By Patrick James on 2018-07-22 - The author has been a motoring writer for more than 16 years. Formerly motoring editor at the Coventry Telegraph, he now produces motoring copy, on new car launches and road tests on a freelance basis.
Toyota C-HR Dynamic
Hybrid 1.8 CVT
TOYOTA'S striking C-HR crossover put me in mind of its more upmarket and stylish siblings from Lexus.
There's no doubting the street presence of the mid-level crossover designed to shake up that segment of the market.
With its distinctive sleek and dynamic shape, with sharp creases, angles, high riding stance, alloy wheels, it never failed to attract attention.
Despite its coupe like styling, it is a five door with the rear door handles cleverly concealed, but awkwardly placed, especially for children.
Add to this the latest technology with this new full hybrid set up and you have quite a package.
The C-HR stands for High Riding Compact and it based on what the firm's global architecture (TNGA), which underpins new models.
There are four versions including this range-topping Dynamic and the choice of a the 1.8-litre full hybrid on this model or a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine. This model features a CVT gearbox while the 1.2-litres has the choice of manual gearbox.
As a full hybrid, the electric motor is always in operation and the petrol engine will kick in at any speed depending on conditions and the state of charge in the battery, as well as when flooring the accelerator pedal.
As ever with these models, how economically you are driving is flagged up by myriad dials and readouts via the eight inch touchscreen which also controls phone connectivity, sound system and navigation, and the 4.2 inch TFT multi-information display in the binnacle.
All models are well equipped with even the entry level electric door mirrors and windows, rain sensing wipers and auto dim mirror. Move up the range to the range topping Dynamic and you get nearly all the bells and whistles, including leather seats, park assist technology, parking sensors and rear view camera, 18-inch alloys andblack Bi-tone roof.
This model also feature Toyota Safety Sense, which alerts drivers to potential crashes and kicks in with high-tech assistance like autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian recognition.
Lane departure alert, traffic sign recognition and auto full be headlights are also part of the package.
This is in addition, on this model, blind spot monitor, cross traffic alert and lang change assistance.
The cabin itself has a thoroughly modern looks with high quality fixtures and fittings and piano black plastic finish. There are neat chrome finish throughout the cabin as well as blue strips to emphasise the eco nature of the car.
For practicality the rear seats can be folded to greatly increase the 377 litres when upright.
On the road the combined power of 120bhp propels you to 60mph in just 11 seconds and on to a top speed of 105mph. Hardly eye-wateringly exciting and it can feel sluggish if not in the right power mode and looking to get somewhere quickly. Economy is good, as you would expect from a hybrid, with claimed 72.4 mpg, while emissions of 87g/km put it in the 19 per cent bracket for business users.
Hybrids are not renowned for their handling, but on the road the car its comfortable and feels stable and grippy when cornering with little evidence of body roll.
Toyota C-HR Dynamic Hybrid 1.8 CVT
Price: £28,620
Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,798cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox
Max Speed: 105mph
0-62mph: 11 seconds
Combined MPG: 47.9
Insurance Group: 14
C02 emissions: 87g/km
Bik rating: 19%
Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles
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