Toyota's C-HR has clearly been a big hit with the buying public, you see them everywhere you go. And why shouldn't it be a success? It blends hatchback styling with the SUV stilts to create a dashing all-rounder that's a perfect fit for small families.
It might surprise you to learn that it's been out for five years now, and little has changed in that time. The very latest versions look almost identical, barring some prettier light arrangements and some updated trim. They've also have had some suspension and steering tweaks, and there are fewer engine choices these days. I'll come back to that.
The interior has also had the odd revision. Nothing dramatic, it's kind of a winning formula at the end of the day, but now, on all but the base-spec Icon trim, there's a Smart Connect+ infotainment system on an eight-inch screen.
There's now no manual gearbox option, and gone is the 1.2-litre turbo engine. Two engines remain, both sporting Toyota's tried and tested hybrid system, which helps enormously with fuel economy.
The engine line-up includes a two-litre unit with 182bhp, which is a healthy dose of power for a car this size, but it is, as always, mated to a CVT gearbox, which is a shame, because it's not something any keen driver will like to use.
That said, handling is still superb for a car in what is an otherwise fairly frumpy sector and, while the 1.8-litre engine offers better fuel economy - at least on paper - both units will see you well into the 50s on the right sort of run.
Emissions are better in the smaller engine, at 110-120g/km, depending on spec, but the two-litre's 119-128g/km is nothing shabby.
In the real world, it's the bigger engine that will make the best use of the hybrid system, which is charged through regeneration, and this is the engine that makes up better for any shortcomings of the gearbox. It's not available in the base trim though, that said.
And that base trim starts at a shade under £30,000, so it's a pricey option if you're looking for a crossover, even a hybrid. Although leaping up the spec levels, or opting for a model with the bigger engine, isn't such a costly affair. A top-spec Excel can be had for around £35,000, similarly with the cosmetically exciting GR Sport.
But the CHR has usually always been sold on its looks. And if you look closely enough, you'll see the tweaks that have been made to the grille, foglights and light clusters. It's not exactly a bold step forward, but it didn't need to be. The C-HR has always been an attractive car, and now it just looks a little bit fresher.
Couple its fine handling with these winning looks, and add in Toyota's build quality, reliability and excellent warranty, and it's still an attractive proposition.
Truth be told, sometimes if a car is spot on from the start, a simple nip and tuck is all that's needed. And it's done the C-HR no harm whatsoever.
