By Otsile Kadiege

In a bid to stay relevant in a market that’s competitive, Toyota South Africa has updated their coupe-like crossover SUV C-HR with updated exterior styling, new colours, a comprehensive specification list and safety systems.

Updated styling

For 2022 the most notable exterior change is the new 18-inch directional alloy wheels fitted to the Plus and Luxury grade models. These are shod with 225/50/R18 rubber while a space-saver spare wheel. The colour line-up has been revised, adopting variants from other Toyota passenger models (such as Celestite Grey), as well as introducing some striking new options. The standard and Plus models offer buyers a choice of 10 exterior paint finishes, which include striking new Midnight Purple, Fierce Red and Eclipse Black options.

The Luxury models are available in bi-tone configuration only. The chosen exterior colour is combined with a black roof, with the exception of Eclipse Black, which marries the obsidian paintwork with a Silver roof.   

Grades and specifications

The existing three-grade strategy continues, starting off with the ‘1.2T’, followed by the ‘Plus’ and ‘Luxury’ variants. All C-HR models carry a comprehensive specification level, with the standard grade boasting daytime running lights (DRL), LED headlamps with auto function and exterior colour coding. Air-conditioning, electric power steering, a tilt & telescopic adjustable steering column, 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) and front 12V power outlet make up the standard fare.

On the Infotainment front, an 8-inch (20cm) touchscreen audio system includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, Bluetooth and USB provisions as well as reverse camera display. Sounds play through a 6-speaker sound system  and can be operated via steering switches (which also allow navigation of the MID screens).

Plus variants add front fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, leather steering wheel trim, cruise control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, while the air-conditioning is upgraded to the dual-zone climate control type. Top-tier Luxury grade models inherit Park Distance Control (PDC) and Intelligent Parking System, an upgrade to keyless entry and start, partial leather interior and Bi-LED headlamps with sequential turn- signal operation. Side mirrors receive a retractable function and the fog lamps are upgraded to LED elements.

Safety

All C-HR models score highly on the safety front with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC). The standard and Plus grades boast front driver and passenger, side, curtain and driver-knee airbags alongside seatbelt force limiters, ISOFIX and pre-tensioners. 

The Luxury grade features the active safety system; Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which encompasses Pre-Collision System (PCS), Auto High Beam (AHB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). It also offers all-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Lane Trace functionality.

Performance

Powering the C-HR is a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired to either a CVT or 6-speed manual transmission. It produces 85kW and 185Nm, whilst using a claimed 6.3l/100 km of fuel (6.4 for the CVT).

Model Line-up & Pricing

C-HR 1.2 T – R429,000

C-HR 1.2 T Plus – R465,200

C-HR 1.2 T Plus CVT – R479,100

C-HR 1.2 T Luxury CVT – R554,500

All C-HR models are sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals set at 15 000 km) and 3-year/100 000km warranty. Service and warranty plan extensions can also be purchased from any Toyota dealer (220 outlets). All Toyota models come equipped with Toyota Connect, including a complimentary 15 Gb in car Wi-Fi allocation, vehicle telematics and enhanced user features via the MyToyota app.