Toyota has joined the small SUV class with its quirky looking and well-equipped C-HR.
After years of dominance by the Nissan Qashqai, all of a sudden there’s a new challenger vying for the top small SUV spot, perfect for families and young professionals alike.
The C-HR is slick, stylish and yet so practical. It’s dressed in 18 inch alloy wheels and comes equipped with safety cameras as standard.
The first thing you’ll notice when taking Toyota’s new C-HR out for a test drive, aside from its refined sharp looks and keyless start, is the sound of the engine. Or rather the non-existent sound of the engine. Toyota have done a great job of containing noise and vibration. No matter how hard you push its valiant 1.2 turbo engine it never gets gobby – unlike some of the passengers. The option of a hybrid is also in the line-up, combining an electric motor with a 1.8 litre petrol engine.
The C-HR is tough to fault when you’re behind the wheel. Its steering is accurate and the car feels naturally weighted when winding round bends. Toyota seem to have the handling and comfort spot on as it keeps its cool over rough tarmac at low speeds, yet remains composed over high speed dips and potholes. It’s comfortable and sophisticated.
Getting comfortable behind the wheel is easy, too, because of the generous steering wheel and seat adjustment and lumbar support. Not to mention heated seats – although, apparently, your first experience can make you feel as if you’ve wet yourself. It provides enough leg and head room up front for tall adults.
It’s the same story in the back – a couple of adults can sit behind those in the front without their knees touching the front seat-backs or their hair brushing the roof. It also has 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
So, this mini SUV isn’t as small as it looks, and it’s packed with safety aids including blind-spot, reverse camera and warning sensors which give you a lot less to worry about when you’re talking to the little one/s in the back.
As well as responsive technology, the cockpit of the C-HR also has an 8 inch touch screen including sat-nav and DAB radio with superb sound quality – especially noticeable because of how quiet the car is.
With a starting price of £20,995 from new, it’s lot of car for your money. And Toyota have a reputation of being reliable. It’s smooth, cool, and tenacious. So what are you waiting for? Visit RRG Toyota to book your test drive today.
For more information and to locate your nearest centre, visit: www.rrg-group.com/pages/centres