‘Toyota C-HR fits modern lifestyle’ – SAHRC Limpopo Administration Officer, Mahlatse Ngobeni
The small Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment represents the fastest growing ‘group’ on the South African passenger vehicle landscape.
POLOKWANE – This led to the birth of the cross-over, a modern fusion of hatchback and SUV, which perfectly fits the modern urban lifestyle. With the C-HR, Toyota targets a clear and singular customer profile, identified as millenials.
BONUS had the opportunity to test drive the new G-HR and we were joined by South African Human Rights Commission Limpopo Administration Officer, Mahlatse Ngobeni.
Limpopo Toyota Senior Sales Consultant, Andrew Sethole, accompanied us on our test drive.
Viewed from any angle, the C-HR’s combination of facetted gemstone-like shapes with fluid surfaces and elegantly integrated detailing create a delicate balance of precision and sensuality.
The C-HR’s coupé-like styling is enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C-pillar and a sweeping roofline. The prominent rear light clusters give the rear view of the C-HR an equally expressive visual signature.
“From the outside the C-HR impressed me with its sporty looks. It is an appealing vehicle and will definitely turn heads wherever you drive it,” Mahlatse gushed.
A unique new two-tiered front seat design combines a slender, sporting upper section with a more strongly bolstered and supportive lower area.
The Toyota C-HR is the first model locally to utilise Toyota’s advanced new 1.2 litre turbo engine and comes in two transmission options, a six-speed manual with Toyota’s iMT system (intelligent Manual Transmission), or a smooth CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) option.
BONUS took the CVT variant for a spin. The CVT utilises an electronic brain to ensure the optimal gear ratio is selected based on vehicle and engine speed, as well as rate of acceleration required.
In addition, the driver can access seven pre-defined gear ratios in the manual mode. Three modes are provided for the driver to choose from, which tailor the powertrain characteristics to suit the conditions, Normal, Eco and Sport.
“This is the first time I had the opportunity to drive a vehicle with an automatic gearbox. I quickly managed to adapt and I must say it was a refreshing and relaxing drive. What I also like is the option of switching the gearbox to manual mode and by simply shifting up or down you can change the gears,” Mahlatse added.
Other characteristics Mahlatse was supremely impressed with were the driving characteristics and the handling, whether in urban areas or on the open road. “The operation switches on the steering wheel as well as the fact that you can connect mobile phones onto the system is a nice safety feature which is important to me. Another plus point was the stylish interior and the sporty seats.
“I like the C-HR a lot. It drives like a dream, it is compact outside yet exceptionally spacious inside.”
The new Toyota C-HR can now be viewed at Limpopo Toyota at 204 Tagore Street at Motorcity. You can contact any of their friendly sales personnel for more information or to book a test drive at (015) 292 9500.
