Toyota C-HR

Cargo capacity differs slightly between variants. The 2WD GXL and Koba quote 388-1155L, while the AWD GR Sport drops that slightly to 362-1134L – keep in mind the GR-S has a second electric motor under the boot floor.

The C-HR is covered by Toyota’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty.

Further, Toyota offers an additional two years of engine and driveline warranty if you stick to your vehicle is “properly serviced and maintained as per the Warranty and Service book”, and will guarantee the hybrid battery for up to 10 years under the same maintenance conditions.

Five years of capped-price servicing is offered too, with intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first. Each visit costs $250, totalling $1250 for the first five years of ownership.

Just one year of Toyota Connected Services is included with purchase, with monthly paid subscriptions required after that initial 12-month period for various net-based features. 

The latest Toyota C-HR, built on the TNGA platform, offers an even more refined and balanced driving experience than its predecessor. During the launch drive, which included inner-city streets, suburban traffic, highways, and winding B-roads through Victoria’s eastern corridor, the C-HR demonstrated its versatility and capability.

The mid-spec Koba model, powered by an upgraded 1.8-litre hybrid system, delivers 103kW—14 per cent more power than the previous model. This increase in performance is due to a new hybrid transaxle, power control unit, and a larger lithium-ion battery pack, replacing the old nickel metal hydride unit. The additional power is particularly noticeable in everyday driving, with improved electric assistance at regular speeds and stronger acceleration when entering freeways. The more energy-dense battery also allows the C-HR to spend more time in EV mode.

While the C-HR is not designed for high-performance driving, it excels in delivering a smooth and efficient ride, especially when driven with fuel economy in mind. A useful display in the instrument cluster shows the percentage of driving in EV mode, with the Koba regularly achieving 60 to 80 per cent EV usage. On the highway, the C-HR maintains a stable and composed ride, with a full suite of active safety features to assist on longer journeys. Toyota's semi-autonomous highway assistant effectively maintains lane position and a safe distance from other vehicles, although it can occasionally be overly cautious when reacting to vehicles merging into the lane.

All C-HR models come standard with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, essential given the coupe-like styling and large C-pillars. These systems integrate with the ambient lighting, which glows red when a vehicle is detected, enhancing the Safe Exit Assist feature.

The Koba and GR Sport models both offer excellent ride and handling, maintaining the fluid and accurate steering that made the previous generation so enjoyable to drive. Whether navigating city streets, highways, or winding roads, the C-HR has an upmarket, European feel. The chassis is well-balanced, providing precise handling and a smooth ride in various driving conditions. However, while the vehicle's dynamics are strong, both hybrid drivetrains lack the level of engagement found in competitors like the Volkswagen T-Roc, particularly on high-speed roads.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the C-HR, despite Toyota's claims of seven simulated gears, lacks the driving engagement of a dual-clutch automatic transmission found in rival vehicles. The GR Sport, while offering additional power from its 2.0-litre hybrid system and electrified all-wheel drive (AWD), still falls short of the performance offered by vehicles like the Hyundai Kona N Line 1.6T or the T-Roc. Notably, the GR Sport lacks paddle shifters, which further limits driver control.

While the GR Sport provides a welcome power boost, especially with the additional rear electric motor, the 2WD hybrid variants, particularly the GXL and Koba, offer a more affordable and similarly enjoyable driving experience. Both the Koba and GR Sport models achieve impressive fuel efficiency, returning figures around 5.0L/100km, despite varied driving conditions, including extended freeway stints and more dynamic driving. In urban settings, the Koba managed to achieve fuel consumption in the high 3.0s to low 4.0s, reflecting its potential in real-world scenarios. The entire range is equipped with a 43-litre fuel tank, which runs efficiently on 91 RON unleaded fuel.

Refinement is a strong point in the C-HR, with the Koba and GR Sport maintaining a quiet cabin, even when driving over rougher road surfaces. While some tyre noise is noticeable, the overall sound insulation is effective, and the eight-speaker JBL premium audio system in both models provides a high-quality listening experience. Engine noise is also subdued compared to other Toyota hybrids, though the distinctive rumble of the Atkinson cycle engines serves as a reminder that the C-HR is best driven at a relaxed pace for optimal comfort and efficiency.