The current C-HR range is bigger than ever and so are the prices.
The cheapest version is the GX 1.8-litre hybrid priced at $47,990 followed by the GXL with a $50,990 asking price, while the Limited version I drove is hardly a bargain at $54,990.
The optional two-tone paint job adds $1000 to the asking price.
Size-wise, this latest C-HR is a tad shorter but is wider than its predecessor, so it looks and feels larger with its greater girth and well planted on road stance.
This amplifies the vehicles short overhangs and lower height that varies depending on the wheel size of the each model.
The Limited, in keeping with its loftier status in the C-HR food chain, scores 18-inch alloy wheels, helping it rise above the premium compact urban SUV crowd.
Under the bonnet and poised for action is a substantially revamped version of Toyota’s proven 1.8–litre hybrid powertrain with its maximum power output up from 90kW to 103kW.
An extra 13kW may seem modest, what you need to focus on is how these new found kilowatts contribute to the vehicle’s driveability.
In short much, more than that I ever imagined with noticeably more smoothness and general all round performance.
While far from electrifying its brisk and satisfying, for an older generation hybrid technology.
Noise levels while not pin-drop quiet are lower, although the motor is gruff under load over steep terrain, or when a decent wedge of throttle is required to whisk past slower traffic.
Passenger space is greatly improved especially for rear seat passengers, who now enjoy the journey in greater comfort with more head, leg and shoulder room.
Even better is a bigger and more logically shaped rear load compartment, complete with the added flexibility of a 60:40 split folding rear seat.
The noisy central locking system jars in a car that in almost ever other respect is so refined.
All the main instruments and controls are slanted towards the driver, giving a cool, but non-claustrophobic cockpit vibe to the cabin.
A touch screen audio display includes satellite navigation with SUNA traffic updates, with the steering wheel a repository for the audio, phone and other functions.
Reminders that you are driving one of the more lavishly adorned attired small Toyota SUV’s are leather seats, quality passenger compartment fixtures and fitting, and huge panoramic sunroof.
The C-HR is fitted with Toyota’s acclaimed Safety Sense system with motorcycle detection into its pre-collision set up with additional support from a driver monitor camera.
Adaptive high beam automatically dips the headlights, reducing the risk of the driver putting on an impromptu, but annoying dazzling performance for unsuspecting drivers travelling in the opposite direction.
The vehicle’s looks may be edgy, but the handing is smooth over demanding surfaces.
Nicely weighted electric power steering offers good road feel, although not so endearing is some steering kick back over badly corrugated surfaces.
I didn’t feel the ride was overly comfortable and the suspension busy, and a bit chirpy over sections of road with areas blighted by high frequency bumps.
Some of that could be down to the vehicles larger 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with lower profile handling orientated tyres.
