Toyota C-HR Koba 2017 Review

The CH-R, Toyota’s all-new entrant in the increasingly popular compact SUV market segment, is an acquired taste to say the least. From first viewing people are split into one of two camps.

First, there are those who will appreciate the Japanese manufacturer’s unabashed attempt to stand out and who will respond well to its distinctive styling. Then there are those who will react like my housemate’s boyfriend did, which was to arrive home and immediately shout: “What the hell is that thing outside?”

It’s true, while the rear of the Toyota C-HR is elegant, with defined sloping lines and an illusory floating roof, the front looks like an SUV that was melted and disfigured in an unspeakable accident. Gentler critics would say it looks like a Transformer or an animated Disney character. The range-topping model variant on-test is called the Koba which also sounds like an animated Disney character.

In case you don’t feel as though you stand out enough, there are plenty of customisation options, including add-on coloured wheel caps, a sticker pack to add colour, or even matte black wheels (those actually look quite cool). Have no doubt though – the Toyota C-HR can turn strangers’ heads without the aforementioned additions.

There are creature comforts galore, like seat heaters, push-button start, sat-nav, dual-zone climate control and a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment array, plus some impressive safety features that bring the Toyota CH-R’s tech factor up from comprehensive to impressive. Autonomous emergency braking is a potential lifesaver, while the extremely vigilant lane departure alerts are appreciated if sometimes a little over-zealous (I had to turn them off going along a narrow, windy country road).

For a little knick-knack uncommon in this price range, the Toyota CH-R projects its own logo onto the ground when you unlock it. It’s a little bit corny and occasionally embarrassingly flashy, but as my younger brother pointed out, it may be a real selling point if you could customise the image displayed to greet you by your name.

The X-factor doesn’t end when you’re inside the Toyota CH-R. On first acquaintance, for a late-night frozen yoghurt run, one friend commented that the interior was, “so bright and dark all at once”. This might sound ridiculous and something of an oxymoron, but it really was an accurate summary.

The various lights and buttons, sleek dashboard design, sloped roof and low head clearance result in the Toyota CH-R feeling a lot like a spaceship. Although roomy up front, there’s not a whole lot of volume for those in the back seat and most people will have to duck when getting in to avoid hitting their head on the door frame.

For the driver, the small screen next to the speedometer is the control centre for the trip computer and other key information, but scrolling through the various menu options can be fiddly and is not something you should tackle when driving. Cruise control is operated by a standalone lever – possibly more tactile and user-friendly than some of the steering wheel controls.

Visibility through the back window is restricted (not surprising with a roofline like the Toyota C-HR) but thankfully there’s an excellent rear vision camera and parking sensors. Conversely, forward visibility is excellent courtesy of a large windscreen and elevated seating position.

Externally, the Toyota C-HR looks like it will offer substantial luggage space but the reality is disappointingly cramped. You could fit a couple of small suitcases but not much else.

On paper, the Toyota C-HR may not seem like it has much power (output is 85kW/185Nm) but on the road you get the impression the turbo-petrol engine makes good use of what it does have. Putting the car into sport mode didn’t seem to make much difference to my particular driving experience as the CH-R is already a fairly zippy car.

Going up hills at speed is really the only time you notice the Toyota C-HR is working hard as the acceleration occasionally struggles to kick it up a notch when required. Fuel consumption hovers around the promised figure of 6.5L per 100km, even without the idle-stop function present in so many other new cars.

Really, the Toyota C-HR multitasks well, taking corners at high speeds without any grumbling, with plenty of zip and responsive handling. And the high-riding ground clearance seems to ensure the C-HR absorbs bumps and dips without too much bother.

Starting from $26,990, the Toyota CH-R ($33,290 for the Koba 2WD or $35,290 for AWD) is a little more expensive than classmates like the Mazda CX-3, but what you’re paying for is driver assistance tech and eye-catching design. In a nutshell, the Toyota CH-R is a completely capable compact SUV packed full of aesthetic X-factor. But the question is: does the Toyota C-HR possess the kind of X-factor you’re searching for, or the kind you’re trying to avoid.

2017 Toyota C-HR pricing and specifications:
Price: $26,990 - $35,290 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 85kW/185Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual/continuously variable
Fuel: 6.3-6.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 141-148g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP