Toyota reveals incoming C-HR GR Sport

TOYOTA Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA) has taken its first meaningful steps in expanding its GR performance division, this week confirming the imminent arrival of the C-HR GR Sport, its first model to don the GR Sport branding.

Due to hit local showrooms by the end of the month, the C-HR GR Sport follows a similar recipe to that of Hyundai’s N-Line models in offering sportier looks and dynamics than the regular versions without rivalling the performance flagships.

Based on the C-HR GXL Hybrid 2WD, the GR Sport dispenses with the standard car’s angular, slatted front end in favour of the GR Yaris’ gaping front fascia while retaining its swooping headlights.

No changes have been made under the bonnet, meaning peak power continues on at 90kW/163Nm, all of which is still sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

The same cannot be said for the suspension however which has been given a firmer tune than the standard car to enhance its cornering capabilities.

Inside the cabin we find “bespoke trim highlights” and sports seats while rolling stock has been upgraded to aggressive 19-inch alloys wrapped with lower profile tyres.

TMCA vice-president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the launch of the C-HR GR Sport demonstrated the brand’s commitment to expanding the reach and availability of GR inspired vehicles.

“When we launched our GR performance brand last year with the GR Supra, Toyota hadn’t had a serious high-performance sportscar in its line-up for 17 years, but together with the new GR Yaris that arrives next month, we are well and truly back on the performance track,” he said.

“Now with the imminent arrival of the first GR Sport model, we are extending the GR feeling to customers who may not want a high-performance race-bred sportscar, but still desire a car with sporty styling and a degree of performance modifications to set it apart from the standard Toyota line-up.

“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.”

Pricing and specification details of the C-HR GR Sport are yet to be revealed however it may only be a matter of days before they come to light.

TMCA has sold 6613 C-HRs so far this year ending October, accounting for a decent 8.8 per cent of the sub-$40,000 small SUV segment, but down 16.9 per cent on the 7958 units it shifted over the same period last year.