Toyota C-HR GR Sport 2.0 Hybrid (2019 - 2020)

It's hard to believe the funky Toyota concept car first shown at the Paris Motor Show back in 2014 went on to be launched just two years later. It was called the C-HR, which stands for Coupe High-Rider, and despite sounding like the title for Spaghetti Western, this practical compact crossover has been a resounding success. 

In its first 12 months, it sold 120,000 units in Europe and today almost half a million motorists in Europe drive a C-HR, with UK sales topping 70,000. 

Customers has a choice of trim levels called Icon, Design, Excel. But now there is a GR Sport model with the car getting Toyota's Gazoo Racing treatment resulting in sharper stying, edgier handling and a sportier performance. 

The C-HR is a beautifully designed car with coupe-like styling helping it stand out. The GR Sport model gains additional eye-catching features, such as black finishing to the grille, Toyota badge, headlights and bumper. The test car featured new deep amethyst paintwork and bi-tone black roof gave it a powerful presence. there were two-tone performance 19-inch alloy wheels, a shark fin antenna, privacy glass, rear sequential indicators and LED reflector headlights. Move inside and the sports seats (powered on the driver's side). The seats, gear lever and perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel feature red contrast stitching and there is GR badging as a not-so-subtle reminder that this C-HR is a bit special. When the original vehicle was launched, it featured diamond shapes throughout and that has continued inside the GR Sport model with gem-like patterns on the door panels, air vents, switches, speaker grille, roof headlining and even the needles of the instrument dials. On-board tech levels impress with an eight-inch HD touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, intelligent park assist, with navigation and on-board voice assistant. There are heated seats, a premium sound system and clear instrumentation. 

The Toyota C-HR is available with two hybrid powertrains - a 1.8-litre model with a total power output of 120bhp and 142Nm of torque, or the 2.0-litre model delivering 182bhp and 190Nm. We tested the C-HR GR Sport with the latest most powerful engine and it could complete the 0-62mph dash in 8.2 seconds, topping out at 112mph. The hybrid electric system is smaller and lighter than previously seen. It has been designed to offer a more energised performance and therefore makes the car more engaging to drive. And it does just that. The steering is well weighted and you can switch between EV, Hybrid and Power drive modes. With its low centre of gravity, the CH-R GR Sport is engaging to drive with swift acceleration through the e-CVT transmission. It's nippy around town, cruises at 70mph and is nicely grounded on country lanes. I did notice strong winds buffeted the car a little, but that was my only real gripe. A rigid body shell and a new suspension set-up deliver and improved ride quality across uneven road surfaces. The springs on the GR Sport are also stiffened (10 per cent front and 15 per cent rear) for sportier handling. 

The Toyota C-HR GR Sport is a five-door crossover that offers ample space for back seat passengers provided the front seats are not pushed too far back. It is ideal for two or three children to sit comfortably and there are Isofix child seat fixtures to the outer rear seats. The vehicle stretches 4,395mm in length, is 1,795mm across and 1,555mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,640mm. With high sides, there is good levels of rear passenger headroom, although the narrow windows can be a little claustrophobic. The boot is well sized with a 377-litre capacity with the tonneau cover in place. This limit is increased to a generous 1,164 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. Elsewhere, there are plenty of storage options scattered throughout the cabin, including a glovebox, door bins, a central cubby, two front cup holders - one with an adjustable height facility, seat back pockets and rear cup holders in the doors. 

The Toyota C-HR line-up is available in four trims and with two powertrains. The entry-level Icon model powered by the 1-8-litre petrol engine costs from £29,330. At the other end of the scale is the GR Sport version with the more powerful 2.0-litre petrol hybrid unit priced at £35,460. This was the car we tested and the only optional extras were metallic paint that added £630 to the price and a black Alcantara Leather and a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system pack costing a further £1,890. When it comes to day-to-day running costs, the car could deliver a combined 49.6-54.3mpg under WLTP testing with carbon emissions from 120g/km. This CO2 figure would result in a first-year road tax (or Vehicle Excise Duty) bill of £190 dropping to £155 after 12 months. For business drivers, the Benefit in Kind tax relief rating is 29 per cent and the car sits in insurance group 22.  

More and more models in the Toyota line-up are being given the Gazoo Racing makeover with striking looks and improved handling. This really works on the C-HR and, although it does result in quite a price hike, it it money well spent if you want a great looking car that delivers on the road too.