The biggest name in town has entered the smallest fight.
Toyota is a latecomer to the rapidly expanding city-sized SUV segment but has a made a bold entry with its all-new C-HR.
The Japanese brand is working hard to shrug off its 'whitegoods on wheels' reputation with some more dramatic designs and engaging cars. The C-HR certainly lives up to the theatrical design brief with what even Toyota calls a "daringly styled" SUV.
No matter if you like or loathe its looks, the big question is whether the C-HR is good enough to knock-off the established class leaders, such as the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Mitsubishi ASX?
What do you get?
Toyota has kept the C-HR range simple with only two models, the plain front-drive C-HR and the higher-grade, auto-only Koba.
The range starts with the front-wheel drive, six-speed manual equipped model priced from $26,990. Upgrading to the CVT automatic adds $2000 and the same amount again for all-wheel drive. So the C-HR we're testing here starts at $30,990 plus on-road costs.
The Koba is only available with the CVT in two-wheel drive configuration priced from $33,290 and the four-wheel drive tops the range with its $35,290 asking price.
That pricing puts the C-HR at the higher end of the segment against Mazda, which offers a CX-3 from $19,990, while the cheapest Honda HR-V is $24,990 and includes an auto. But Toyota has equipped both models well.
Standard gear on all models includes dual-zone air-conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, navigation with live traffic, a six-speaker sound system with Toyota's smartphone connection, a 6.1-inch display screen, CD player, USB and AUX inputs, Bluetooth and 'C-HR' puddle lights.
Also included is a comprehensive suite of safety features including seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist and blind spot monitoring.
On top of that equipment the Koba adds 18-inch alloys (up from 17s), keyless entry and ignition, LED headlights and taillights, leather-accented heated seats and Nano-e air purifying.
Notably absent is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which may be a turnoff to younger buyers who prioritise smartphone connectivity.
The C-HR is the first Toyota to be covered by the brand's new five-year capped price servicing program (up from three years). It is also the first to get 12 month/15,000km service intervals, instead of six month visits. Each service is capped at $195 so over the first three years you can expect to pay $585 for maintenance, which is impressively low for this segment of the market.
What's inside?
The funky design of the exterior carries over to the interior. The cabin is driver focused with the navigation screen and air-conditioning controls angled towards the driver's side. The layout is easy to use and well finished.
There is a nice mix of materials that all look good and feel top quality, including a unique diamond pattern on the door trims that adds to the funky character of the C-HR.
But the stylish design seems to have come at the expense of storage space. Aside from a decent-sized centre console box, a pair of cupholders and a small ledge there isn't anywhere to safely pop your phone, wallet or other small items.
Passenger space is surprisingly good in both the front and rear though. The tapered rear end looks like it would be tight but there is adequate space in the rear for two adults to sit. Even at over 180cm tall I was able to sit comfortably behind the driver's seat in my regular position with good knee, toe and head room.
Having said that, children may not be as happy in the back as the window line sweeps sharply upwards meaning shorter kids won't be able to see out the window. The design also creates a large, over-the-shoulder blind spot for the driver.
Another criticism of the cabin is I could not get my driver's position exactly how I like it because the driver's seat is mounted quite high. While that gives better visibility, which is desirable to many SUV drivers, personally I would like to sit lower so taller drivers may not be perfectly comfortable.
The boot has a relatively high floor, level with the tailgate opening, in order to fit a space saver spare but Toyota still claims 377-litres of luggage room.
Under the bonnet
Toyota has introduced a new engine to Australia in the C-HR, it's first small capacity, turbocharged engine designed for efficiency.
The 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol unit produces a modest 85kW of power and 185Nm of torque. But crucially peak torque is available from as low as 1500rpm, which means despite its relatively small output the C-HR gets off the mark well.
It quickly runs out of puff and certainly could do with more power for enthusiastic driving or out on the open road, but for urban commuting the C-HR has enough grunt.
The six-speed manual is slick and features a rev-matching function on downshifts for smooth changes.
But the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) will be the most popular choice. It is one of the better examples of its kind, lacking the noisy flaring and initial slackness off the mark that is common with CVTs.
The combination of the small, turbo engine and CVT returns a solid fuel economy figure of 6.5-litres per 100km.
On the road
The C-HR is based on the appropriately named Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which also underpins the new Prius. But rather than simply being a modular platform TNGA is also about the brand's focus on building cars that engage the driver.
Toyota claims the engineers working on the C-HR wanted to imbue it with a dynamic character with immediate response, linear character and predictable handling. While it doesn't set the new dynamic benchmark in this class it is a nice compact SUV to drive. The handling is linear and predictable with nicely weighted steering and good responsiveness.
The ride is nicely balanced between dynamic and comfort needs too. It feels composed and well mannered on the road, absorbing bumps well while remaining quick to react.
Verdict
Beneath the C-HR's daring exterior lies a true Toyota. It doesn't excel in any particular area but it scores consistently well across the board.
It is well packaged, offers up good value (even if it is missing a price leading model), is economical and genuinely nice to drive (not something usually associated with Toyota).
With Toyota's reputation for reliability and dependability, the C-HR has all the ingredients it needs to shake-up the established order in the baby SUV market.
