TOYOTA C- HR

You seldom see so many curious people gawking, taking photos, touching and slowing down on freeways to take a better look. The C-HR (Cross hatch runabout or Compact high rider were two interpretations) is an attention magnet, that’s for sure. Based on the new TNGA platform introduced with the new Prius, the C-HR is an urban sophisticate, not a rough-roader. Significant work is said to have been done on insulation and it shows in the vehicle’s refined ride and drivetrain. Only on coarse surfaces is there some road roar, plus minimal wind rustle from around the A-pillar.

One contentious area that appears to be the result of a specification basket issue is the provision of just two front airbags. Still, the complement of driver aids includes stability control, ABS with EBD and BAS, hill start and hill hold.

All models get the 85 kw 1,2-litre turbopetrol. Despite the 6-speed manual version’s IMT smart gearshift management, which smooths out shifts, the CVT felt snappier and quieter.

It’s offered in 2wd only (Toyota South Africa opted not to take the 4wd option, which was deemed to be more suited to snow-belt regions. And in any case the RAV4 provides an alternative – albeit pricier). Diesel is not on the cards, but a hybrid has been comissioned.

Price: from R318 000 (m) and R356 000 (CVT).