Toyota C-HR 2020 Review

The Toyota C-HR marked a turning-point for Toyota.

When I first reviewed the car in 2016, I wrote that it was 'refreshingly awesome'.With its pumped wheel arches, angular styling and sporty stance, it was the Telsa Cybertruck of the Toyota world in terms of design: almost unbelievable. Can this be real?

That it took an SUV – not a sports car or a hatchback – to bust one of the world's biggest car brands out of its conservative fugueis intriguing – and a sign of the times. But thanks to bold styling and a Lexus-like premium interior fit out, the C-HR did exactly that.

Loaded to the hilt with cutting-edge tech back then, the Toyota C-HR is not quite as advanced four years later, so it’s has come in for a revamp.

There are visual changes, but you'll have to squint to spot them – and the new LED headlight array up front and restyled frosted LED brake lights are only on top-grade Koba models.

The daytime running lights double up as indicators on Koba models too, adding a bit more razzle dazzle.

Restyled 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs are also new, while inside there's an updated infotainment system that presents a bigger 8-inch touchscreen and – importantly – Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality.

Front and rear parking sensors are standard on every model, while a new surround-view parking cameras is offered on Koba models.

Overall, the C-HR has a high level of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, self-dipping high-beam headlights, blind spot monitoring and lane departure alert with steering assist – although the last feature needs work, its effectiveness is below average.

Perhaps the biggest change is the addition of a hybrid powertrain and while, again, it's only offered on range-topping Koba models (in 2WD only) it's an efficient little unit that could – based on current trends – find a lot of friends in the new car marketplace.

Around half of all C-HR's sold in Australia are Kobas, and if the Corolla and RAV4 are any guide demand for hybrids looks set to erupt Down Under.

You'll pay $2500 for the privilege of the hybrid powertrain, and with Koba prices up by $650, it's a big increase over the previous model. All told, you'll pay close to $40,000 to get one of these puppies on the road.

But the fact of the matter is, the C-HR Koba hybrid is a quieter, more thrifty and arguably more sensible urban runabout than ever before.

Check out the 2020 Toyota C-HR price and specification story for more of the nitty gritty on what you get for your money, but there's now two engine options, the carryover 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine (85kW/185Nm), and the new 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain (90kW/142Nm).

Both are hooked up to an automatic CVT (continuously variable transmission) that's dull but effective in operation, and here's a quick price guide:

C-HR 2WD petrol CVT – $29,540
C-HR AWD petrol CVT – $31,540
Koba 2WD petrol CVT – $33,940
Koba AWD petrol CVT – $35,940
Koba 2WD hybrid CVT – $36,440

Options include premium paint ($550) and two-tone paint ($450) on Koba model-grades.

On the road, the fourth-gen Toyota hybrid system delivers on its claims of low emissions and low fuel economy. Despite being driven with enthusiasm through the Yarra Valley (Vic), uphill and down dale, at the end of the national media launch drive the Toyoa C-HR Koba Hybrid’s trip computer was only showing 5.0L/100km.

It's not quite at the claimed 4.3/100km but it was an impressive result nonetheless.

The hybrid powertrain is refined and quiet, adding to the upmarket ambience that of the C-HR’s interior and noteworthy fit and finish.

I've always been a little suspicious of hybrids because the whole shebang is powered by petrol from start to finish. In order for the battery to be charged, the engine is almost exclusively required, with a tiny bit of energy regen from the brakes.

Yet the current hybrid system from Toyota shows a level of maturity and efficiency that's starting to make more sense.

The transition between petrol and electric modes, for instance, is almost seamless.

There's no perceptible 'thunk' like there was in older versions and rival systems, and while the compact SUV can only run in pure EV mode very briefly – maybe 40 seconds – and only up to around 50km/h from standstill (and only if you accelerate gingerly), it's better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick.

Toyota's hybrid system is becoming more affordable – and appealing – as it seemingly squeezes more energy from every drop of petrol in its 43 litre fuel tank.

Driven at normal speeds, the electric motor and super-efficient four-cylinder petrol engine get the job done. But the ‘strong performance’ that Toyota PR proclaims is not always evident. For example when you're sitting on an 100km/h back road in the country, stuck behind a caravan, and have a short window of opportunity to make an overtake, the hybrids lack of pace is laid bare.

