Review: 2024 Toyota C-HR GR Sport

Review: 2024 Toyota C-HR GR Sport

The funky Toyota C-HR has enjoyed somewhat of a cult following since the first generation appeared on our roads back in 2016.

Sitting slightly adjacent to Toyota's conventional model lineup, the C-HR sprinkled a bit of pizzazz into the mix with its sporty, compact aesthetic.

In 2024, the new generation has arrived in our showrooms effusing futuristic vibes with its bold geometric styling. It arrives with three trims (GXL, Koba & GR Sport) and is one of nine hybrid-only models in Toyota's 100% hybrid initiative for popular cars and SUVs set to cement HEVs as the dominant powertrain for the brand.

We recently spent the weekend with the top-of-the-range GR Sport trim experiencing the plethora of updates for ourselves.

Initial Impressions

The new C-HR bears some mightily sharp edges with an overall exterior form that looks like it could have been carved with a knife. The striking headlight design draws your attention and sets the scene for the C-HR's fresh, new aesthetic. The GR Sport two-tone paint adds extra style points while the full-width tail lights completely the futuristic look.

Taking a seat inside, what we noticed first was the exceptionally well-positioned the driver's seat felt. The suede and leather accented seats deliver a snug, sporty fit yet set you in an elevated position for greater awareness of your surroundings. The primarily black interior is accented by the GR Sport trimmings such as logo inset on the premium steering wheel, logo embossed headrest, and stark red gear shifter belt plus seat stitching.

Driveability

The new C-HR has landed with two hybrid powertrain options based on your chosen trim. For owners of the GR Sport, you get the pleasure of all-wheel drive 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol-hybrid putting out a peppy 146kW of combined max power and 188Nm of torque.

The range-topper is also bestowed with all-wheel drive and GR Sport-tuned suspension which, in combination with the model's short wheelbase, we found to deliver an agile driving experience for a sharp, perceptive ride. The suspension was still superbly comfortable despite being sport-oriented, and the muted hybrid powertrain was complemented by minimal road noise for all-round peaceful travel.

The C-HR GXL and Koba share the same 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol-hybrid powertrain featuring a single electric motor to drive just the front wheels. The smaller capacity engine delivers combined maximum power and torque numbers of 103kW and 142Nm. However, the winning factor here is the hybrid system's exceptional fuel economy. With a combined fuel consumption of just 4.0 litres per 100 kilometres, the 43-litre capacity fuel tank can travel a whopping 1,000+ kilometres on a single tank of 91 RON.

All trims are fitted with a seven-speed CVT although we would've loved to have seen a set of paddle shifters fitted to the GR Sport for even more racer vibes.

Entertainment

We enjoyed the generous 12.3-inch touchscreen display plus the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and we also love that it's included as standard across the range. If you're after a wireless phone charger though, you'll have to forgo the base model, GXL, as this is limited to the Koba and GR Sport trims. The nine-speaker JBL premium audio system handled itself well when the beats were pumping, although it is another feature limited to the two higher-tier trims.

Urban Effectiveness

The utility of the C-HR is not in its ability to conveniently move several occupants (although it can seat five) or its ability to transport lots of cargo (despite a surprising amount of boot space) - its utility comes from its ability to offer the driver the best mode possible for navigating the urban environment.

While it comes with plenty of practical options like cup holders, bottle holders in the doors, centre console and illuminated vanity mirrors in the sun visors, the elements that made us perk up were those aligned with commuter convenience.

Elements such as the heads-up display to keep your eyes on the road; the digital rear-view mirror for improved visibility in adverse conditions; rain-sensing wipers for less stalk-fiddling and more focus on the road in the wet; plus the Panoramic View Monitor and Intelligent Park Assist to help make parking a breeze regardless of the size of the parking space or the city crowd in observance.

Safety

Toyota is renowned for its commitment to safety and the new C-HR is no exception. All owners, regardless of the trim they've purchased, are supplied with a complete suite of safety features including 10 SRS airbags, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and the all-encompassing active safety technology, Toyota Safety Sense.

This tech includes assistance systems such as All-speed Active Cruise Control with curve speed reduction which gives the C-HR the ability to gauge the intensity of an upcoming bend and subsequently adjust your speed to within a safe limit for this section of road.

Other Safety Sense tools complement the C-HR's urban congruence, such as Intersection Turn Assistance and Pre-Collision Safety System with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection to provide you with an extra set of eyes through busy streets.

Clean Air

Despite being more of an invisible feature, we must mention the nanoe-X™ air conditioning technology available in the Koba and GR Sport.

Developed by Panasonic, nanoe-X™ feeds trillions of nano-sized, atomised water particles into the ventilation airflow that provide a wide range of benefits for the day-to-day such as eliminating unpleasant odours, inhibiting poll and other allergens (like those linked to pets), inhibiting the activity of airborne bacteria, as well as maintaining a good moisture level in the cabin atmosphere which has a positive effect on human skin and hair.

Pricing

Across the three trims available, the widest gap of included features sits between the GXL base model and the mid-spec Koba, which also represents the widest gap in pricing. At $46,572 drive away, the GXL is over $7,700 less than the Koba ($54,299 drive away), however, the differences are mostly found in the exterior design, interior seating materials, and some of the instrument controls and technology - all of which aren't deal breakers for many drivers. The GXL also has the smallest exterior paint selection with just five colours available outside of the standard Glacier White adding about $600 to your drive-away price.

The leap from the Koba to the GR Sport is another $5,100 ($59,399 drive away) however the bulk of this increase is due to the larger engine and all-wheel drive powertrain. The rest of the added inclusions are primarily GR Sport aesthetic pieces such as unique seats, wheels, and badging.

Exterior paint options for the Koba and GR Sport are much more diverse including a full range of dynamic Two-Tone colours that amp up the C-HR's style to the max. The model we drove came in Stunning Silver Two-Tone option although our personal favourite would have to be the gorgeous Two-Tone Sunglow paint that's featured in all of Toyota's C-HR imagery. These options will add about $1,600 to the drive-away price of your Koba or GR Sport. The last touch of spice you have the option to add is the sleek panoramic roof. Only available with Two-Tone paint, the panoramic roof is just an additional $1,173 on your drive-away price.

Conclusions

Overall, the second generation of the Toyota C-HR makes just as much of a design statement as the original model did when it first landed. The new model retains its core identity while enjoying a significant style change that it's bound to stand out on the road just as much as its predecessor.

The elevated seating position of an SUV, in combination with the short wheelbase and overall agility of a compact, infuses the C-HR with a unique ability to provide its driver with exceptional visibility and maneuverability. This ability, in turn, lends itself exceptionally to the C-HR's intended home amongst the metropolis. The hybrid-only lineup is also a no-brainer for a model design for the urban domain - the setting where a hybrid's benefits are most pronounced.

In terms of value for money, the Koba trim seems to be the ideal pick, although the entire range presents as convincing choices.

If you're keen to get into a new C-HR for yourself, or would like to organise a test drive experience, get in touch with the team at Motorama Toyota today.