DRIVER’S JOURNAL
Day 1: I wasn’t sure what to expect as this is a new model, but I loved the aggressive lines and the fabulous metallic paint. Getting in was easy, and I quickly noted and liked the chrome gearshift.
Day 2: The manual seat adjustment was easy to use. Got to try out the temperature control and it comes with handy toggles on both sides. Easy to use and great to look at. Backup camera comes as a split rear-view mirror version with a third of the mirror for the backup camera and two-thirds a standard mirror. I love this combo, as I like to check both the camera and the mirror at the same time.
Day 3: I’m a golfer so I like to check if at least two sets of golf clubs will fit. The answer is a conditional yes. Indents in the rear side storage area give enough room to fit a couple of bags but you would be hard pressed to fit more than two or to fit carts. The spare tire takes up a lot of room, leaving a shallow cargo space. If you had only two people, putting down the rear seats is easy and they go flat so that gives you the room you need. But that limits it to a two-person vehicle if you need to carry much luggage.
Day 4: Very quiet ride. Love Toyota’s soundproofing. With the sloping back windows the rear cabin seems dark, as the sleek design doesn’t provide much glass. I also connected my phone via Bluetooth and it was a simple task, connected seamlessly and for a non-techie that is a bonus. The call functions are clear and easy to access both on the steering wheel and the display.
Day 5: Took a day trip that combined going to the airport and a road trip to High River. The C-HR handles very smoothly on the highway, with a quiet ride. It comes with blind-spot monitors and lane-control features that are easy to enable. My wife commented that it looks a lot like a two-door, as Toyota has designed the rear door handles to blend seamlessly into the flow of the vehicle. Great design.
Day 6: I had the C-HR parked on the side street this morning and as I went to get in, two of my neighbours commented on it. I think this is a combination of the terrific red paint and black side moulding plus the aggressive design. Feeling pretty proud. I got in and gave it a run through the power manual shifter. While not a rocket, it moves smoothly and confidently.
Day 7: For us it would be a great second vehicle, but just not enough storage room for four with big suitcases or sports equipment. Great sporty feel and fun to drive. In my opinion, Toyota has built a bulletproof vehicle with a great aggressive style.