This Toyota is a popular SUV and especially in the European market where the new C-HR GR Sport will be released. For those in hopes of a C-HR with more power, don’t get too excited as the GR Sport is the badge Toyota gives to its racing styled models. It’s the GR and GRMN that come with more horsepower, but Toyota didn’t ignore the mechanics for this SUV.
GR design style on this Toyota C-HR.
The racing-inspired style comes with a few subtle changes to colour and design. The bumpers are more aggressive and house the dark chrome grille. Unlike the standard C-HR, the GR Sport has a two-tone paint scheme with piano black detailing the body and roof.
These piano black details include the centre bumper, fog lamp and reflector surrounds, door moulding inserts and the under-bumper trim garnish. This coupled with the black 19-inch alloy wheels.
Updated interior with improved materials.
The cabin is finished in Cool Silver, although it remains as dark as standard models. What really makes the GR Sport stand out from the other Toyota C-HR models is the choice of either Alcantara or fabric upholstery that feature red and grey contrast stitching.
That choice of leather or fabric goes out the window with the steering wheel. It receives perforated leather with red stitching. I suppose Toyota thought just a little bit of leather won’t bother someone trying to buy a car with the choice of fabric.
Two more GR details make their way into the cabin. These are the GR stop/start button and a GR start-up animation that is displayed in the driver’s instrument cluster.
Toyota improved the suspension despite being just a visual upgrade.
While the GR Sport logo means sporty styling, Toyota snuck in two upgrades. Toyota gave the C-HR GR Sport a sports suspension and a tune to the steering. The brand says this will improve the driving dynamics with sharper steering.
While this model will go on sale in Europe in January 2021, there is no word on a South African launch. With the SUV boom in our local market, we can see it making its way here. Only time can tell.
