Motor Torque with David Berthon

Talking about Toyota’s C-HR SUV today – C-HR standing for Coupe High Rider –a most unusual compact SUV now in its second generation, in three models – the1.8-litre front drive GXL and mid-spec Koba, and the two-litre turbo all-wheel-drivetop spec Sport and like all Toyota passenger vehicles, all three, now only withhybrid power. Visually, the CH-R has Toyota’s most adventurous styling, somemight even call it quirky, with a combination of sharp lines and a high waistline ithas real visual appeal, different and perhaps divisive. In this upgraded second-generation prices rose significantly – I drove the mid-spec Koba which rose bymore than $11,000 to $49,990 plus on-road costs. Expensive for a small SUVpairing a 1.8-litre petrol engine with a single electric motor driving through acontinuously variable transmission or CVT. The funky styling limits interiorspace and its not overly roomy, the second row tight as is boot space. Theinterior and dash appealing, the Koba gaining 19-inch alloy wheels, suede interiorhighlights, heated front seats, a head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrumentcluster, wireless phone charging, and a powered tailgate. Disappointingly there’sno air vents in the rear or a fold down centre armrest. Warranty: fiveyears/unlimited km. Drive details next. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Someone asked me recently what was my biggest annoyance with many newcars today. Without doubt the biggest negative with many new models is theplethora of warning and driver monitoring systems that nearly drive you crazy.Drive any new Chinese made car and it features a range of safety systems thatwarn you via various chimes that you’ve taken your eyes off the road, movedslightly out of your lane or exceeded the speed limit. Its overdone and in manynew models very poorly calibrated and set for driving conditions that are morethe norm in congested Asian cities. And unfortunately, they can’t be deleted onthe run, the only way to get rid of them is to re-set them at every start. Hyundaiand Kia similarly have excessive warning chimes and frankly they’recounterproductive to good driving practice and become a major disruption toconcentration. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking with a long-term car industry executive recently and the discussion centred on resale values. For the long-established car companies, resale values are very important and seen as a means of establishing brand loyalty with customers. As such, price discounting is carefully managed so as to not disadvantage owners who purchased their car at full retail. However, the arrival of new Chinese brands has changed that traditional way of thinking. With unsold stock heading into the new year heavy discounts have been the order of the day on Chinese models launched only last year. As my industry colleague suggested the Chinese are technology companies rather than car companies, to them a car is purely a commodity like a flat screen TV and prices reductions are the order of the day – resale values it seems mean little although at trade in time it will mean plenty to their customers. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the Mazda 3 hatchback today, the G25 Astina with 2.5-litre naturallyaspirated four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a six-speedautomatic. As the top spec model in the 8-model hatch and sedan range notinexpensive at $43,190. For that money its very highly equipped with safetycomfort and convenience features, the leather clad interior classy and giving it avery much upmarket feel behind the wheel. The larger 2.5-litre engine giving itextra punch while its suspension and steering err on the sporty side giving it thefeel of a hot hatch. Recent additions have enhanced its appeal like the addition ofMazda connected services which link with the MyMazda app which give thedriveR remote access to such things as vehicle health and status reports andstolen vehicle tracking assistance. The interior is a knockout on this high-grademodel. Beautifully executed with great fit and finishes, nice leather trim andexcellent ergonomics that makes driving a pleasure. Economy, I couldn’t matchthe quoted 6.6L/100 and managed 8.7L/100 but on the plus side it does onlyrequire 91 octane regular unleaded. Whilst somewhat expensive the top specMazda 3 G25 Astina punches very much above its weight and feels in a classabove. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.