The 2018 Toyota C-HR’s roots go back to the concept car first unveiled in 2015, and automotive enthusiasts and industry critics were generally pleased that the production version arrived with very similar styling.
With a striking design that you will either love or hate, the C-HR combines both edgy and sleek elements. It blends together a dynamic platform with a sporty, unique design to give the term “crossover” a true meaning. Toyota originally planned to market the C-HR as a Scion before the untimely collapse of the brand, so the C-HR provides little choice in options (which was the Scion way).
C-HR stands for “compact high rider,” although this vehicle sits very close to the ground to give it a pouncing gesture. The C-HR is another Toyota model built upon the Toyota New Global Architecture system, which is designed to revolutionize the way cars are designed and built. Only a few cars have arrived in the showrooms under the TNGA program, including the C-HR and the new-for-2018 Camry.
Design
The Toyota C-HR has a cutting-edge design that is very much un-Toyota-ish – though lately the world’s second largest automaker has been creating bold designs and shapes.
In comparison to its direct competitors like the Honda HR-V, Nissan Juke, and Mazda CX-3, the C-HR is definitely better looking inside and out. It has the similar door-handle-on-top rear door design as the Nissan Juke and, to some extent, the Honda HR-V, which makes it less practical than the more traditionally designed ones on the CX-3.
If you look closely into the details of the car, you will see diamond-shaped elements everywhere (inside and out) because the Toyota design team created the C-HR around the theme of “distinctive diamond.”
There is a very distinct and futuristic design apparent in this model, during a time when many car makers are opting for more simple, clean and generic lines. Critics have argued that it looks like something straight out of a 1990s video game. While many may not be partial to the “kick-ass styling” as touted by Toyota’s PR department, one must agree that it is a refreshing change.
The interior of the C-HR may seem small from the outside, but inside is surprisingly usable and practical. The dashboard is simple and angled like a sports car and provides a panoramic view of the road outside. One drawback, however, is that those in the backseat can feel confined with a tiny, high-set window that is difficult to see out unless you sit straight up and lean forward. This, of course, means that the driver has a large blind spot when looking at the rear corners of the cars. Another strange feature is that the rear camera display (for backing up) is integrated into the rearview mirror, which makes it awkward to see due to the small screen.
Performance
So, what’s under the hood in this new Toyota crossover? The 2018 C-HR engine is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable seven-step transmission. It produces 144 horsepower at 6,100 r.p.m. and 139 foot-pounds of torque. All wheel drive is not available for the C-HR (front wheel drive only), which means it is not technically a crossover at all. Still, driving over many types of terrain is a breeze thanks to the Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Hill-Start Assist Control assist features.
As with many recent Toyota models, the steering is very responsive and sharp, though I wish Toyota built in a bit more heft to the steering feel. The ride is smooth and refined, but can be bumpy at times. The larger RAV4 provides a far more compliant ride and feel.
The fuel economy for the C-HR is 8.7 (litres per 100 kilometres) in the city, 7.5 on the highway, and has a combined economy of 8.2. The 2018 Toyota C-HR contains a two-port oil pump system that responds to varied driving conditions and modifies the oil pressure accordingly, a world-first. This transmission also features a Sport mode that simulates a seven-speed shift just for fun and to bring a more natural feel.
The engine can be a bit noisy under hard acceleration, and provides adequate – if not super impressive – performance overall.
The C-HR drives better than the Juke or the CX-3, and somewhat like the Honda HR-V, though I have to really stress that for just a few thousand dollars more you can buy the much smoother and refined RAV4.
Safety is considered a significant element for this vehicle. Toyota Safety Sense P is standard for every C-HR and comes with amazing technologies such as dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams, lane-departure alert with steering assist, 10 standard airbags and a pre-collision detection system that senses when pedestrians are in front.
You have to keep in mind that no other car company offers this level of safety features at this price point – it is a substantial competitive advantage that many buyers are not aware of.
Summary
You just have to look at the promotional photos for this vehicle to understand that Toyota’s target market for the C-HR is young, urban, millennial hipsters. However, if this was truly the case, we wonder why would they leave out important options and features like AWD, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
There is no navigation option as well, although that is understandable because most owners will likely just use their smart phones (OK, which brings us back to why no Apple/Android links?).
The competitors in a similar category would be the Honda HR-V, the Mazda CX-3, the Kia Soul or the Nissan Juke. There are only two trims available, the XLE and the Premium XLE – surprisingly simple and won’t leave your head spinning with options.
With a base price of $24,690 on the XLE trim level, the vehicle comes equipped with a seven-inch display, Bluetooth, voice recognition, steering wheel audio controls, keyless entry, and heated front seats, among other options. The Premium Package starts from $26,290 and comes with push button start, bigger tires, puddle lamps that project the C-HR logo on the ground, and a blind spot monitor.
The C-HR brings fresh perspectives to the young-and-hip scene, but I wish Toyota would offer the all-wheel-drive option that’s available in other countries. If you love the styling and the performance – not to mention its first class safety features – the C-HR could still be the unique purchase you’ve been looking for in this competitive marketplace.
