If cars could talk then Toyota’s new C-HR small SUV would surely borrow Kath Day-Knight’s signature, “look at moi, look at moiii,” line from the iconic Aussie sitcom Kath & Kim.

Kath (Jane Turner) might even approve of having the stylish little Toyota adding kerbside appeal to her and Kel’s tidy Fountain Lakes four-bedder, provided Sharon could still find room to park the Barina.

Much like Kath’s elegant wardrobe, styling has been a key part of the Toyota’s C-HR’s appeal since the compact SUV first launched in 2017, and this second-generation model continues the legacy.

Designed and engineered in Europe and manufactured in Turkey, the C-HR’s distinctive looks are a key part of its showroom appeal, its dynamic coupe-like stance and exaggerated looks suggestive of a concept car that has escaped the design studio.

Arguably the most distinctive aspect of the new look is Toyota’s ‘Hammerhead’ front-end design, which recently debuted on its new bZ4X EV.

Elsewhere, the body sides feature intersecting panels with sharp character lines that create an interesting play of light, while the low-slung roof features an integrated spoiler, below which LED taillights span the width of the vehicle.

The accentuated rake of the rear screen means a rear wiper is no longer required, which Toyota claims aids aerodynamic performance, and this model also does away with the original’s C-pillar mounted hidden door handles, replacing them with slick recessed handles that pop out automatically.

For those wanting further differentiation, the two top models in the three-variant range – comprising GXL, Koba and GR Sport – can be further enhanced with an optional two-tone paint scheme that adds a black roof for an extra $775.

Double that amount and Koba and GT Sport buyers can add a ‘two-tone plus’ finish which extends the black roof finish to the rear of the vehicle, for an exaggerated Starsky and Hutch Gran Torino look.

The C-HR is built on Toyota’s latest TNGA-C platform with a body that’s claimed to be stiffer and lighter than its predecessor, boasting higher torsional rigidity thanks to greater use of high-tensile steel.

Toyota claims this has associated benefits for handing, durability and NVH.

The new model rides on the same wheelbase as its predecessor, which means there’s no more interior space, but looks more dynamic thanks to a shorter front overhang and wider wheel tracks, which combine to lend it a nicely planted and cohesive appearance.

Significantly, the new C-HR continues Toyota Australia’s recent trend of offering its fuel-saving hybrid powertrain exclusively on certain model lines. Where the old C-HR featured a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.8-litre hybrid version, the new range features an improved 1.8-litre hybrid and a new 2.0-litre hybrid.

Under the skin in both cases is Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid technology which is claimed to be lighter and more compact but with increased power and lower emissions.

There’s also a new and more powerful lithium-ion battery in place of the previous model’s nickel-metal hydride unit.

Prices start at $42,990 (MRLP) for the entry-level GXL, stepping up sharply to $49,990 for the mid-spec Koba and on to a hefty $54,990 for the all-wheel drive GR Sport.

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If you’re thinking that’s a lot of money for a small SUV, you’re not wrong, with the C-HR’s obvious front-wheel drive competitor, the Hyundai Kona hybrid, starting at a lower $36,000, and topping out at $46,500 for the nicely kitted out Kona Premium with N Line Pack.

Hyundai doesn’t have a hybrid all-wheel drive equivalent to the GR Sport but its 1.6-litre turbocharged all-wheel model costs $40,000 or $46,500 for the Premium, with N-Line pack included as standard.

The front-wheel drive GXL and Koba are both powered by the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with the new hybrid transaxle claimed to be 14 percent more powerful and 7% more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

The petrol engine contributes 72kW/142Nm while the electric motor develops 70kW/185Nm, for combined system outputs of 103kW (Toyota doesn’t quote combined torque outputs for its hybrids).

Combined Fuel consumption is 4.0L/100km, which is 0.3L/100km thriftier than before.

In keeping with its adoption of the sporty ‘Gazoo Racing’ acronym, the top-spec GR Sport features a larger capacity 2.0-litre petrol hybrid with dual-motor E-Four all-wheel drive system.

The petrol engine produces a heartier 112kW/188Nm, which combines with 83kW/206Nm front and 30kW/84Nm rear electric motors, for combined system outputs of 146kW. Combined cycle fuel consumption is a claimed 4.1L/100km.

Using the Hyundai Kona once again as a comparison, the front-wheel drive 1.6-litre Kona Hybrid boasts outputs comparable to the GXL and Koba of 104kW/265Nm, and slightly better combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.9L/100km. Hyundai doesn’t have a Kona hybrid equivalent to the GR Sport but its 1.6-litre turbocharged all-wheel model offers a comparable 146kW/265Nm, although its 7.6L/100km fuel consumption is no match for the thrifty Toyota.

Back with the interior of the C-HR which is attractively designed with a driver-centric layout that features a 12.3-inch multi-view digital dash ahead of the driver and a 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen that offers wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, cloud-based sat nav, DAB+ digital radio, and intelligent voice control.

The entry-level GXL gets the same central touchscreen but smaller 7.0-inch multi-instrument display with simpler functions.

The buttressed centre console has the effect of funnelling the front seat occupants into a narrow space, so two larger bodies driving side by side are likely to bump elbows, or at least get a good appreciation of each other’s aftershave.

The snug cabin looks suitably premium, particularly in the upmarket Koba and GR Sport variants, with an interesting mix of premium material and textures.

Toyota claims the new C-HR uses twice as much recycled plastics as before, including seat fabrics made from recycled plastics.

Unsurprisingly, the base GXL is least impressive with its fabric trim and manual seat adjustment, where the Koba boasts heated front seats with power operation for the driver, plus combination artificial-suede and fabric upholstery.