Simply put, it lacks mid-range grunt, the sort required for a decisive overtake. In contrast, the Toyota C-HR Koba hybrid isn't too bad accelerating from standstill, and may be slightly quicker than the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine to about 40 or 50km/h. This makes it an ideal partner for the slash-and-dash of metropolitan commuting butut if you're planning on taking the scenic route on an interstate sojourn, the hybrid may leave you feeling shortchanged. If you can bare the eco guilt, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is a better option in this regard. It's claimed to return around 6.5L/100km. Our result was 8.0L/100km.

There is a more potent 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain offered overseas that has more mumbo, but Toyota Australia says it isn't available to it at present – but would consider it if it was.

Driving dynamics are tight – this C-HR is still one of the most dynamic vehicles Toyota builds today, and it is certainly its most engaging SUV.

Although the chassis is unchanged from its 2016 calibration, it handles very nicely, making the sassy-looking midget a lot of fun to throw into corner.

The way the car tracks through corners is confidence inspiring and even the brakes have more bite than expected. It's quite firmly sprung which means the stiffer, sportier suspension will pick up and transmit more bumps into the cabin than most Toyota vehicles, but no more so than your average European car.

I reckon this would be the perfect car to dial up the horsepower – the chassis could easily handle more herbs and spices.

Perhaps a Toyota C-HR 'GR' red hot model? We asked Toyota about it, and the company pooh-poohed the idea. Things have changed in Toyota-ville, but not THAT much!

Step inside the Toyota C-HR (Koba or regular flavor) and you're greeted with an ultra-modern, contemporary design, highlighted by edgy, angular door trim, scalloped patterns in the roof lining and lots of design flourishes.

Compared to standard C-HR models, the Koba gets rather supple leather-accented seats, heated front seats with lumbar adjust, tinted windows, bigger 18-inch alloy wheels and smart (keyless) entry and engine start.

The dashboard has been upgraded with the above mentioned 8-inch tablet-style touchscreen with iOS and Android smartphone mirroring, plus there's improved voice control functionality which is a nice touch.

All the controls have a very un-Toyota appearance (read: they look cool and compel you to touch them) although the menu graphics and sat nav system on the new touchscreen appear dated in comparison.

The sports seat look great and feel great but it's pretty poor form that the front passenger doesn't get height adjust on their seat. Taller folk won't be impressed as headroom is limited.

The Toyota C-HR also lacks a couple of key features that cars costing this much should have, such as a wireless phone charge pad. There is only a single USB port.

Incidental storage is also poor. There are bottle holders in the door pocket and a small central storage cubby/arm rest but not much out – just a tiny shelf above the twin cup holders that barely big enough for a chocolate bar.

Rear seat legroom is okay although it can get claustrophobic with so-so headroom and small windows which have very high sills. There's no rear air vents.

Cargo provisions are average. There's no powered tailgate and the boot cavity looks small, despite claiming a decent 377-litre capacity. You get a space-saver spare tyre.

Warranty provisions are good, with five years, unlimited kilometres (extendable to seven years) covering the vehicle, along with a 10-year battery warranty. Toyota offers a capped-price service program for five years or 75,000km, with annual/15,000km services priced at $195, one of the lowest prices in its segment.

There's definitely room for improving the C-HR but, as it stands today, it's the only compact SUV to offer a hybrid option, which should see it find new (and more) customers.

There is a full EV compact SUV, the Hyundai Kona Electric, but that'll cost you around $60,000 – not $40,000.

The overall fundamentals of the upmarket Toyota C-HR haven't changed. But that's not a bad thing. This car had a solid setup from the beginning, its unique design inside and out continuing to make a strong impact.

With a few thoughtful tweaks based on customer feedback – the hybrid powertrain, upgraded infotainment – the C-HR is still the coolest Toyota's in the showroom.

How much does the 2020 Toyota C-HR Koba 2WD hybrid cost?
Price: $36,440 (plus on-road costs)
Available: December 2019
Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid
Output: 90kW/142Nm
Transmission: 10-speed continuously variable (CVT)
Fuel: 5.0L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 97g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2017)