin with high marks (5 stars), itemizing an 85 per cent Grownup Occupant rating, 86 per cent Youngster Occupant rating, 86 per cent Susceptible Highway Consumer rating, and a 79 per cent Security Help rating.
Each C-HR grade is supplied as normal with Toyota’s Security Sense suite together with 10 airbags, adaptive cruise management, autonomous emergency braking, auto excessive beam, blind spot monitoring, driver consideration monitoring, entrance and rear parking sensors, lane departure and lane hint help, rear cross-traffic alert, protected exit help, semi-autonomous parking help, surround-view monitor, and site visitors signal recognition.
The rear seat provides each top-tether (x3) and ISOFIX (x2) little one seat anchorages
The C-HR is obtainable with a grade-dependent selection of powertrains, the GXL variant on take a look at that includes the smaller 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol/electrical hybrid driveline with mixed output of 103kW to the entrance wheels through a constantly variable transmission (CVT).
Toyota lists a mixed cycle gas financial system determine of 4.0 litres per 100km on normal 91RON unleaded petrol.
Toyota backs the C-HR with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee and capped value servicing program, in addition to 12 months’ entry to its myToyota Join distant companies app. Upkeep intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first) with common servicing costs set at $200 per go to.
Driving Impressions
Whereas the C-HR provides extra energy (+31kW) than the outgoing mannequin, it provides the identical quantity of torque (142Nm) and can be barely heavier (+35kg). These variations don’t quantity to a substantial amount of change by way of outright efficiency, however in some way contribute to a extra mature feeling from behind the ‘wheel, significantly on the open highway.
Acceleration and hill climbing duties are carried out with acceptable tempo, and overtaking is ample in most situations. We discovered the tyre thrum and wind rustle distracting, nevertheless, the engine additionally making itself recognized when tackling steeper grades or pulling out to go.
Nonetheless, it’s an extremely environment friendly package deal that adheres intently to the marketed gas declare. On take a look at, we sipped 4.1 litres per 100km over a mixture of city and freeway operating – and in Regular drive mode and with the local weather management in use.
The C-HR is a reliable handler, if somewhat city-centric in its tuning. Whereas it doesn’t deal with as sharply as its sporty seems may recommend, its MacPherson strut entrance / double wishbone rear association provides up a reassuring drive that’s each comfy and balanced over even the worst Aussie roads can throw at it.
Cornering grip finally feels restricted solely by the ‘eco-friendly’ selection of tyre, the digital energy steering an sincere and communicative system that borders on the lighter facet of well-assisted.
That mentioned, we discovered the semi-autonomous parking aids sluggish and clunky to function and resorted to parking the automotive the old style manner after a couple of makes an attempt. Luckily, the C-HR’s first rate 10.8m turning circle made mild work of that.
Braking duties fall to discs at every wheel offering loads of stopping energy when required. As is the case in all Toyota hybrid autos (however not essentially in hybrid powered rivals from different manufacturers), the pedal really feel is progressive and pure and doesn’t fluctuate or lose strain when switching from petrol to electrical energy or vice-versa. Why different OEMs can’t get this proper is past our comprehension.
Whereas there isn’t any doubt that the C-HR is a useful, environment friendly and relatively fashionable various to its straightlaced siblings, we simply can’t get by the truth that it’s a mite too costly. With a major value reduce, it’s a car we’d don’t have any hassle recommending.
However because it stands, we predict there is much better worth to be discovered elsewhere.
