TOYOTA’S CHEERY C-HR MAKES DEBUT
Thrifty SUV sure to turn heads
Toyota’s newly released sporty and stylish C-HR is a small SUV that is both entertaining to look at and to drive. It handles twists and turns like it’s on tracks all the while turning some heads with its cool design.
The C-HR’s looks are an ode to Toyota’s now defunct Scion wing. With an MSRP of just $24,350 ($26,294 as tested), you may expect a few corners to be cut. However, the CHR’s design is anything but simple.
A blizzard pearl paint job accentuates the sculpted curves of this tiny vehicle. The 18-inch alloy wheels add to the complexity of the shape of the exterior which is carefully mapped out until it terminates just behind the rear wheel. The rear door handle is partially camouflaged, sitting flush in the top rear corner. A rear spoiler and cargo cover shield the trunk contents from the sun and prying eyes. Fog lights neatly compliment the LED daytime running lights and auto on/ off halogen headlights.
While the black interior is fairly spartan, it does have some nice features that come with the XLE Premium trim. The leather-trimmed front seats are quite comfortable — they have a great power lumbar
adjustment feature and they are heated.
While there’s no available navigation or satellite radio offering, the electronics are not bad. The XLE Premium has blindspot monitoring and a rear cross traffic alert to go along with its decent sounding 7-inch touchscreen audio system. One bugaboo is that there’s no good place to stow your smart phone — especially in light of the fact that there’s no navigation system.
The sound system comes in handy to cover the loudly revving engine as the CVT transmission winds you up to speed. The 2.0-liter, 144 hp engine is spirited, but won’t blow you away.
The handling is the shining star. The C-HR is equipped with independent MacPherson struts in front and a double wishbone suspension in the rear.
The power assisted steering system does just enough at low speed and barely anything at higher speeds, giving the sense of a complete connection to the road.
The front wheel drive C-HR does well on fuel economy. It gets 27 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway for a respectable average of 29 miles per gallon. Not bad, but considering some of its all-wheel drive competitors get similar mileage, it could be better.
The bottom line is that if you’re looking for a cool looking small SUV that is fun to drive, but thrifty, this car is worth consideration.