Toyota South Africa has introduced a new model to their C-HR line-up, which now tops the range and takes the total number of derivatives to four. The new model, aptly named the Luxury, joins the Standard, Plus and Plus CVT, and features some key differences from the other models.
The Luxury is easily distinguishable by its bi-colour design, with its roof, roof-pillars and side-mirrors all painted a gloss black. Colour options include White Pearl, Cinnabar Red metallic, Lunar Metallic (a smoked silver hue) or Caribbean Blue. Unique smoked rear tail lamps and full-LED head - and fog lamps are fitted, and like the Plus, it rides on 18-inch wheels.
It shares its 1.2-litre turbocharged motor with the rest of the range, produces 85kw and 185nm, and is paired exclusively with the CVT transmission. The C-HR will run from 0 to 100kph in 10.9 seconds, top out at 190kph, and return average fuel economy of 6.4L/100kms.
Inside, the Luxury model gets textured leather seats, which include seat heaters for driver and passenger and the aforementioned adjustable driver lumbar support. The upper dashboard also incorporates soft-touch leather trim with contrast stitching.
Other niceties include an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Plus equipped infotainment system, which also features navigation as standard across the range, a keyless-entry system with push-button start (linked to auto-folding side mirrors), Park Distance Control (PDC) and a high-tech Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA).
The C-HR is equipped with a complete array of active safety features – which include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Assist Control (HAC), ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), while the Luxury model has 9 airbags.
All Toyota C-HR models come with a 6-service/90 000 kilometre service plan and 3-year/100 000 kilometre warranty.
C-HR 1.2T - R 336 000
C-HR 1.2T Plus - R 365 500
C-HR 1.2T Plus CVT - R 377 000
C-HR 1.2T Luxury CVT - R 422 100
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota C-HR Luxury cost in South Africa?
The Toyota C-HR 1.2T Luxury is priced at R389,500 in South Africa, making it the flagship model in the C-HR range.
Q: Is the Toyota C-HR Luxury worth buying?
The C-HR Luxury offers excellent value with its bi-colour styling, leather heated seats, full LED lighting and comprehensive safety package for R389,500, though the CVT-only transmission and modest 85kW power output might not suit everyone.
Q: What are the key differences between C-HR models?
The Luxury adds bi-colour paint, smoked tail lamps, full LED lighting, heated leather seats, soft-touch dashboard trim and comes exclusively with CVT transmission, while Standard and Plus models offer manual options starting from R336,000.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Toyota C-HR Luxury?
The C-HR Luxury returns 6.4L/100km average fuel consumption thanks to its 1.2-litre turbocharged engine paired with CVT transmission.
Q: What safety features does the C-HR Luxury include?
The Luxury model comes with 9 airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Assist Control, ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist, Park Distance Control and Intelligent Parking Assist as standard.
Should You Buy It?
The Toyota C-HR Luxury at R389,500 is a solid choice if you want a stylish crossover with premium touches and bulletproof Toyota reliability. The bi-colour styling, heated leather seats and comprehensive safety kit make it feel genuinely upmarket, while the 6.4L/100km fuel economy keeps running costs reasonable. However, that CVT-only transmission and leisurely 10.9-second 0-100kph time mean this isn't for driving enthusiasts. The best premium compact crossover under R400,000 in South Africa is the C-HR Luxury, but only if you prioritise style and comfort over sporty performance.
