Trying to make sense of the Toyota CH-R

The CH-R dare we say is the most stylish Toyota we’ve seen in a long time. It’s coupe-like profile means that you can have the rakish style of a BMW X4 without the premium price, but sometimes is the premium price justified?

The CH-R looks like it would have a large turbo under the bonnet, but you’ll be sad to learn that it isn’t even offered as an option. Instead you’ll be greeted by a 2-liter four-cylinder which offers decent flexibility if spirited driving isn’t in your vocabulary. Don’t get us wrong here, we love the low running costs associated with this engine but the sporty looks are just deceiving. We were hoping for more. There is no manual gearbox available just a continuously variable transmission which offers smooth acceleration around town and doesn’t really make too much of a ruckus on the highway, unless you flat out flog it.

The previous statement about the CH-R looking sporty but not feeling sporty at all follows into the driving experience. Steering feedback is just numb while road holding is more on the safe side rather than sporty or adventurous, to put it mildly you won’t want to push it through corners and bends like you would in let’s say a Nissan Juke. The steering is so numb that you have no clue what the front wheels are doing. We can say however, that road and wind noise are well suppressed and it is comfortable to drive on long journeys.

Most people won’t be driving it like hooligans and well those people who drive it more conservatively will find it quite comfortable. It’s dinky size makes parking in tight urban areas a breeze and while the steering is numb, it does make maneuvering around town easy.

The interior of the CH-R is a mixed bag. While the materials used in the cabin feel sturdy and long lasting, some of the plastics feel hard and cheap. The infotainment screen is fiddly to navigate through while on the move, it takes some time getting used to some of the menus. The front seats offer plenty of space, but those in the back will not want to ride for too long. The rear windows are downright tiny, and the fact that you can’t get the CH-R with a panorama sunroof means that those in the back will feel claustrophobic on long journeys. Visibility is great all but through the tiny rear window, luckily a parking-camera comes standard to help take the sting out of that. The boot space is tiny also and well, we understand that with style you give up practicality, but there should at least be some trade-offs that make it feel worth compromising for.

The CH-R does come well kitted for the money. XLE trim comes standard with auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated backup camera, dual-zone climate control, LED daytime running lamps and 4.2-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth for your mobile device. XLE-premium comes with keyless start, Blind Spot Monitoring system, electronic parking brake and sport-fabric trimmed front seats.

You’ll either love or loathe the CH-R. It doesn’t come with all-wheel-drive, visibility isn’t great and the engine doesn’t really go with the sporty looks. However, you do get a comfortable overall package here with low running costs. Which for some is good but others it feels lacking, and even if it does have Toyota’s Legendary build quality, there are rivals that have caught on and offer a more engaging driving experience to match.

Likes: Low running costs along with stylish exterior looks, rock solid build quality.

Dislikes: It’s not engaging to drive, the boot space is tiny. The rear passenger window is a joke. A panorama sunroof option is much needed here.

Devon’s pick: We strongly suggest sticking with the basics of the XLE. It already comes with all the kit you’ll need and is attractively priced, the XLE-premium only adds a few extra bits that some can do without. Plus without all-wheel-drive option it feels pretty expensive compared to those that are priced similarly with all-wheel-drive standard. 

Old dog, new tricks?

Just because you can teach an old dog new tricks doesn't mean that those tricks are worth learning. The Toyota Corolla certainly holds on tightly to it's laurels, but with talented rivals that have caught on to the the formula. The Corolla doesn't really seem like the sensible option it once was.

The standard 1.8 four-cylinder engine feels plenty for most buyers, while others will be much more satisfied with either a Chevy Cruze or Mazda 3. You won't have to really push the engine too hard on faster paced roads, however around town the Corolla shines as it's light steering and comfortable suspension makes it easy to live with as a daily commuter car. What we like the most about the Corolla is despite it having secure handling, it certainly knows it's limit. You won't feel inspired to driving it hard through corners or bends because the steering feedback is so numb that you'll lose confidence fast. It's as if the steering wheel and the front wheels ended all communication between each other. The suspension like we said before is comfortable but when you do decide to drive spiritedly, there's way too much body roll. It's almost as if the Corolla has a higher center of gravity than a compact crossover.

Drive the Corolla the way it's intended and you'll be greeted by a quiet cabin. It's so quiet that you'd think that Lexus or Mercedes designed it, just don't look around the cabin because that's where the Lexus and Mercedes reference ends. The dashboard seems logically laid out and is very easy to use. The infotainment system is easy to navigate through but it can get very distracting while on the go. The Bluetooth connectivity is just a tad too fussy for our liking. The front seats are okay in terms of comfort and adjustability isn't really all that limited. The second row seats are so-so in comfort. The seat bottom feels flat and lacking in comfort. The boot offers decent space but the old-fashioned trunk hinges eats into precious boot space. A Volkswagen Golf has a smaller boot but makes the most of the space that it does have.

There's a dizzying number of trim levels to choose from. We will focus on just a few because the rest are priced so closely together that they feel rather pointless. Standard L trim gets Bi-LED headlights, power windows and Blueooth connectivity. You'll have to step up to the LE to get a 6.1-inch touch screen infotainment screen, remote keyless entry and automatic climate control. XLE adds multi-LED headlights, smart key system with push button start and power sunroof. Top of the range XLE adds power adjustable front seats, premium audio system and premium trimmed seats. Our tester car was the LE trim which does offer make the most sense financially thanks to extra bits such as remote keyless entry and automatic climate control. However, you'll have to step all the way up to the XLE to get alloy wheels.

The Toyota Corolla offers a compelling package for those who really do prefer to rest on their laurels when it comes to a compact sedan. It may not be as fun to drive as the Mazda 3 but it certainly does have the build quality and low running costs. We just wish that it wasn't so dull to drive.

Likes: Low running costs with excellent quality and refinement.

Dislikes: Dizzying number of trim levels, and it's just so dull to drive. Rivals have caught on to Toyota quality and are more engaging to drive.

Our pick: The XLE maybe a tad too expensive for some but you get plenty of standard kit. We would stick with the LE for those who don't want to spend the cash just for alloy wheels and fancier headlights. You get auto climate control and full touch screen infotainment system, that's enough for some people. It certainly was enough for us, but why aren't alloy wheels fitted as standard?