Relaxing in the opulent, marble covered reception area of MotorMartin Towers last week was interrupted by a very interesting phone call from the impressive Charles Clark Toyota based down in Wolverhampton and who can be contacted on 01902690044 and I’m certainly glad that they did. On the table was an offer to drive the all new Toyota C-HR, an incredibly styled hatchback crossed with an SUV, and to give some feedback as to first thoughts and impressions. A job that MotorMartin was more than happy to do. All of which is how MotorMartin and the mysterious Mr S, found themselves heading down through the darkness and mist, finally arriving in the faraway, strange and exotic lands of the Black Country late one morning last week.
All of which, brings us rather nicely to this, the Toyota C-HR, a crossover that has been causing quite a stir since launch with respect to the rather incredible styling, the C-HR looks like nothing else on the forecourt today sporting, as it does, styling that would appear to have come from the far future. Toyota have said that the C-HR is: inspired by the multifaceted precision of a diamond with a sculptured look and powerfully expressive lines.
With bold creases adorning the bodywork, particularly those that swoop down from the front wheel arches and along the doors before swooping up and over the bulging rear arches, the C-HR looks spectacular in the flesh whilst the brutal front end is both aggressive and aerodynamic. I particularly like how the headlights, housing as they do, quite superb triple LED running lights and up to the minute sequential indicators, swoop confidently from the front grill right up to and across the front wings. The rear of the Toyota with it’s Boomerang shaped lights, combine perfectly with the rear spoiler, sharply raked rear tailgate and rear diffuser to leave you in no doubt as to the precision and clear thinking applied during all aspects of the C-HR’s design process. This Toyota really is something new and unforgettable.
The Toyota gives the driver the dynamic feel and handling of a hatchback combined with the advantages of an SUV, giving the excitement and practicality that a good engine and handling package must provide. Of the two engines tested by MotorMartin, the 1.2 Petrol Turbo giving 115 hp and CO2 of 136 g/km and the 1.8 Petrol Hybrid producing 122 hp and CO2 of 87 g/km, means that both engines offer the modern driver with a very difficult choice to make as either option provide plenty of gutsy, flexible drive giving up to 47.9 and 74.3 mpg respectively.
Driving around Wolverhampton for the first time, I couldn’t have chosen a better car to do so in. The slightly raised driving position offers clear sightlines, whilst the light steering and controls allow you to concentrate clearly on the road and traffic ahead. A quality interior is standard across all three specifications of C-HR, providing comfort for five adults whilst the contoured sports seats give excellent support and comfort for the driver and front passenger.
The swooping front dashboard provides an up to date mix of technology and styling including Toyota’s excellent Touch 2 Multimedia system with Bluetooth, Go Navigation and rear camera whilst the C-HR also provides Toyota Safety Sense (Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic High Beam) and in Excel and Dynamic specification, Intelligent Park Assist with Front and Rear Parking Sensors. You really don’t want for anything in this well specified Toyota.
Overall, this is an extremely enjoyable car, it offers superb value for money, being available from just £20,995. It offers thoroughly modern performance, economy and efficiency combined with styling that is truly original and unique. You’ve the best characteristics of a hatchback and SUV combined in a stunning package. Toyota surely have a winner on their hands.
Where will you go?