Toyota C-HR review

It feels snug in here, a product of the pyramid-shaped roofline and the high console. That's deceptive, as actual room around the driver's seat is adequate. It's a supportive seat too. But we kept shuffling around in it, because it seemed to be tipping us forward. Still, it's widely adjustable so we'd be confident of getting a decent position in the end.

In the back, there's useful legroom, enough headroom but a mean view out. The rear pillar takes away too much side view. It's better than the old C-HR but that's no recommendation. The price you pay for style. An optional glass sunroof with heat-absorbing coating is Toyota's offer to make the cabin feel airier.

The new setup for instruments and the centre screen is one of "Japan's" best. Quote marks because it's really a European not Japanese car. Anyway, the system is adaptive and responsive and has far nicer typefaces and graphics than any Toyota or Lexus hitherto.

Phone integration is OK, except it won't show phone navigation arrows on the driver's screen. Mind you if you want to take advantage of the fuel-saving hybrid features you need to use the car's native traffic-aware nav anyway.

Not everything is on the screen. There are dash rockers for climate control, console switches for the hybrid system and modes, and easily used steering wheel buttons.

The quality of materials and ambient lighting around the cabin are up with VW Group rivals. Mind you it's Peugeot and Renault who do this stuff best in mass-brand cars these days.