The funky and fun looking Toyota C-HR just received a GR Sport variant in selected markets. The C-HR GR Sport is not just an aesthetic package, as some very minor modifications have been made to enhance the vehicle’s dynamics.
It’s unlikely UMW Toyota will bring this version of the C-HR to Malaysia. In fact, we’re not even sure if the Thai plant where our C-HRs come from will end up producing this spec. But anyway, in case you’re interested in what the C-HR GR Sport brings to the table, here’s a quick rundown.
Performance
- Model-bespoke suspension system and steering tuning
- 19″ Continental Premium Contact 6 (225/45) that’s lighter than the 18″ but with the same rolling resistance and similar vehicle CO2 emissions
Aesthetics
- Black emblem background (front and rear)
- Black headlamp housing
- Piano Black centre bumper, front fog lamp surrounds, reflector surrounds
- Dark chrome grille
- New front spoiler and rear under-bumper trim garnish
- Unique 19″ two tone alloy wheels
- GR SPORT logo at the rear
- New Dynamic Grey finish with a black roof (model exclusive)
- New Cool Silver cabin finish
- Alcantara-trimmed leather or all-fabric seat upholstery
- GR-inspired Red and Grey stitching theme
- Perforated leather steering wheel
- Red stitching accents on steering wheel and gear lever selector
- GR Sport scuff plates
- GR SPORT emblems
- GR stop/start button
- GR digital start-up animation
Here’s the press release with more information about the equipment on this version of the C-HR. Just a reminder, the pre-facelift model had a TRD variant which seems a lot more performance-oriented than this. But we’re not sure if that variant was ever sold.
PRESS RELEASE
With the introduction of a new GR SPORT model, the 2021 Toyota C-HR line-up brings greater refinement, exclusivity and prestige to the striking design language and outstanding dynamic performance that has already awarded the company’s C-SUV segment iconic status within the Toyota model range.
Inspired by Toyota’s performance-focused GR models and the livery colours of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the new GR SPORT adds sharper exterior and interior styling to the C-HR’s already striking appearance.
Exterior
The bespoke frontal treatment of the Toyota C-HR GR SPORT includes a Black emblem background and headlamp housings, a Piano Black finish to the centre bumper and fog lamp surrounds, a dark chrome grille and a new, more aggressively styled front spoiler.
To the side, Piano Black door moulding inserts are complimented by a model-unique 19″ alloy wheel design. And the rear features a Black emblem background, Piano Black reflector surrounds, a bespoke under-bumper trim garnish and the GR SPORT logo.
The GR SPORT is available in a choice of nine exclusive bi-tone colour schemes, including a new, model-unique Dynamic Grey finish with a black roof.
Interior
On board, the GR SPORT features a new Cool Silver cabin finish and a choice of alcantara-trimmed leather or all-fabric seat upholstery, both enhanced by a GR-inspired Red and Grey stitching theme. Further bespoke elements include a perforated leather steering wheel rim, red stitching accents to both the wheel rim and the gear lever gaiter, model unique scuff plates, the GR SPORT logo, a GR stop/start button and a GR start-up animation in the driver’s instrument binnacle TFT screen.
Equipment Specification
The GR SPORT’s comprehensive equipment specification also includes privacy glass, smart entry, LED high beam headlamps and auto-fold door mirrors, whilst the main options list includes power operation and heating to the front seats and an outstanding JBL audio system.
Driving Dynamics
Model-bespoke tyres and suspension system and steering tuning have been designed to perceptibly improve the GR SPORT’s dynamic behaviour whilst retaining the ride comfort levels of the rest of the C-HR model range. A premium tyre, the new 19″ Continental Premium Contact 6 (225/45) increases front axle grip levels and cornering stiffness, resulting in improved yaw resistance and less understeer when subjected to the same G-force. The new tyre is lighter than the current 18″ fitting yet offers the same rolling resistance and similar vehicle CO2 emissions