2017 Toyota C-HR AWD pricing and specifications
Price: From $30,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 85kW at 5200-5600rpm
Torque: 185Nm at 1500-4000rpm
Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 6.5L/100km
The Competitors
Mazda CX-3 sTouring AWD
Price: From $30,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 109kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 192Nm at 2800rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, AWD
Fuel use: 6.7L/100km
Our score: 6.5/10
Honda HR-V VTi-L
Price: From $33,340 plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 105kW at 6500rpm
Torque: 172Nm at 4300rpm
Transmission: CVT automatic, AWD
Fuel use: 6.9L/100km
Our score: 6/10
Suzuki Vitara S Turbo AWD
Price: From $34,990 drive-away
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 103kW at 5500rpm
Torque: 220Nm at 1500-4000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, AWD
Fuel use: 5.9L/100km
Our score: 7.5/10
17 Comments
DJM61 | 2017-03-24 00:36:21
Beneath the C-HR's daring (read really fugly) exterior lies a true Toyota (beige and no shades of grey certainly not 50, 86 excluded). It doesn't excel in any particular area ... I think we can agree on that one. CVT will be the most popular choice ... a new use of the word popular. It is now a synonym for odious.
MCCBD | 2017-03-25 00:16:58
I actually like the look, but the issue is that it is too expensive and no hybrid option is available in Australia. Also the lack of Apple/Android connectivity with a smaller LCD is less than ideal. Car manufacturers have to learn with connectivity people are aware of what is sold overseas and at what prices. An AWD Koba Hybrid with a tow bar package would have been ideal at mid-30s.
Steve 0 | 2017-03-25 01:39:11
Another ugly Toyota!
Mr Majestyk | 2017-03-26 02:03:57
Must be April 1 already. This lowers the bar even further, ugly as sin, gutless as sin, and saddled with the new world scourge the CVT. Mazda will be rolling on the floor laughing.
Circling Buzzard Mr Majestyk | 2017-03-26 02:38:53
Smarter people than you built and marketed this car and already they have a waiting list..I guess mr majestyke just hates Toyota products,,do you drive a Simca??
ygo Mr Majestyk | 2017-03-26 22:39:40
There's a 6 month waiting list in Japan for the hybrid.
Circling Buzzard | 2017-03-26 02:36:46
Having seen the CH R in the flesh, it is an impressive unit, of course those who hate everything Toyota makes will naturally quibble and criticise most aspects of appearance or performance without ever seeing or driving them. With Toyota selling over 10 million vehicles a year I guess they are smarter than the knowalls. The most important aspect of vehicle manufacturing is having the buyers BUY your product and Toyota is the outright world leader in build quality and buyer loyalty.
JLM | 2017-03-26 02:54:56
I am not a shorter kid - I am an adult of 164cm - and the bottom of the rear window was at my eyeline. Did someone say vomit comet? We were seriously in the market until I sat in the back seat.
Circling Buzzard JLM | 2017-03-26 10:01:26
Get a cushion ??? JLM,,
ibstltr | 2017-03-26 04:13:45
Is the rear door handle really at the roofline ? Back seat passengers must get a great view of the sheetmetal. Makes the Juke look like a work of art.
yarpos | 2017-03-26 10:17:34
upgrade to CVT theres a phrase you dont see much. SUV? really? its just a stylised 2 door hatch isnt it?
stroppy | 2017-03-26 11:09:51
CVT?? Why? Why are car companies forcing us to have these crappy transmissions which slip and flare and are nowhere near as smooth as a torque converter transmission? Transmission manufacturers have come a long way with the torque converter system and they are almost as efficient (fuel wise) as a manual. As to the engine...85kw for a car probably weighing over 1200kg? Uh...yeah...a lot of fun that will be! Good luck trying to pull out from behind a B-Double and pass in quick fashion! Obviously this is just a city car done up to look tough like big SUVs. Unfortunately, like the Suzuki Ignis, it is just too small in the engine department for Australian roads. Fine for Tokyo or for Europe but wide-open Australia??
Mr Majestyk | 2017-03-26 11:18:05
Gurgling Bustard, you must be a Toyota salesman, nothing else could explain your delusion. I'm so impressed that it has a waiting list, what are they waiting for exactly? Maybe they think it'll look better after 6 months. I'll take my brains over your poor taste any day of the year.
ygo | 2017-03-26 22:44:50
It's a spectacularly good looking car in the flesh, and even better once you add some bigger wheels and a TRD or Modellista aero kit. They were everywhere at the recent Osaka Auto Messe and even lightly modified examples look great. Some of Toyota's recent styling efforts have been overcooked (new Prius is case in point) but this is perfectly executed with a uniquely Japanese vibe - it kind of looks like a manga character. I'd certainly put one next to my 86 if I had the garage space.
andyfreeze | 2017-03-27 02:44:44
I agree with some of the marks others have made about the specs being under done. As for the styling, wow , what can i say. Every element of the power ranges has been incorporated. Japanese dont do clean styling very well. They have to add and add and add. bulging wheel arches are for the massive tyres to keep the massive amount of power in check? Look, body kits where the rage when i was younger but with hindsite, they fooled no one but me. They helped the car, NOT. When i see this type of styling i think, nope. Still i think every generation gets to be a bit silly so they will sell. After all roof rails are now expected fodder, dont know why but there you go.
ibast | 2017-03-27 08:12:17
I concur with window line concerns. the trend of higher waistlines means kids (up to teenaghood) tend to sit sideways in the back seats of cars and that is a very serious concern. Some claim the high waistlines is for roll-over safety. ICB on that. If they were really concerned about rollover safety they wouldn't be laying A-pillars down on the angle they are. Not only that, the roll-over is a lot less common. No; it's all about fashion and the cost is safety. This car takes it to a whole new level of stupid.
Haze | 2017-03-27 21:35:54
Oh dear. My first thought was this new offering makes my Rukus look really good; in both styling and performance...