I am by no means the average woman, especially when it comes to cars. I like my cars fast and hot! The car I would pick to drive everyday would have over 400 hp, but welcome to reality….. it’s not happening, at least with my everyday car. I joined Toyota on a Spring Training Ride & Drive from the west coast of Florida to the east coast, hitting 3 spring training games in 3 days. Can you repeat after me – AWESOME!!  I am a huge baseball and football fan, specifically the Yankees and Steelers. We had the opportunity to test drive Toyota’s 2018 cars while stopping each day at a game.

Day one was the Braves at Yankees Game, of course I was late because we had a nor’easter in CT and my flight was cancelled (one of the reasons I need to move to Florida). I made it there and that’s all that matters. The Toyota team swooped in and got me from the airport to the game.

700 S Victory Way, Kissimmee, FL 34747

Jupiter, FL 33458

Tampa, FL 33614

It was so amazing to sit in a stadium with the sun beating down on me watching my team. If you haven’t been to the George M. Steinbrenner Field, let me tell you that it was pretty impressive with it’s renovations. You will find lots of graphics surrounding the history of the Yankees that every fan will love. With all the traveling and little sleep I stayed away from beer that day and knew I had two more ballparks to go. I wasn’t able to get any autographs but if you get there early, the players do sign balls for the fans. The best part of being there was that they won with a walk off…… Go Yanks! 

Day two, my drive partner Kim from Speed Beautiful and I grabbed the 2017 Prius Four and hit the road. I know you’re probably thinking …..Prius??? Let me say your first look at the Prius and you will say, “Wait! That’s a Prius?” 

The Prius has taken on a whole new look and is no longer your grandma’s car. Still the world’s best selling hybrid, you get more cargo space because the smaller battery is under the rear seat. You get all of Toyota’s value with a futuristic design and of course theStandard Toyota Safety Sense^™ P (TSS-P). All models come with a back-up camera and our car had two driving modes (Normal and Power). The Prius surprised us with not only it’s design but it’s drive. We put it to the test on the highway and on a couple back dirt roads that you probably wouldn’t take a Prius. It handled well and we were able to give it a little push to keep up with some of the faster cars. It drove smooth at 80 mph…. yep that’s right, we were at 80 mph and at one point I forgot I was in a Prius. 

We ended at Roger Dean’s Stadium for a Mets vs Marlins game. I was scooping out the Marlins dugout to see if I could spot Jeter or Mattingly. Since I wasn’t planning on driving anymore, I decided I was at a baseball park and grabbed a hotdog and a beer! I also had to still support my Yankees so wore my jersey with pride!

 

I know, I know- my jersey isn’t on in this pic- It was HOT people, so I took it off!

Day three I decided to take the 2018 Toyota C-HR. At first glance this car blew me away with its design. The bold design turned heads to take center stage as we drove and you see how Toyota took their designing in a new direction. The precision cut lines gives this car a futuristic look and a Wow factor. The design followed through to the interior of the car with the leather-trimmed steering wheel and the satin-plated shift knob. One of my favorite features was the back up camera embedded in the rear view mirror. 

Looking at the car you may think it’s a two-door with the color-keyed outside door handles with hidden-type-design rear door handles. It was a “What the……” moment. Outside hatchback door handle with touch-sensor lock/unlock feature, halogen headlights and taillights with unique cluster LED Daytime running lights and a 2.0 4-cylinder engine for an optimal blend of handling performance and fuel economy. 

The 2018 Toyota C-HR like all other Toyota’s still gives you dependability, value, and it’s Standard Toyota Safety Sense^™ P (TSS-P) but this roomy “coupe” will have you getting around town in style with your grandchildren. We took this car to it’s limits on the highway but I had to stop by the beach. I can picture filling the back with al out beach necessities as well as a surf board strapped on the roof!

We ended in Orlando at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex to watch the Marlins vs Braves. The magic started right from the beginning since this stadium is in the middle of Disney’s resort.

I didn’t get to drive the 2018 Toyota Camry but wow was is hot. When Toyota said they were kicking up their designs a notch, they weren’t lying! Camry has been the best selling car in America for 16 years and they are sure to keep their number one spot. The total design says sexy inside and out, I’ll be sure to take this baby for a test drive soon!

Toyota gave me an amazing experience of a road trip I will never forget across Florida. From driving the cars to stoping to watch all the spring training games, Toyota knows how to hit a Grand Slam!

What is your favorite Toyota and which car do you want to test drive?

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