KILDARE MOTORING: Toyota launch two special new SUV’s

Toyota’s first 100% electric car has landed with a bang, or rather a quiet hum as the BZ4X carries you wherever you want to go in supreme comfort and style.

I use the term ‘carries’ purposefully as driving this fantastic machine requires about as much effort as operating a toaster.

The spacious nature of the entire vehicle paired with the remarkably ease of drivability means the term ‘cruising’ has never been so true while driving.

I was unfamiliar with the automatic transmission and if I could make one recommendation from my two Toyota test drives, don't let that put you off.

I understand the apprehension to change when it comes to something as vital as your car and primary mode of transport. But the test drive in these vehicles were my first experiences with no gear stick and before I had reached the end of the road I had forgotten about my left foot's existence altogether.

I drove the BZ4X on a mild afternoon but looking back on many mornings and evenings travelling to and from matches in the freezing cold I wish I had been in this vehicle.

I have longed for a similar feature to this car’s heated seats. In addition to something I found even more personally exciting, a heated steering wheel for when you are stricken with frosty fingers.

I was unfamiliar with the mathematics involved with electric cars. When introduced to the BZ4X the same questions cropped up for me as they would for most people. How long will it take to charge it? How long will that last? What costs will that electricity usage incur?

A full charge of the BZ4X will grant you in excess of 450 kilometres (km) of driving distance from 8-10 hours charging and if you were to do it would be at home at an estimated cost of around €40.

Conveniently for this comparison I drove to Navan at the weekend for a match I was covering and filled my car to full at a cost of around €40 as it happened. My fuel gauge had returned to its starting point following the trip, meaning €40 in my car would get you just shy of 200km for the same money as your 450km in the BZXR. Those are certainly numbers to ponder next time you are standing at a petrol pump.

Corolla Cross

Toyota are also launching the Corolla Cross, a small SUV version of one of the world’s most popular passenger cars. Similar to its fully electric counterpart the standout feature here, beyond the numbers, is comfort.

The luxurious spaciousness of this car for all passengers cannot be understated. That comfort coupled with its multifaceted driving mode system means whatever type of drive you need, the Corolla cross has.

The fuel efficiency of this clever 1.8-litre engine with dual VVT-i makes both ends of the driving spectrum much more cost effective. When beginning your acceleration the SUV is only using its electrical component and not tapping into the engine, saving fuel when stuck in busy or rush hour traffic. For long journeys, drivers can engage in fuel efficiency mode as they eat up the kilometres in glorious splendour.

In addition to this, the Corolla Cross is part of an industry leading range of low CO2 self-charging hybrids. I am far from an expert on this technical stuff but you don't have to be to understand these incredible features. As I drove the Corolla Cross and was braking, the SUV was recharging its battery and was doing so in a remarkably quick time.

Once again, this was my first introduction to a hybrid model and automatic transmissions.

I would take odds that anyone willing to venture for a test drive in one of these Corolla Cross’ will wonder what made them not consider it sooner. The ease of operation of the vehicle allows for better personal safety and road focus. That coupled with the pleasure of the seated experience makes this model a winner in my eyes.