2018 Toyota C-HR
MARKETPLACE
At long last, the 2018 Toyota C-HR is ready to head to production. We’ve seen various incarnations of this ultra-sporty crossover at several auto shows during the past two years, first with a Toyota badge, then as a Scion and now, once and for all, as a Toyota again.
Though not quite as long and lean as some of the earlier prototypes, the C-HR is undeniably sexy, with large rear fenders, curvaceous accent lines and big, jagged headlights and taillights to give it a necessary dose of edginess.
Toyota promises the C-HR will offer a driving performance to match its design, with a McPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone suspension in the back feature Sachs dampers and shock absorbers, the C-HR boasts of a quiet, comfortable and agile ride.
An electronic power steering system adjusts to offer both light responsiveness at low speeds and stronger feedback upon acceleration. Meanwhile, extra-large 18-inch aluminum wheels and a low center of gravity help keep the C-HR firmly planted.
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 144 horsepower and 140 lb.-ft. of torque and a continuously variable transmission, though a Sport driving mode simulates a 7-speed sequential shiftmatic transmission.
When it arrives at dealerships this spring, the C-HR will be available in two trims: XLE and XLE Premium, both of which come with noteworthy standard features such as leather-wrapped steering wheels, back-up cameras, electric parking brakes and dual-zone climate control. Toyota also heralds the spacious interior and soft-touch materials that adorn the cabin’s surfaces. Those who shell out the extra cash for the Premium trim get blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alters, head front seats, power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment and voice recognition software, among other things.
Other advanced safety features come standard in both trims, including pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings with assisted steering, automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control available at all highway speeds.
Overall, Toyota’s latest crossover appears to have been well-worth the wait.