2.0 gr sport

Battery supplied with this model not fit for purpose

I purchased a new Toyota CHR gr sport in April 2024 ( new model) The car cost just over £40.000. The car is very comfortable and nice to drive with some nice extras including a head up display. However the car lacks a heated steering wheel and more importantly a rear windscreen wiper due to cost cutting measures by Toyota.
DO NOT CONSIDER BUYING THE NEW CHR UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THIS REVIEW !
I have been let down a number of times now in that I could not start the car due to the battery being flat, I have been forced to summon the assistance of the AA on a number of occasions and the AA mechanics have told me that they are constantly having to turn out to Toyotas for this problem especially the CHRs and the Yaris. The reason for this is quite simple, the battery for the vehicle as supplied by Toyota is not fit for purpose and they are suitable only for a very small car or a motorbike., thanks to ill thought out and foolish cost cutting measures by Toyota. I have found through experience that in the following circumstances the battery may flatten.
1. If the car has not been driven for 2 to 3 days especially when the weather is cold.
2. When washing and vacuuming the car with some of the doors open for more than a couple of minutes.
3. Frequent use of the automated rear door opening system.

I have been advised by a Toyota employee to keep the car engine running whilst cleaning it ( this is unnecessary expense and is not good for the environment despite the car's green credentials. )
I have also been told by an AA employee to try NOT washing the car in the winter months ( this is foolish as by law one is required to keep lights and reg.plates clean for obvious reasons.)

I find it incredible that in this date and age a major car manufacturer is fitting batteries to their cars which are not sufficient to keep the car operating, indeed a Toyota employee told my wife in hushed terms that the battery is in fact only suitable for a motorbike. The AA told me that they could in fact supply and fit a larger and more powerful battery to the car, however this would invalidate the car's warranty so that is not the answer either , Toyota themselves won't or cannot fit a larger battery so owners of these cars are stuck with it!!!, unbelievable. I have friends who have got the same car and they are now seeking legal advice, I personally will be contacting the financial ombudsman as I believe I have been misold this car. If I had known of this problem before buying it I would have bought something else instead.

To anyone out there thinking about buying the new m model CHR, my advice is don't for obvious resigns. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

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