Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so they say.
So, daughter Number 2, who believes all that glitters is not gold, is about to change car brands.
A Beetle driver for a very long time, after a spin in Toyota’s new C-HR ‘Diamond Collection’ hybrid SUV her choice is set in stone. She might well drive it into the festive season.
Designed and engineered in Europe and manufactured in Turkey, the C-HR’s distinctive looks are a key part of its showroom appeal. It’s dynamic coupe-like stance and exaggerated looks suggest a concept car that has escaped the design studio.
Styling has been the key part of the C-HR’s appeal since the small, compact SUV first launched in 2017, and this second-generation model continues this legacy, promoted by admired Australian jewellery designer Millie Savage renowned for her eclectic style and unique standout pieces.
Daughter listened. “The whole concept of a car’s metamorphosis into diamonds felt like weaving two distinct worlds together, blending automotive innovation with eternal diamonds and hand-crafted jewellery. This unique transformation made the collaboration with Toyota truly inspiring,” enthused Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Arguably the most distinctive aspect of the new look is Toyota’s ‘hammerhead’ front-end design. Elsewhere, the body sides feature intersecting panels with sharp character lines that create an interesting play of light, while the low-slung roof features an integrated spoiler, below which LED taillights span the width of the vehicle.
The accentuated rake of the rear screen means a rear wiper is no longer required, which Toyota claims aids aerodynamic performance, and this model also does away with the original’s C-pillar mounted hidden door handles, replacing them with slick recessed handles that pop out automatically.
The C-HR is built on Toyota’s latest TNGA-C platform with a body that’s claimed to be stiffer and lighter than its predecessor, boasting higher torsional rigidity thanks to greater use of high-tensile steel.
Toyota claims this has associated benefits for handling, durability and reduced NVH. (noise, vibration and harshness).
The new model rides on the same wheelbase as its predecessor, which means there’s no more interior space, but it looks more dynamic thanks to a shorter front overhang and wider wheel tracks, which combine to lend it a nicely planted and cohesive appearance.
Significantly, the new C-HR continues Toyota Australia’s recent trend of offering its fuel-saving hybrid powertrain exclusively on certain model lines. Where the old C-HR featured a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.8-litre hybrid version, the new range features an improved 1.8-litre hybrid and a new 2-litre hybrid.
Under the skin in both cases is Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid technology which is claimed to be lighter and more compact but with increased power and lower emissions. There’s also a new and more powerful lithium-ion battery in place of the previous model’s nickel-metal hydride unit.
Prices start at $42,990 for the entry-level GXL, stepping up sharply to $49,990 for the mid-spec Koba and on to a hefty $54,990 for the all-wheel drive GR Sport SUV.
The front-wheel drive GXL and Koba are both powered by the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with the new hybrid transaxle claimed to be 14% more powerful and 7% more fuel efficient than its predecessor.
The petrol engine contributes 72kW/142Nm while the electric motor develops 70kW/185Nm, for combined system outputs of 103kW.
Combined fuel consumption is 4.0L/100 km, which is 0.3L/100k m thriftier than before.
When stationary or driving in city traffic with sufficient battery charge, the C-HR can automatically switch to electric (or EV) mode using stored battery electricity, zero fuel and with reduced CO2 tailpipe emissions.
C-HR’s interior is sharply designed with a driver-centric layout that features a 12.3-in. multi-view digital dash ahead of the driver and a 12.3-in. high-resolution touchscreen that has wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, cloud-based sat nav, DAB+ digital radio and intelligent voice control.
A shadeless panoramic sunroof allows natural light to flood the cabin, with temperatures regulated by an infrared coating (optional add-on for Koba and GR Sport only).
Awarded a 5-Star ANCAP safety rating, the C-HR has an abundant standard safety kit. This includes 10 airbags, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, junction and head-on detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, and a driver monitoring camera.
For those wanting further differentiation, the two top models in the three-variant range – GXL, Koba and GR Sport – can be further enhanced with an optional two-tone paint scheme that adds a black roof for an extra $775. Take a peek at our picture.
While the girl considers her options, Orson Whiels has announced the Toyota C-HR’ is Wood Central’s Small SUV Car of the Year.
