At Toy Car Care in Centennial, we enjoy seeing what types of vehicles our customers drive, from best sellers like the Tacoma and Camry to the relatively new Toyota C-HR.
Often compared to vehicles like the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, even the Nissan Juke, we think the C-HR certainly offers more head-turning style.
For example, the taillights protrude outward and extend beyond the bodywork, the rear bumper tapers upward, achieving an hourglass figure that’s mighty attractive. Compared to the other competitors, the Toyota C-HR has a rear end with a lot going on back there, not necessarily a bad thing.
Bottom line, 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 check this one out. While there are pros and cons, it’s still a Toyota. That means safety, reliability and much more.
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.
Getting to Know the C-HR
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.
Currently, the base price on the 2018 Toyota C-HR will run buyers $22,500. The XLE Premium, with heated seats, lane departure warnings, folding mirrors, and more upgrades starts at $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.
Like we said, 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. The front grill offers a can’t miss design, 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 of the cabin 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, here’s where you’ll find one of the cons that’s pretty standard in a compact, SUV-type vehicle. For taller passengers, 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 low, upright, and a bit 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.
Probably the biggest bummer 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 front-wheel drive.
Top Features and Toyota C-HR Specs
- 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 goal of attracting trend-setter types come to fruition with this new coupe, and it looks like they are going with a car that feels “sports car-ish.”
They have installed something called a “pre-load differential” designed to 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, the demand for more color options will lead to added options down the road.
If Safety is Your Biggest Priority
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. We’ve already seen quite a few of these vehicles here in Centennial and across Denver metro, so it seems to be yet another hit for the brand.
If you decide to test one out and even take home a Toyota 2018 C-HR, the Toy Car Care experts are here to assist you with all maintenance needed for the vehicle’s Toyota Care Warranty. No need to go back to your dealership! Just give us a call to make an appointment.
Steve Wilbur