This car stops traffic: Toyota C-HR Limited Hybrid
First impressions count, and often it’s not our outfit that people see first, but the vehicle we arrive in. Turning heads is Toyota’s modern C-HR Limited Hybrid, and Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker took it to the city for a day.
My wishlist typically consists of a Chanel perfume, a new-season little black dress, and the latest Tony Bianco boots. After taking the Toyota C-HR Limited Hybrid for a trip to the city–and having to give it back–there is something new on the list. It’s this car.
I want nothing more than the C-HR as my spring adventure companion: smooth, quiet driving and luxury bundled into one. It creates a curious illusion, boasting all the features and space of an SUV, at a sport-like size that never felt too big. The sustainability considerations further solidify Toyota as a leader in this area, as its fifth-generation HEV system with Li-Ion battery reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
When it comes to the exterior, choose from 12 colours, including two-tone exterior options, and four grades including GR Sport, with a higher power 2.0L engine and AWD. Its crisp, angular design draws from European magnificence. I can see why it’s not taking long to sell. As I unlocked, the door handles popped out, an elegant touch, and close again once locked to become flush with the exterior.
Inside, it was sleek and chic. I was greeted with suede and leather fabric, most of which is made from recycled plastic, and a considered design. It felt like each aspect had been expertly placed. Typically, I juggle my phone, makeup bag, keys, and wallet in the cup holder or console between myself and my passenger. In the C-HR, the dedicated space below the infotainment system fits everything with ease. The tinted panoramic roof transported me to a movie set on the Amalfi Coast–it’s the car of summer dreams.
Complete luxury didn’t stop at the features. I thought the smoothness of the electric, hands-free boot and the heated steering wheel was impressive until I discovered the LED strip lights in the interior were customisable by colour. My mind was racing: date night? Red. Girls trip? Pink. For my ride, I chose yellow to match the sunny spring day.
Toyota’s latest infotainment tech was on display, the 12.3-inch multimedia screen with Android Auto™ and wireless Apple CarPlay® means connecting and accessing directions is effortless. The taillight bar illuminates the Toyota C-HR logo when approaching with the smart key, like a welcome for the drive ahead.
While unashamedly, I was already in love thanks to the C-HR’s good looks, the safety features took it to a new level of desire. Toyota’s Safety Sense package already leads the pack, yet the C-HR does one better. From the automatic handbrake and motorcycle detection to the pre-collision system and self-parking abilities for all those tight spaces that make me nervous, this vehicle takes any fear–big or small–out of driving.
The ‘driver inattention detected’ reminder captured my attention, literally. It subtly notifies when the focus shifts from the road ahead for too long. So, whether it’s a distraction from the passenger seat or the excitement of those new shoes in the boot, the car will bring you back to focus.
What I truly love is it has all the features that matter in form and function, and none that don’t. Each one added to my driving experience in a completely uncomplicated way. Driving has never been easier, or more luxurious. Visit your local Toyota store today.
