Toyota details C-HR GR Sport compact SUV

TOYOTA Motor Company Australia (TMCA) has revealed the pricing and standard specification of its new C-HR GR Sport, the first of its models to feature the semi-skim GR Sport branding.

Priced from $37,665 plus on-road costs, the C-HR GR Sport is based heavily on the front-wheel-drive C-HR GXL but sheds the base-model’s edgy styling for a far more aggressive looking front fascia pinched almost directly off the front of the rabid GR Yaris.

Complementing the new front end is a set of darkened 19-inch alloy wheels, LED head- and tail-lights and piano black accents including the rear lip spoiler, mirror caps and door garnishes.

White GR-badged brake callipers peek out from behind the alloys while the whole package rides 15mm lower than normal thanks to a sportier suspension tune.

Rather than just throwing in some lower and firmer springs, engineers have tweaked the shock absorbers, spring rates and stabiliser bars as part of the suspension workover while a new centre-brace adds an extra element of rigidity.

A retuned electric power steering system is also featured.

The sporty touches continue inside the cabin too the with GR Sport boasting leather-accented sports front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, silver instrument panel highlights and door garnishes, piano black centre console surround and power-window switches, and a GR-branded ignition button.

The rest of the GR Sport’s standard kit reads the same as the GXL’s and includes satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, electronic park brake, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, 4.2-inch colour multi-information display and a six-speaker multimedia system accessed via an Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible 8.0-inch touchscreen display.

Standard safety tech likewise reads the same, consisting of autonomous emergency braking, intersection function, emergency steering assist, lane track assist, auto high beam, all-speed active cruise control, road-sign assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a reversing camera.

Unlike the GXL however, the GR Sport utilises the more powerful hybrid powertrain from the top-spec Koba Hybrid developing 90kW/163Nm, all of which is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

When all is said and done, the GR Sport carries a $6750 premium over its donor vehicle.

According to TMCA sales and marketing vice-president Sean Hanley, the C-HR GR Sport adds a more compelling, youthful and spirited appeal to the distinctive SUV.

“GR Sport brings an exciting new flavour to our GR brand, offering distinctive styling and dynamic enhancements that are inspired by the outright performance of our thoroughbred GR Yaris and GR Supra,” he said.

TMCA has sold 6613 C-HRs so far this year ending October, accounting for a healthy 8.8 per cent of the sub-$40,000 small SUV segment.

2021 Toyota C-HR pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs