Have you heard about the 2018 Toyota C-HR? If you are contemplating upgrading to a newer version of your Toyota, or just need a change in your driving style, you may want to listen up. Toy Car Care is pretty excited about it, to say the least, so let’s have a look at what this 2018 Toyota C-HR is all about.
So, what exactly does C-HR stand for? It stands for Coupe High Rider, and Toyota wants the C-HR to be a starting level for millennials who want a “crossover” that doesn’t cost very much and packs a relatively loaded interior and more. This April, when the vehicle goes on sale, the 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE will run buyers $22,500. The XLE Premium, with heated seats, lane departure warnings, folding mirrors, etc., will cost $24,350. The C-HR comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense P system with pre-collision, active braking system, pedestrian detection and lane departure alert, as well as steering assist.
If you are looking to turn heads, this is the vehicle for you. The nice low to the ground race car like feature offers stunning lines and sleekness to boot. The front grill really sets the limits high with a unique look something like a grouper fish’s mouth, and the protruding tail lights are something you either like or don’t, but you will definitely be noticed. The interior space in the front feels vast and roomy, but the dash is simple. Both the XLE and the XLE Premium lines include a 7-inch multimedia screen, a 4.2-inch display in the center stack, one USB port, large cup holders in the center console and doors, plus an area for storage. Not much if you are looking for frills, but it all does the job.
If you plan on being a passenger in the back seat, you may feel like you are riding in an airplane, and hopefully, you won’t want to see much out the windows because the seating is realistically low, upright, and cramped. The driving dynamics however really make up for the lack of comfort. It is very agile and nimble, corners flat and is very sharp with its handling, but that being said, the steering takes some getting used to, and the acceleration seems somewhat lackluster. Again, not the case for everyone, so probably a good idea to test drive one yourself.
So, what can you compare this vehicle to? Well, how about the Yaris, Prius C, and the Corolla iM. Or you could even size it up next to the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and the Nissan Juke. The difference you may see is how stylishly different the side view angle is, compared to the above cars mentioned. The C-HR has most definitely raised the bar in looks and lines, way to go Toyota! In the backend, for example, the taillights protrude outward and extend beyond the bodywork, the rear bumper tapers upward, achieving an hourglass figure even Marilyn Monroe would blush at. Compared to the other competitors, the C-HR has a rear end with a lot going on back there, not necessarily a bad thing.
On a rather disappointing note, is the crossover’s official fuel economy ratings. The C-HR is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway, which is not very impressive considering the C-HR is only available in a front-wheel drive layout.
Here’s what you can expect to see and feel if you take one of these for a test drive:
- Small 5-door hatchback with great height inside
- 144-horsepower with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Continuously variable transmission
- Front-drive only, unfortunately for some, no all-wheel-drive option
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense technology
- Diamond shape to it
- Oversized fenders
- Hidden rear door handles in the vehicle’s rear roof pillars
- 3D taillights that protrude
- Rear lip spoiler with a functional wing
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Projector beam headlights with LED running lights
- Power adjustable heated and folding outside mirrors.
Toyota’s intentions are good for the trend-setter types with this new coupe, and it looks like they are going with a car that will feels “sports car-ish.” They have installed something called a “pre-load differential” which is supposed to help improve torque distribution at lower speeds, followed by a Sport driving mode with 7 artificial CVT ratios to help quicken the throttle response and help with steering. It also includes a front strut, double-wishbone rear suspension, and a column-mounted electric steering unit.
Another word on stylish, we must not forget, is the color palette of these striking cars. It looks as of now, we can choose from a nice ocean blue, nifty teal color, and of course our basic go-to red. We must not forget to mention that Toyota has added a white contrasting roof color to compliment. Hopefully, by April, the demand for more color options will be fruitful, and we can all choose from a color scheme that suits our preferences.
And a quick word on safety for those of you that know how important this feature is in today’s driving world. No matter its grade, the C-HR comes with the standard Toyota Safety Sense P. This feature has cutting-edge active safety technologies including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function and features forward collision warning and Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams. The C-HR is the only competitor to offer standard Full-Speed DRCC. You will also get 10 standard airbags, standard Hill-Start Assist Control, and rear backup camera, as well as available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Be sure to check the various models to ensure if they are included or not.
Overall, the price is hard to beat for what you get, and it is a safe vehicle to drive. Toyota plans on selling 30,000 of these in 2017 and double that in 2018, so you best be keeping tabs on where they are going. Now you have heard all about the Toyota 2018 C-HR, just ask Toy Car Care to assist you in any way with the vehicle’s Toyota Care Warranty. You will know the right decision was made by choosing a reliable and stylishly affordable Toyota.
Steve Wilbur