The GR Sport adds an artificial leather and suede combination with red cross-stitching with ‘GR’ logos, along with GR-branded aluminium scuff plates and floor mats, and perforated GR Sport steering wheel with heating.

Among the surprise-and-delight features of the Koba and GR Sport are a selectable 14-colour ambient-strip-lighting system on the console and front doors that adjusts automatically according to the selected drive mode, or you can play around with the settings to create an individualised palette.

A panoramic sunroof can also be added if bundled with the ‘two-tone plus’ premium paint package at a cost of $2700.

The sunroof uses infrared and heat reflecting technology to maintain cabin temperature in lieu of a sunshade, which Toyota says saves 5kg of weight and 3cm of headroom.

It worked fine on a mild autumn day in Melbourne but a Queensland summer might test its reflective resolve.

Standard features of the GXL include LED lights with automatic high beam, a rear spoiler, automatic dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather-accented steering wheel electronic parking brake, USB-C and 12V charging ports and an electro-chromatic rearview mirror.

Over and above this the Koba adds auto-leveling bi-LED headlamps, LED foglamps, adaptive high beam, a powered tailgate, premium gloss black exterior accents and privacy glass for the rear and rear-side windows. Also included is a colour head-up display, wireless smartphone charger, and rear USB-C accessory port.

The GR Sport gets all the Koba kit plus the interior upgrades mentioned earlier, plus the larger engine, bigger brakes and all-wheel drive system.

Rear-seat accommodation is not overly generous in any version and taller occupants will need to watch their heads when entering or exiting.

Boot space is a reasonable 388 litres in the GXL and Koba, expanding to 1,155-litres with the rear seats folded.

The GR Sport has a smaller 362/1134-litre offering due to the second motor for the AWD system.

In either case, that’s smaller than the Hyundai Kona (407/1241-litres), and Toyota’s own Corolla Cross Hybrids which boast between 380 and 425 litres of boot space, depending on the variant. It’s also worth noting that where the GXL gets a space saver spare wheel, the Koba and GR Sport get a tyre repair kit only.

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Safety is well catered for with 10 Airbags and the latest Toyota Safety Sense technology which includes a pre-collision safety system, active cruise control, lane trace assist, parking support brake, road sign assist (speed signs only), safe exit assist, as well as a panoramic view monitor and 10 airbags.

All variants come with a basic Toyota Connected Services package, which uses a data communication module built into the vehicle to provide a range of security and safety features via a smartphone app.

Along with the ability to remotely check on various vehicle functions such as fuel level and whether the doors have been left open, the system will also automatically alert emergency services in the event of an accident.

The additional ToyotaConnect+ package adds such features as the ability to remotely lock and unlock the vehicle, start the engine, set the cabin temperature, and analyse the driving performance of different users. It’s free for the first 12-months and available thereafter on a subscription basis for $9.95 per month.

A Toyota Multimedia Connect package is also complimentary for the first 12-months, after which it’s available for $12.50 per month and bundles connected navigation capability, multiple multimedia profile settings, connected voice assistant and more.

Out on the road the C-HR is not an overly sporty drive, even in top-spec GR Sport trim.

Performance is adequate in the FWD model and a bit more spirited in the dual-motor GR Sport but it’s not the sort of vehicle that will rouse the blood of an enthusiast driver.

The updated CVT transmission offers Normal, Eco and Sports modes and while its performance is improved over previous iterations it still has that distinctive elastic-band feel under strong acceleration that takes some getting used to. NVH is well controlled, though, and the engine isn’t overly intrusive, even when being worked hard.

Suspension is via front Macpherson Struts with a multilink rear end, with the GR Sport and Koba riding on 19-inch wheels which proved a little busy over lumpy surfaces.

Anyone who is particularly sensitive to ride quality or who often drives on rough roads would be wise to consider the plusher riding entry-level GXL, with its 17-inch wheel and tyre combination, although that also means a lower specification grade.

Aside from looking good, the 19-inch wheels provide a modest improvement to steering feel and handling, with the GR Sport steering decently weighted and accurate.

Body control when cornering could be better in all variants, with the suspension allowing more roll and rebound than ideal.

Unsurprisingly, the AWD GR Sport feels the more sure-footed and balanced through the bends and has superior stopping power too, thanks to its larger ventilated front discs and twin-piston calipers.

Despite the high price tag there are a few areas where Toyota has cut some corners to reduce costs, such as the absence of a fold-down centre armrest in the rear seat, and a seatback map pocket on one seat only.

That’s disappointing, but the C-HR wins back some ground with its five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and economical capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000km, with each 12-month/15,000km service costing $250.

In summary, like its predecessor the second-generation Toyota C-HR is very much a heart-over-head purchase.

It’s a sport utility vehicle without a great deal of utility, thanks to its compact dimensions, and a car people will buy simply because they love the way it looks, and because beneath the eye-catching skin are tried and proven Toyota hybrid mechanicals.

With that promise of Toyota build quality comes the inevitable ‘Toyota tax,’ however, and anyone looking to make a case for the C-HR on purely practical or value-based grounds will struggle, simply because there are other less expensive and roomier rivals out there, albeit few with the extroverted style of the C-HR.

Toyota C-HR GR Sport MY24 key info

• Price: $54,990 (MRLP)
• Powertrain: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol (112kW/188Nm), series parallel hybrid, dual-electric-motor all-wheel drive system, (83kW/206Nm(F)/ 30kW/84Nm(R), combined system outputs 146kW, CVT transmission.
• ANCAP crash rating: Five stars (2024)
• Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 4.1L/100km (94g/km CO2)
• For: Striking looks, nicely appointed, quality finishes, good safety and connectivity.
• Against: High price, snug cabin, firm ride, modest boot space, no full spare wheel (tyre repair kit).