Skip advert
Advertisement

Hot new Toyota GR C-HR set for 2023 launch

Hot Toyota GR C-HR crossover will take on the Volkswagen T-Roc R, using the same three-cylinder turbo engine as the GR Yaris

Toyota GR C-HR render

Toyota Gazoo Racing will soon build a performance version of the C-HR compact crossover, called the GR C-HR. The tuned SUV is expected to arrive before 2023, although it remains unclear whether this project will be squeezed into the life cycle of the current car or form part of the second generation, which is due by the end of 2021.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Toyota’s decision to build a high-performance crossover will no doubt anger the purists. But, such a model will give Toyota Gazoo Racing an important foothold in the increasingly populated performance SUV market. Volkswagen recently launched the 296bhp T-Roc R; Hyundai’s N division is readying its tuned Kona crossover and Ford is lining up an ST version of the new Puma.

Best SUVs and 4x4s on sale now

Like the forthcoming GR Corolla, we expect the GR C-HR will use a de-tuned version of the turbocharged 268bhp 1.6-litre three-cylinder petrol engine fitted to the new GR Yaris. In developing the engine for the GR Yaris, Gazoo’s engineers have had an eye on installing it elsewhere – not least because the company wants to recoup the intensive costs involved.

Crucially, a senior Gazoo Racing executive has told Auto Express that the unit “can be used in other applications” and that it “can be offered in more than one state of tune”. He also conceded that this was “not an engine that had to be built” for the GR Yaris to exist – a hint that it will indeed go on to have a wider range of applications.

The GR C-HR crossover will continue to be based on Toyota’s TNGA underpinnings, which should form a good basis for a performance SUV – albeit with a handful of upgrades. The platform features multi-link suspension and will likely be supported by new dampers, uprated brakes and lighter alloys.

Do you think the Toyota GR C-HR will be good enough to take on the Volkswagen T-Roc R? Let us know in the comments section below…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Toyota C-HR GR Sport 2024 review: the hit crossover returns with new funky styling
Toyota C-HR - front

Toyota C-HR GR Sport 2024 review: the hit crossover returns with new funky styling

The new C-HR is refined, well-equipped and good to drive, but it all comes at a cost
Road tests
20 Dec 2023

Most Popular

New Vauxhall Mokka facelift takes the fight to the Ford Puma with £24k starting price
Vauxhall Mokka facelift - front static

New Vauxhall Mokka facelift takes the fight to the Ford Puma with £24k starting price

Vauxhall’s stylish small SUV has been given an interior makeover, bigger screens and a simplified engine line-up
News
6 Nov 2024
Dacia Spring Cargo is a new city slicker electric van for only £13k
Dacia Spring Cargo - front static

Dacia Spring Cargo is a new city slicker electric van for only £13k

The commercial version of Dacia’s cut-price Spring EV ditches the back seats to increase cargo space
News
5 Nov 2024
New Suzuki e Vitara revealed: Japanese brand’s first EV only offers 248-mile range
Suzuki e Vitara reveal - front

New Suzuki e Vitara revealed: Japanese brand’s first EV only offers 248-mile range

The compact Suzuki e Vitara electric SUV will be available with four-wheel drive, and should arrive next summer
News
4 Nov 2024