Toyota C-HR 180H GR Sport test: hybrid, with ECO label, 180 hp and sporty look

The old rockers never die. This was the name of the album that Miguel Ríos published in 1979 and from which he could ‘steal’ his name to title this test of the Toyota C-HR 180H GR Sport.

Perhaps I am too bold to use the adjective ‘old’ in this car, but it has been on the market since 2016, although its image, as it was quite revolutionary at the time of its launch, is still fresh as the first day.

And it is that the passage of time does not affect it, as it shows that it is the sixth best-selling model in Spain. Within the brand it is the second, behind the Toyota Corolla, with only 788 fewer units so far this year. And with regard to SUVs, it is located on the first step of the podium.

outside and inside

One of the novelties presented two years ago was the GR Sport finish, which is located at the base of the GR Gazoo Racing pyramid, where the models that adopt aesthetic elements that increase their sporty appearance are found -in the middle are the GR, the pure sports: Toyota GR86, GR Yaris and GR Supra, and at the top, the vehicles of the competition disciplines in which it participates and, by the way, wins: WEC, WRC and Dakar-.

And the truth is that with the equipment that has been given, its dynamic aspect increases appropriately. In the case of the test, the Toyota C-HR 180H GR Sport, is equipped with exclusive 19-inch five-double-spoke alloy wheels, a grill with a dark chrome mesh, darkened headlights, piano black side moldings, paint with a color unique in the range -1K6 Dynamic Gray- and bodywork with a two-tone ‘suit’.

It also differs from the Advance and Active trim in that the bumper adopts a trim, in the piano black moldings around the reflectors, in the GR Sport sheet metal on the tailgate and in that the logo abandons the blue background to be black.

This is on the outside, because the interior has also been given elements that add to its sportiness, such as the steering wheel upholstered in perforated leather, the knob, also with red stitching, like the seat. By the way, these deserve a separate mention because they have a super attractive design; They are of the bacquet type, combine leather and suede leather and have red and white stitching and the GR Sport logo on their backrests. But best of all, they are comfortable and hold the body well thanks to their lateral supports. We also find differences in the door sill moldings and in the start button, which also adopts the GR logo. And in case there was any doubt, when you press it, the infotainment system screen shows it.

The design of its rear half conditions the interior space. The rear windows are small, so the feeling of spaciousness is less. But it is not a fair cabin. Not at all. Of course, it is not one of the largest among its counterparts either. It is correct both in space for the legs and for the head. The problem is that the vertical cut of the rear windows causes second-row passengers to have part of the door panel at eye level.

This design also affects rear visibility, although the rear camera, which comes as standard, helps.

Regarding the trunk, it has 358 liters -21 less than the 122 hp one because the 12-volt battery goes in the trunk, and in the lower power one, in the engine compartment-, a capacity that places it below the table . At least it has regular shapes to easily place the bulges.

The restyling adopts better materials, with which it wins to the touch. Yes, the passing of the years was noticeable in the infotainment system, but the Japanese firm has renewed it with the new multimedia systems with an 8” touch screen, Toyota Smart Connect and Toyota Smart Connect PRO, the latter optional. They improve connectivity, functionality, ease of use and graphics. Yes, I miss a fully digital instrument cluster, as its opponents have. But only for that, because as a driver I don’t mind having one with analog spheres. Call me… classic?

engine and performance

The GR Sport finish is only available with the most powerful engine, the 184 hp. The hybrid system is made up of a 152 hp gasoline engine, a 190 electric one and a nickel metal hydride battery -122, for a 98 combustion engine, a 73 electric one and an ion battery. lithium-. And with it, it obtains the long-awaited ECO label from the DGT.

Unlike some non-plug-in hybrids, the Toyota C-HR can move in 100% electric mode, especially when starting the march, as long as a high force is not demanded or the battery has sufficient charge. For this reason, it can roll calmly and quietly, and fuel consumption does not skyrocket.

But when you put the pedal to the metal, the combustion engine and the CVT start to work and the sound is evident. It is true that, for example, it reaches the passenger compartment much less than in his little brother, the Toyota Yaris Cross.

It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2”, a very good number, and reaches 180 km/h. Compared to the 125, the acceleration is outstanding, since the less powerful reaches 100 from a standstill in 11” -the tip is only 10 km/h lower-. And if we take into account that the difference in average consumption is very low, 5.3 compared to 4.9 l/100…

Behaviour

During the test of the Toyota C-HR 180H GR Sport I have been able to verify that the Japanese SUV behaves well on the road, but where it stands out is in the city.

It moves smoothly and consumption rounds easily, without making much effort to treat the right pedal with love, the 5.9 l.

Outside of it, it measures up. There is plenty of power, but this is when the noise of the continuous change of variator comes to light when demanding more energy. According to Toyota, it equips new door panels and a combustion block insulation that offers a better result, but still remains noticeable. Of course, when you drive calmly, at a normal pace and do not exert excessive pressure with your right foot, it is silent. And you can always pull the simulated gears through the manual gear position to bring that sound down.

The suspension maintains the body without pronounced rolls and filters well the irregularities of the road. It is the same as the 125 except for the shock absorbers.

Price

The Toyota C-HR 180H GR Sport has a starting price of 33,700 euros, without discounts or promotions. The 125H starts at 28,600 euros, but in addition to bringing less standard equipment and lacking that sporty image, the difference in power is notable. It’s less lazy and since it’s more powerful, the pressure to be exerted on the right pedal is less and, therefore, so is the sound, which is appreciated.

And that without an average consumption that rises considerably. In fact, apart from the Honda Civic, I think there is no non-plug-in hybrid with such contained consumption.