Category Archives: Electric/hybrid

Electric/hybrid, Motoring, Toyota

Toyota C-HR

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Crossover offers dramatic styling

By Bill McCarthy

Toyota’s striking mid-level crossover stands out in many ways with its sleek and dynamic shape with sharp creases, angles, high riding stance.  The vehicle has always been stylish, but now the profile is even more dramatic and now features a unique coupe-like silhouette, larger alloy 18-inch alloy wheels and a shortened ‘hammerhead’ frontal design.

If you like gizmos such as flush-fitting door handles, then it has them and it also features full LED headlights with integrated turn indicators and in case you missed it, the model name is integrated into the rear light bar and is illuminated as you start up or switch off.

 Toyota makes much of it being ‘customer-centred’ and includes premium features such as ambient lighting with 64 colour options and a panoramic roof that requires no sunshade  and rear privacy glass.

The cabin feels light and airy robust, high-quality fixtures and fittings and a piano black plastic finish. There are neat chrome finishes and blue strips throughout the cabin to emphasise the car’s eco-friendly nature.

In practical terms, a reasonably spacious 388 litre boot will accommodate most needs.

The line-up includes the latest two litre plug-in hybrid which joins the 1.8 and 2.0-litre models, powered by the fifth generation Toyota full hybrid electric system.  This system delivers a stronger combination of power and efficiency. 

The 1.8 HEV system driven here, boasts an ultra-efficient engine and delivers a powerful total output of 138bhp. Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre hybrid offers an even more engaging driving experience with its higher output of 195bhp.

The electric motor is always in operation and the petrol engine kicks in at any speed, depending on the battery charge and driving conditions. You can monitor your driving performance using the myriad dials and readouts on the 12.3-inch touchscreen, which also controls smartphone connectivity, sound system, and cloud-based navigation. 

A 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display in the binnacle delivers instant information to the driver.

On the road, performance is brisk with the petrol/electric combination delivering decent pace and excellent fuel economy. It accelerates to 60mph in just over 10 seconds, a second quicker than it previous incarnation and the claimed economy of nearly 60mpg, with careful driving, was not far off the mark.

Designed with the European market in its sights, the ride is comfortable with the suspension working efficiently to iron out all but the worst of the lumps and bumps our dismal roads have to offer.

Handling is also decent enough, it’s no performance car after all, but it feels stable with responsive steering.

All models are well-equipped, even the entry-level version, with 17-inch alloy wheels, powered/folding door mirrors with auto-folding function, smart entry, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and automatic wipers.

 Move up the grades and the creature comforts expand, with the likes of a climate control system that incorporates nanoe-X air quality technology to combat viruses, bacteria and odours in the cabin.

 Other advanced features include Toyota Safety Sense, which alerts drivers to potential crashes and provides assistance like autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. 

Also featured are lane departure alert, traffic sign recognition, auto full-beam headlights, blind spot monitor, cross-traffic alert, and lane change assistance.

Factfile

  • Toyota C-HR Dynamic Hybrid 1.8 CVT
  • Price: £34,685
  • Mechanical: 138bhp, 1,798cc, 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via e-CVT transmission
  • Max speed: 106mph
  • 0-62mph: 10.2 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 58.5
  • Insurance group: 20E
  • CO2 emissions: 108g/km
  • BiK rating: 26%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
Electric/hybrid, Subaru, SUV/4X4

Subaru Forester

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Upgraded hybrid Forester continues to impress

By Bill McCarthy

The fifth-generation Forester offers something markedly different if you’re looking for off-road capability, excellent practicality and bulletproof reliability.
It always has been a bit left field, a rugged go-anywhere vehicle that is perfectly suited to the great outdoors, but now offers more with a significant makeover.
Built on the firm’s Global Platform it now offers many upgrades, together with one of the most comprehensive safety set ups in its sector.
Sitting high off the ground, all-wheel drive capability via the firm’s X-Mode hill descent control is a given.
The rugged vehicle can tackle the most challenging of terrain and offers 1,870kg braked towing capacity. It is unlikely to face those conditions, more like towing a horse box through muddy fields or working on a farm, or being an escape route from remote areas in bad weather.
Its boxy and rugged styling remains, even if the rougher edges have been smoothed out and the e-Boxer hybrid set up means that economy has improved on what has been a thirsty motor, although it still likes a drink.
The power output includes a smallish electric motor mated with a two-litre e-BOXER petrol engine. It works like a normal hybrid with automatic assistance from the electric motor when required.
Many may prefer sharper styling, but this kind of vehicle has a loyal following and the tweaks and improvements include smart light clusters and integrated roof bars.
The latest cabin features plenty of standard kit, including a hi-tech touchscreen infotainment system. Also included are the usual electric and powered bells and whistles, high-quality sound system, reversing camera and a standard, full-length sunroof.
The large stowage area is accessed via a powered tailgate and has, says Subaru, ample room for up to four large suitcases or bulky items, while the 60/40-split folding seats fold flat. It becomes a mini moving van as a couple of trips to the local tip demonstrated when moving house.
It offers an electrically operated driver’s seat with a commanding view through large glass areas and feels spacious and comfortable if a bit dark side, but this is mitigated by chrome inserts to doors, dash and pedals.


The centrepiece is an eight-inch central screen controlling smartphone connectivity, infotainment and navigation, while driver information comes via a 6.3-inch LCD display. Controls and switchgear have a chunky feel and have a dated or depending on your point of view, traditional look.
But controls are clear and legible and logically placed. However Subaru is not the first car firm to decide to make USB ports almost unreachable, hidden away under the dash. Well hidden anyway.
It is a decent drive although hitting the 60mph mark in just under 12 seconds is fairly leisurely. No boy racers here then, but once up to speed it offers a decent ride, and for the type of vehicle decent stability, with only a little body roll on corners.
It is also an excellent motorway cruiser with only some wind noise intruding from the large door mirrors.
Packed with safety kit, it features the firm’s Eyesight technology, which as the name suggests offers a second pair of eyes, or cameras, for the road ahead to detect potential hazards like other cars, motorbikes, bicycles or pedestrians and warns the driver and even applies the brakes if necessary, to help avoid an accident.
There are just three models, XE, Sport and Premium driven here.
It may not be the most sophisticated but maybe that’s the attraction for loyalists. Add to that a five year/100,000 mile warranty and it’s a tempting package.

Factfile

SsangYong Rexton Ventura Plus Auto

Price: £40,500 

Mechanical: 163ps, 2157cc, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine with eight-speed automatic transmission

Max speed: 114mph

0-62mph: 10.7 seconds

Combined MPG: 33

Insurance group: 34-35

C02 emissions: 190g/km

Bik rating: 37%

Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles