Japanese luxury at its best

MOTORING NEWS - The small SUV segment, at which the Toyota C-HR is aimed, is currently a popular target for many car manufacturers, taking into account South Africans' fondness of SUVs and bakkies.

Toyota launched the C-HR (coupé high rider) in February last year and the vehicle featured a low-slung roofline like a coupé. For this year's model, the Japanese manufacturer has introduced an all-new range-topping model named Luxury.

Although not everyone is a fan of the C-HR's unique shape, it could be a tempting alternative to the more common crossover models.

With a price tag of R422 100, the Luxury offers much in terms of style, comfort, convenience and safety.

It is different from the C-HR models across the range with a bi-tone design that comprises a black roof, roof pillars and side mirrors. There are also smoked rear-tail lamps, full-LED headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights and stylish 18" alloy wheels.

This top-of-the range car offers everything one could want: electrically adjustable lumbar support, keyless entry with push-button start, park distance control, intelligent parking assist and reverse camera.

The interior is spacious with a premium quality thanks to leather-clad seats with heaters for driver and passenger. Despite the sloping roof line, rear passengers would have adequate headroom.

The infotainment system is easy to use: from pairing the smartphone and navigating to using Apple CarPlay.

The Luxury is powered by a 1 197cc, 1,2 litre turbo-charged engine with an adequate 85kW of power and 185Nm of torque. This model is paired exclusively to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels.

The official top speed claimed by Toyota is from zero to 100km in 10,9 seconds, before maxing out at a top speed of 190km. In terms of driving, the C-HR feels sportier than its rivals. Overall it is comfortable and body roll is minimal.

The car cruises well on the open road and the CVT eliminates any need to go gear-hunting.

It offers three modes, Sport, Normal and Eco, which alter the weight of the steering, the throttle response and CVT gearbox ratios to suit the mood and the road conditions.

When driving with economy in mind, it is possible to get 7,1 litres per 100km on the open road. In and around urban areas it goes up to 8,1 litres per 100km.

Safety comes standard in the form of vehicle stability control, ABS, nine airbags, brake assist and two Isofic SOFIX attachment points.

All C-HR models come with an expanded six year or 90 000km service plan and three year or 100 000km warranty. Service intervals are at 15 000km.