I’ve commented (some may say too much) on hybrid vehicles in the past and I think, on balance, I’ve been in favour of them. As long as the system works well.
I think I’d vote plug-in hybrids as ‘most likely to succeed’ in the medium term. But today I’m writing about a self-charging hybrid, the C-HR from Toyota.

Previously, when I drove the first incarnation of this car, I didn’t feel the hybrid system worked quite well enough. My conclusion was the added weight of two powertrains just made the whole experience a little lacking.

Could almost five years have changed my mind – both in terms of the evolution of the system, and the practicality of a self-charging hybrid?

The answer is, to be honest, I’m still not sure. Again, my test car was an automatic, and I just don’t think the gearbox delivers what the engine and car promises. It’s so close to being a fantastic package – in fact, scratch that; it is a fantastic package, it’s just let down slightly by the gearbox.

This being the GR Sport trim, it looked a little more aggressive than the standard C-HR, with uprated interior materials featuring Alcantara, which I always like, and a premium sound system, parking cameras and the usual plethora of toys you’d expect.

Funky and chunky, sleek and aggressive

I still stand by my view from 2018 that the design is a real step up for SUVs. It achieves what the Juke promised – it’s funky and chunky, while also being a bit sleek and even aggressive, the GR spec shining through for that last one.

But the issue, even with this 2.0 litre model, with 182bhp at your right foot, just doesn’t feel as fast as I’d like. It’s most likely absolutely perfect for the vast majority of drivers – I think this one sits in the category of the problem being with me, not the car. I think it needs to either be a pacey SUV that satisfies the petrolhead as much as the family, or a sensible hybrid that makes the bank balance healthier. It can’t manage both.

Without the more notable regenerative braking of many hybrids, the brakes themselves are very hard when coming to a stop – like you’ve just got out of a much older car into something with modern brakes.

So either ditch the battery completely and get the manual for driving thrills, or up the ante on the battery and add in some more aggressive regenerative braking to boost the eco-credentials.

Or just don’t be me. Because in reality, this is a good car, with a great spec and masses of kerb appeal.