Toyota adds GR Sport grade to C-HR

The first GR Sport model to be available in Australia. the C-HR GR Sport is said to be “GR inspired,” instead of offering the full GR high-performance package, according to Toyota Australia’s Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley.

"We are extending the GR feeling to customers who may not want a high performance race-bred sports car, but still desire a car with sporty styling and a degree of performance modifications to set it apart from the standard Toyota lineup. The new C-HR GR Sport is exactly that, offering customers greater driving enjoyment and bold purposeful styling that deliver the exhilarating feeling at the heart of all GR products,” Hanley said.

Based on the C-HR GXL 4x2, but adding the 90kW 1.8 petrol-electric hybrid engine from the premium Koba grade, the GR Sport is identified by a more aggressive bumper and grille design, while 19-inch alloys are shod with low-profile tyres.

A choice of eight available colours include three - Crystal Pearl (white), Hornet Yellow or Feverish Red – with a contrasting black roof.

Under the skin, the C-HR GR Sport features upgraded suspension for what Toyota calls “sporty driving,” but whether this means lower and stiffer suspension, complemented by more direct steering, is unknown.

Inside, the GR Sport adds sports seats, a sports steering wheel, GR-branded instruments and bespoke trim.

Initial release images suggest the C-HR GR Sport is available with a six-speed manual, but Australian-delivered units are likely to only be available with the CVT auto that’s on the rest of the local C-HR range.

Pricing for the C-HR GR Sport had not been revealed at time of writing, but despite being based on the mid-level GXL, the addition of the hybrid drivetrain and GR-specific trim will likely result in a drive away price of close to $40,000.