Being a motorcyclist for close to a decade now (crap, time sure flies haha) and having test ridden a number of different bikes, I can't help but feel excited to try out my very first car review with none other than the all new Toyota C-HR 1.8L Hybrid.
Courtesy of Liberty Auto Boutique.
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With the global automotive industry swerving towards adapting healthier emission standards, I'm beginning to notice an uprising trend in Hybrid cars so let us check out the immediate advantages of driving one:
Having indulged in the rugged side of motorcycling, from racing down the track with defeaning exhaust pipes screaming away,
to swimming in mud pools during my occasional dirt biking activities,
I think I could appreciate a sporty looking car that is yet quiet, drives in ease and comfort, with great fuel efficiency because the petrol prices in Singapore ain't exactly cheap :/
Purchasing a car in Singapore is a big commitment so it is important to be sure that the car you fancy, is the one that will serve you well to your needs. Hence, a sufficient test drive on the roads could help when it comes to the decision-making.
Liberty Auto Boutique is one of Singapore's newest car importer that offers road-registered test drive units for the latest fleet of cars in the market, not having mention their competitive prices for various makes and models of cars that they carry. And this is where I booked my Toyota C-HR for the test drive!
The name C-HR stands for Coupe High Rider, and the first impression of this compact crossover is its distinctive styling elements with sharp lines running through from the front to the rear end of the car, with the rear door handles sneakily mounted at the extreme corner, enhancing the overall sporty look.
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This automated transmission front-wheel drive comes in 8 different colors to choose from,
and how generous it is of Liberty Auto Boutique to throw in complimentary leather seats of your choice to replace the original boring black fabric ones.
Sporting a futuristic sculptured exterior, peering into its interior revealed some level of sophistication with its diamond-inspired designs reflected on the side door panels, the roof lining, the speaker grills and even on the side mirrors.
The dashboard feels plush wrapped in leather and a hint of elegance is nicely displayed with the console trim in sparkling piano black.
With its keyless entry and ignition, time to get those engines rolling and find out how well the Toyota C-HR drives!
As I was on the go, pairing my favourite Spotify playlist to the Infotainment via Bluetooth was a breeze and song selection was easy with its touch screen function, though it was disappointing that it did not have any Navigation system.
The console runs deep and has multiple generous cupholder size that can fit up to 1.5L bottles where we could load up on drinks to keep hydrated on the drive.
The leather-stitched telescopic steering wheel delivered easy handling with wide turning radius and its multifunctional-control features just make things more convenient; from answering a phone call, to adjusting the volumes, and activating cruise control etc.
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What makes the Toyota C-HR dominate in the safety tech aspect is having the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) installed across all its models, where currently no other cars in the same class can match its level of technology. This is helpful because it aids in the prevention of collision with objects/vehicles that happen to fall in your blind spot, such as motorcyclists.
Added safety assurances include the Autonomous Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Lane Departure Warning to help in accident prevention.
It also comes equipped a string of other useful features like the Intelligent Park Assist via the rear view camera,
Satelight Navigation, Dual Zone Climate Control and Cruise Control that is perfect for long drive road trips.
The front feels roomy and spacious as I enjoyed the comfortable drive so far, while observing how fuel efficient this twin powered engine (gasoline engine and electric motor) is, conserving as much energy as possible. A drive from Woodlands to East Coast and back to Woodlands did not see the fuel gauge metre dip one bit! #truestory
The suspension keeps the car composed through the corners and humps, and its well tuned brakes provide adequate amount of confidence when coming to a stop.
It's nice to take a break at the back seat once in a while, and it's surprising to find sufficient headroom space in the rear despite the car's sloping roofline though the small rear windows can cause some to feel a little on the claustrophobic side.
Boot space is average but it can be further increased with the option of putting the backseats down completely. The hard top cover is also an added safety feature to prevent your valuables from the eyes of lurking vehicle thefts.
Overall Verdict:
I love the idea of how fuel efficient and environmental friendly the Toyota C-HR is, and ths Hybrid would appeal to those who fancy a futuristic and sporty looking SUV that offers an incredibly quiet and comfortable drive through the city.
The combination of a spacious front seat and wife dashboard provides an airy feel with sufficient torque for the chill out drivers. Ultimately, it will get you from one destination to another in ease despite any traffic congestion, which is what a daily driver in Singapore could work well with :)
Book your test drive with Liberty Auto Boutique today to find out how well it drives!
Liberty Auto Boutique
81 Tagore Lane, Tag A
#01-01
Singapore 787502
Tel: 6816 0101