IF you thought the styling of the original Toyota CH-R was a tad wacky, take a look at the newest version.

With its ‘hammerhead' nose, sharp side creasing and two-tone paint work, it certainly stands out from the crowd. Our car was ‘decorated' in gold and black with colour-spit behind the rear door, making it still more noticeable.

Perhaps surprisingly, unlike most replacement models the new CH-R is marginally shorter and lower than its forerunner. Space in the cabin, however, is similar because the wheelbase has remained the same, and it's actually slightly wider.

With a 2.0-litre, self charging hybrid petrol engine coupled to an automatic gearbox, the CH-R is both ultra frugal and a doddle to drive. Despite the coupe-style looks, this is less of a sports model and more family orientated with a cosseting cabin and a very driver orientated cockpit

Those in the front are well catered for with lots of soft-touch plastic, big all-enveloping seats and plenty of treats such as electrically and adjustable seats, dual climate control, and state-of-the-art touchscreens.

Facia styling is bold and bang up to date with sweeping curves and ample cubbies for storage, including a central box with lid.

The rear is less generously proportioned than the front with limited legroom and quite a low, scalloped roofline. The hatchback boot is well-shaped but smaller than most rivals with a capacity of 388litres. Rear seats split and fold to expand the cargo carrying ability.

Its 2.0litre, 193bhp engine endows it with spritely acceleration, although it's more the ease of driving that impresses. The CVT automatic gearbox copes well in providing a steady stream of power. The engine tends to become a bit more vocal as the revs rise, but quietens down nicely at cruising speeds.

Unfortunately, Toyota has chosen not to fit steering wheel paddles which would have allowed the driver more control.

Despite some brisk running, we averaged a hugely impressive 52mpg over mixed routes during the 400 miles we spent in the car.

One of the chief aspects of the CH-R that helps make it relaxing and comfortable is the well tuned suspension. Just about the right compromise is arrived at to allow quick, tidy cornering without penalty to ride comfort. Roll angles are kept to a minimum.

Driven by its front wheels, in usual Toyota style, steering is pleasantly weighted and positive enough though there's not a huge amount of feedback from the road surface - sometimes a bonus on most counties' routes.

The Premiere Edition, focused on here, comes with tinted panoramic glass sunroof which, though non-opening, does however lighten the interior. Rearward vision isn't especially good due to the tapering tail and shallow rear window.

A minor grouse is that there's no rear wiper - ok, it might spoil the clean lines but it would keep the glass clear of raindrops.

If you liked the first CH-R, its replacement with its even more futuristic looks is sure to endear you still further. But it's a tough sector where sales are hard fought.

£42,490

: 1,987cc, 193bhp, 4cyl, petrol hybrid engine driving 2 wheels via automatic gearbox

112mph

7.8sec

53.3

: 22

110g/km

29%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4