Added: 6th of February 2019
This is an attractive car and I was first drawn to it by this. We have one in Grey and it really is a good looking vehicle.. but I want to drive it not date it. Pros: In its favour, as I say, it looks nice. The Interface for radio, Sat nav etc. is very easy, though a little high for my liking, as it blocks too much of the screen. Reversing camera is pretty good but taces a little getting used to due to distorted perspective (necessary of course). Good millage but nothing like the 75 miles promised.. Real careful driving will get you about 53 mpg and no more. Very safe.. Though no more so than a GLA or 308 or CX5. Lots of airbags and crumple zones and warnings. Cons: I have always disliked the idea of keyless entry and find it is just a gimmick, an inconvenient and expensive gimmick but alas it came with the package. Like 3D TV this will pass and car sellers will realise people just do not like it… It is always put in in the higher specs but has anyone ever really asked for it as an optional extra? Reviews suggested the engine noise was a bit noticeable. Really? Did these reviewers drive it? The noise is utterly terrible and radio has to go from 17 to 41 just to compensate. I seriously think this car could damage your hearing. Add to that the road noise and it is the worst car I have ever driven for noise… and I have two mark 1 Ford Capris (1968) and a Mark one Escort, so I know road noise.. I mention the road noise as secondary but make no mistake; it is the worst I have ever heard. It is almost obliterated however by the engine/gearbox arrangement. I dread to think what sport mode would sound like… Maybe bleeding ears. Then we come to the blind spot. Yes Toyota have done a good job covering this on the driver side and the extra warning on the wing mirror is useful but to be honest, as far as I can see, though a little tight, there is no blind spot on the driver side… The passenger side however has a massive blind spot and whilst this is also covered with a mirror, those of us used to doing a final over shoulder check, are out of luck! Reversing is like reversing a van. The view out the rear is useless so one must rely on wing mirrors and the reversing camera. Now I get the camera is useful but I live down a country lane so often have to do long windy reverses and as much as James Bond can drive blinded but for a camera, most of us have neither the talent or inclination to do so. The cabin is not small or cramped but it feels that way. The design has landed the door crosspiece 2 inches too high to rest an elbow and the closing handle 3 inches too low for the same purpose… A small thing you might think but one which Mercedes seem to get as does Mazda and VW. The rear space is adequate and to be fair, more than expected but it is very dark and dungeon like. I am only 5 foot ten and still bang my head on the roof handle getting out. Six footers and over may well be decapitated on exit. There is no CD player and that is not yet lost technology. Also you have to re link your phone every trip.. Unlike other systems. All in all I have had about 18 new cars in my time and this is the only one I regret. For the £29k I could have had a GLA… On the plus side they hold their price so in a year or two I shall part exchange for a nice Mercedes.. they care about detail and less about show. I regret this is what I have to say, particularly as I have owned 4 Toyota Rav 4 but stopped buying them with the last update and they turned from good strong cars to tin cans on wheels.
