REMEMBER when Toyota churned out cars that in terms of reliability were the envy of the world but were, erm, rather staid in appearance?

Models such as the Corolla were never going to make the heart beat faster, but you knew they would get you from A to B with barely a hiccup for a very, very long time.

The trick with Toyota’s new breed of cars is to retain that reliability but bring in some very attractive design features.

Standard bearers such as the Aygo and Yaris have now been joined by the C-HR (Coupe High-Rider), possibly the best example to date of the company’s aim to deliver eye-catching designs and more driving pleasure and designed to stand out both within the Toyota line-up and in the crossover market.

Its coupe-like lines are sharper than a University Challenge team captain, built for people who are predominantly driven by emotional considerations, who want individuality and enjoy trying new experiences and products.

Measuring 4,360mm long, 1,795mm wide and 1,565mm high, and with a 2,640mm wheelbase, the CH-R remains faithful to the concept that was first shown in Paris in 2014. Prominent, projecting wheel arches at each corner emphasise the vehicle’s strength and rigidity, while a powerful lower body and raised ground clearance combine with a slim and sleek cabin profile.

A slender upper grille flowing from the Toyota emblem into the sleek extremities of the headlamp units, cleverly disguised rear door handles integrated into the rear pillars, a sweeping roofline and tapered rear end with a top-hinged tailgate hat gives access to load space big enough to carry luggage for five people complete the picture.

On the outside at least, this Toyota is a winner.

The cabin is airy and spacious, with only the inclusion of some hard plastics and manual operation of the seats the only obvious clues that this is a Toyota rather than a Lexus. Surprisingly, the low roofline does not call for compromise in headroom for front or rear seat passengers, thanks to the lower seating positions made possible by a new platform.

A central eight-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, bringing controls within easy reach. The Toyota Safety Sense package (which comes as standard across all three trim levels) includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering control, automatic high beam and road sign assist. Excel grade models feature heated front seats, a smart entry system, rear privacy glass, part-leather upholstery, park assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

For customers who want a stronger, design-led specification, the Dynamic versions provide exclusive seat upholstery and alloy wheels, bi-tone paint finish with contrasting black roof and LEDs for all lights, including the headlights.

The C-HR’s engine choice of 1.8-litre engine, tested here, is designed to deliver a fluent, engaging experience that provides for a smooth ride. The new full hybrid powertrain has a maximum power output of 120bhp/90kW and produces CO2 emissions from as low as 86g/km. The official combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 74.3mpg seemed rather generous to me . I never got past 60mpg.

The C-HR is also available with the 1.2-litre turbo petrol featured in the Auris range. It develops 114bhp and has a combined fuel consumption figure of 47.9mpg, paired with C02 emissions of 134g/km. It is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or CVT automatic, and front or all-wheel drive.

Without doubt, the C-HR is a superb hybrid offering wrapped in a brilliant design.