Three Hybrid Cars Sunshine Coast Buyers Must Test Drive This Weekend

As all car manufacturers start to phase out the traditional combustion engines, the hybrid car market is booming.  It can be confusing when presented with so much choice but you can be assured that with Toyota’s long history in the hybrid car market, whichever Toyota model you choose, their Hybrid technology is tried and tested.  

Let’s take a look at Toyota Hybrid technology, and introduce you to three Toyota Hybrids Sunshine Coast buyers should test drive this weekend. 

Tips for test driving cars before buying

• Arrange a day or a weekend and test drive them all. If you space them out too much, by the time you have driven the last vehicle, you’ll have forgotten what the first one was REALLY like. 
• Write a list of everything you like and dislike about each car as soon as you finish driving it. This will keep your initial thoughts fresh in your mind, honest and not blurred with the other cars. 
• Take photos of the interior and exterior of each car so you can compare them against either other. 
• If you have baby, measure your car seat and pram to ensure they will fit. Or better yet, take them with you.  

 And remember, don’t rush into your decision. Take your time. Compare. Test drive a few different hybrid cars on the Sunshine Coast and make the best choice for you. 

Toyota Hybrid Technology – what makes it stand out

Toyota Hybrid Technology combines the power of petrol engines with the efficiency of electric motors. One of the great benefits to Toyota technology is that in a Hybrid, the battery charges while the vehicle is driving so you never need to plug it in!  

How does it do that? When you slow down or brake, the extra energy the electric motor generates is stored in the battery, ultimately keeping it charged. 

Do you need to switch from petrol to electric manually? When you speed up or begin travelling at higher speeds, the petrol engine takes over automatically to ensure you have enough power and responsive performance when you need it most. The same goes for when you are driving in the city or are stationery, the hybrid vehicle will automatically switch over to the electric motor which uses zero fuel and cuts your CO2 emissions dramatically. 

Three hybrid cars Sunshine Coast buyers need to test drive

Chances are that if you are looking at Toyota Hybrids than you have probably already looked at the Camry Hybrid. There are two other vehicles you should take a look at while you are doing your research; the C-HR Hybrid and the Corolla Hybrid. Here is what makes each one a great choice. 

Camry Hybrid

The Toyota Camry is available in four different models. The hybrid option is available with three of the models – Ascent, Ascent Sport and SL. 

There are plenty of features and benefits to the hybrid alternative. They include: 

• Fuel economy – ranging from 4.2L/100km to 4.5L/100km 
• Torque – the Camry Ascent Sport comes in at 235Nm, while the Camry SL Sedan boasts an impressive 362Nm 
• Comes standard with 17” alloy wheels. The SL Camry comes with 18” alloy wheels 
• Comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• Colour touch screen display 
• 7 SRS airbags 
• 5-star 2017 ANCAP safety rating 
• Dual-zone automatic climate control 
• Available in 8 different colours 
• Driver Mode Select – To get the most out of your performance, there are 4 different drive modes for Camry Hybrids; Sport, Eco, Normal and EV 
• Toyota Safety Sense – this includes a Pre-Collison Safety system with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Active Cruise Control 
• Blind Spot Monitor – The Camry SL comes standard with Blind Spot Monitor that alerts you to vehicles or motorbikes in your blind spots 

Who would the Camry Hybrid suit?  The Toyota Camry is one of those versatile cars that suits a wide range of people. Families, middle age and retirees that want a reliable car that’s safe, looks good and is economical on fuel.  

CH-R Hybrid and CH-R Sport Hybrid

The C-HR Hybrid is a compact SUV jam-packed with style, sportiness and technology. The Hybrid options are available in the Koba and the GR Sport. 

Here are just some of the selling points to the Hybrid CH-R: 

• Fuel economy – both models boast an impressive 4.3L/100km 
• Alloy wheels – Koba comes standard with 18" alloy wheels with 225/50R18 tyres and the GR Sport comes standard with 19" alloy wheels with 225/45R19 tyres 
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, AM/FM radio with satellite navigation and 6 speakers 
• 8" colour touchscreen display 
• Dual-zone automatic climate control 
• Toyota Safety Sense – this includes a Pre-Collison Safety system with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Active Cruise Control. CH-R Sport also comes standard with Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB) 
• Privacy Glass on back and rear windows 
• 7 SRS airbags 
• 5-star 2017 ANCAP safety rating 
• Seating – Koba features 3-stage dual-zone heated front seats. The seats are leather accented with power adjustable lumbar on driver’s seat 
• 60/40 rear split seat, making it easier when you need to fold a seat down for extra space 
• GR Sport shows off a few unique sportier features. These include: GR Sport front bumper, GR Sport 19" dark smoke alloy wheels, GR branded brake calipers, GR Sport tuned suspension, GR Sport centre floor brace, GR Sport interior door trim, sport pedals, shift lever and knob 

 Who is the CH-R Hybrid suited to?   Singles and couples of all ages who want the freedom to explore in an eye-catching and stylish compact SUV. 

Corolla Hybrid

The all-new Toyota Corolla Hybrid is turning heads. The dramatic exterior alone is enough to intrigue you and that’s before you take a closer look and realise how economical and stylish this car really is. 

Here are a few great features that set this hybrid above others in its class. Hybrid variation available with Ascent Sport and SX models. 

• The Corolla sedan is more spacious than ever. Providing plenty of room inside for you and your family 
• Keyless entry – Smart Entry and Smart Start allows you to unlock the vehicle while the keys are in your handbag or pocket and start the car with just the push of a button 
• Fuel economy – The fuel consumption on the hybrid is an impressively low 3.5L/100km 
• Toyota Safety Sense - Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert and Auto High Beam, Active Cruise Control 
• 7 SRS airbags 
• Reversing camera 
• 8" colour touchscreen display 
• 16" alloy wheels 

Who is the Corolla Hybrid suited to?  Perfect as a first car or for those who just want something compact and zippy in the traffic. 

Why choose Hybrid cars on the Sunshine Coast

Hybrid cars offer drivers all the advantages of electric vehicles, such as impressive power and torque so you can go further for less. Not only does it save you money, it also benefits the environment by cutting down on CO2 emissions. You don’t have to sacrifice efficient driving when you opt for a Hybrid, the electric motor takes over when you hit higher speeds or accelerate quickly.  

Not to mention, Ken Mills Toyota in Maroochydore are hybrid specialists on the sunshine coast, so you can ensure your new car stays in peak condition. Let’s chat hybrid cars today!