Toyota C-HR Koba 2WD 2017 Review
Want proof of a pulse at Toyota? Look no further than our latest long-termer – a compact SUV with 'tude…Toyota makes boring, reliable cars. We know it… and Toyota knows it. But in recent times, Akio Toyoda, company president and motorsport enthusiast, has worked hard to change this staid perception by introducing exciting new models like the Lexus IS-F, LF-A and LC 500, and even the budget-busting Toyota 86. Yes, a sporty spark is returning to the big ‘T’.
In the quest for further sales it’s only natural for Toyota to bring that same ‘spark’ to the world’s fastest-growing passenger car segment – the compact SUV. With predictions of 7.5 million compact SUVs being produced annually by 2020, as Toyota planned to invest millions developing an all-new one, then why not give it something rivals lack?
This attitude underpins the Toyota C-HR, or ‘Compact High Rider’. Competing against the likes of the Holden Trax and Mazda CX-3, the radically-styled C-HR confirmed its driving credentials with a convincing win in our recent comparison test with the Trax.
In that test, the C-HR dismissed seemingly meagre on-paper specifications to admirably prove its competence for both inner-city commuting and country-road cruising.
Our newest long-termer is the high-grade Koba – C-HR’s urban-focussed two-wheel drive variant which retails from $33,290 (plus on-road costs). ‘Our’ C-HR is resplendent in Crystal White pearlescent paint with a contrasting black roof, a combination which adds $900 to the list price.
We felt the 2WD variant will optimise the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol’s 85kW/185Nm output with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) likewise doing its part in extracting the most of what’s on offer.
Surprisingly, given the exterior looks, that theory of extracting the most of what’s on offer also applies to cabin space in the Toyota CH-HR. There’s more rear-seat headroom than the rakish roof would have you believe, and although the thick C-pillars and high shoulder line do limit rear three-quarter vision, they also covert a generous 377 litres of cargo space – 21 litres more than the Trax and 113 litres more than the Mazda CX-3.
And the compact dimensions of the CH-R don’t short-change its infotainment technology.
A 6.1-inch touchscreen plays host to the satellite navigation and reversing camera displays and the AM/FM tuner. There’s Bluetooth and USB connectivity, plus voice control (although the latter leaves a bit to be desired).
On the creature comforts front, our Toyota C-HR Koba runs dual-zone climate control and heated leather seats (manually adjustable with electric lumbar).
The five-star ANCAP rated C-HR also includes autonomous emergency braking, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, seven airbags and the regular list of electronic chassis controls.
Made in Japan, the C-HR is supported by a three-year/100,000km warranty and while Toyota doesn’t include break-down assistance as part of the deal, service intervals are lengthy at 12-months/15,000kms. Service pricing is capped for five years at $195 per visit.
Over the coming months we’ll take a closer look at the Toyota C-HR’s mechanicals, handling, packaging and technology in more detail. And, as our long-term tests involve the entire motoring.com.au team, we’re sure the broader opinion will provide a thorough insight into Toyota’s edgy compact SUV.
Watch this space!
Long-Term Tests
motoring.com.au aims to make your vehicle buying decisions easier. Our Editorial section does this via our mix of news, international and local new model launch reviews, as well as our seven-day tests.
From time to time, we also take the opportunity to spend even longer with a vehicle.
These longer-term tests can be as short as a couple of weeks, but more recently we’ve settled on a three-month period as indicative of ‘normal’ ownership.
Long-term tests give our staff writers and contributors a chance to get to know a car as an owner would. While the car is with us, we pay for fuel, the servicing, and generally use and live with the car as a new owner would.
We believe long-term tests give car buyers a deeper insight into the vehicle on test, but also the qualities behind the brand and nameplate. The extended period also allows us to touch base with the dealer networks in question.
It comes as no surprise that manufacturers tend to have a love-hate relationship with long-term tests. Three months is long enough to fall out of love with the latest and greatest, and start to nit-pick — just like real owners do.
2017 Toyota C-HR Koba (2WD) pricing and specifications:
Price: $33,290 (plus on-road costs) / $34,190 (as tested)
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 85kW/185Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 6.4L/100km (ADR Combined) / 6.7L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 144g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
Related reading:
>> Toyota C-HR Review
>> Toyota C-HR Video
>> Toyota C-HR v Holden Trax Comparison Test
- Adventurous styling
- Convincing dynamics
- Real-world fuel economy
- Rear three-quarter vision
- Shorter warranty than some
- Hit and miss voice control
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