What's the difference?
According to the chief engineer for the Toyota C-HR, a second generation was never guaranteed for this uncharacteristically (for Toyota) design-led small SUV.
After the Corolla Cross came into existence, the top brass didn’t think the brand needed two similarly sized models in the line-up. So, why is it here, and is it any good?
The first question is easy to answer - the team drew the new C-HR up as a European model, built in hybrid-only and with enough key differences from the Corolla Cross to avoid the models competing.
The second question? Let’s find out.
Thank the automotive gods cars like the GR Yaris still exist.
Not only are hot hatches the funnest way to drive, but in a world that’s obsessed with electric vehicles, these combustion-powered beasties remind us what we’ve got before it's gone.
The GR Yaris arrived in 2020 and won praise for its rally-car-for-the-road feel with Toyota’s high-performance division Gazoo Racing heavily modifying the docile Yaris hatch - while adding a bit of Corolla - to create this little monster.
In early 2025 Toyota added more power and torque, along with an automatic transmission for the GR Yaris and now a new variant has been launched - the GTS Aero Performance Package and this is what we are testing.
There’s not much in terms of practicalities that are going to convince you the C-HR is a better option than Toyota’s other small SUV, the Corolla Cross.
Even other ‘stylish’ small SUVs like the Mazda CX-30, fuel savers like the electric MG ZS EV, or performance small SUVs like the Hyundai Kona N are more affordable than the GR Sport version of the C-HR.
In the case of this car, unlike most of its Toyota stablemates, buyers will likely be making a decision from the heart based on exterior styling and its interior rather than value or practicality.
And who would anyone be to tell you not to buy a car you like for its styling?
The GR Yaris GTS with the Aero Performance Package is a so wonderfully special with its brilliant engineering, mind-blowing dynamics and fun-to-drive nature. The new aero package makes an already angry beastie look furious, making it the perfect enhancement that's also functional.
The only lower marks here are for warranty, fuel use and practicality. But if there was a score for fun it'd be a 10/10.