I have just taken delivery of my new Toyota C-HR hybrid and I am delighted with my first automatic vehicle. I made a conscious decision to choose an eco-friendly car. Not quite ready to go fully electric, I opted for a hybrid and loved the sporty design of Toyota’s newest model. So here it is;
Some of my passengers may be claiming whiplash injuries as I grow accustomed to 2 pedals rather than 3 and my constant reaching to change gears that don’t shift. I am certain that I am not alone. This is probably a similar experience for those used to manual ‘stick shift’ operation in their transition to an automatic car. It is amazing how quickly you do become accustomed to the change.
With its space-age shape and striking alloys, it’s a head-turning vehicle. The Toyota C-HR is the newest to the fleet and is a compact SUV. Although it does have a similar footplate to the Nissan Qashqui.
The interior is stylish and contemporary. I do find the windscreen size smaller than I am used to although you swiftly become aware of any blind spots. The inclusion of parking sensors and a rearview camera are always a plus.
Toyota’s Touch 2® multimedia system has the 8″ screen built into the raised dashboard and I think it is a top feature. Easy to use; sat nav, phone, audio, air con and car data readily available at the touch of a button and at a great eye level without distraction.
Due to the sleek roof design the back seats appear to feel quite compact in comparison to other SUV’s. I don’t often have many passengers in the back so this isn’t really an issue for me but something to consider if you have a growing family. The boot is more than sufficient for a shopping spree and will easily hold a couple of large suitcases. The seats also fold down quite easily for anything larger. I opted for the addition of a boot liner as it makes it so much easier to keep clean.
My driving needs are generally around town, the short distance to work, shopping, taking the dog to the beach and driving the 70+ miles across to the Lake District. Although I am driving every day most of my travel is fairly short distances and only really drive long distance a few times a year. I do like the height that the car gives you to see further across the road. Having recently had to attend a speed awareness course I am increasingly conscious of making sure I am a safe driver. The addition of the speed limits of the roads displayed on the dash means I can definitely keep my speed in check!
I opted for the Design in the range which adds a few additional features to the car including sat nav and of course the winter driver’s essential……. heated seats! Preferring to spend my money on a higher spec model rather than the colour of the car or the leather seat upgrade, I think I made the right choices. If you start adding on all of the extras it soon becomes a deposit for a house rather than a price of a car.
Keyless entry and power start button are also great features. My little dog loves that he can open his own electric window in the back, I just need to teach him how to close it again! There are cup and bottle holders galore although storage in the doors is small I’ve never really had a lot of purpose for storing much more in the front of the car than a packet of mints and some loose change.
I have found fuel economy driving in and around town is tremendous with running on eco mode most of the time. I have covered over 400 miles on my first tank of fuel so I am already impressed at how economical this car is. CO2 emissions are significantly low (86g/km).
The expert reviews say that there are probably more spacious and economical SUV’s on the market that cost less. It’s horses for courses and I love the design of my Toyota C-HR and it certainly meets my needs. I have previously owned a Renault Scenic, a Nissan Almera Tino & a Nissan Qashqui so I am familiar with this style of car. As far as I am concerned I have made the right choice.
There are only a few of them around at the moment so the big plus is that I can always spot which car is mine in the car park. (It’s generally got a crowd around it admiring it) If you are looking at hybrid’s, I would certainly recommend taking a test drive of the Toyota C-HR, I know I love mine.
Happy Travels!
