Toyota’s new C-HR small crossover is making its debut in L.A.
Toyota had to make changes to its expanding lineup after the death Scion (RIP). The tC, xB and iA would all be discontinued while the iA/iM would continue to be rebranded and rebadged. The most important thing is that the C-HR CUV design we saw last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show will now be a permanent fixture under its parent brand. The production version of this car has finally arrived after much anticipation. It looks amazing.
The 2018 CHR, which stands for “Coupe-High Rider”, made its U.S. debut at 2016 L.A. Auto Show. It shares many cues with the original concept. The sleek front end and flared fenders are two of its most notable features. It makes up for what it lacks in production from concept to reality with usability.
It rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture and shares many of the same bones as the new Prius. You can choose to have it all wheel-drive, front- or rear-wheel-drive. The C-HR uses both the former and latter, though we wish there was a rear-wheel drive option. The trims will be available in XLE Premium and XLE Premium at the launch. They include features such as 18-inch alloys and sport bucket seats.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with a CVT. It produces 144 horsepower (107 Kilowatts) as well as 140 pound-feet (1189 Newton-meters). Although no figures on fuel economy have been provided, the engine uses Variable Valve Timing which is claimed to improve fuel economy and overall operation. We will eventually see a hybrid version of the engine.
It measures 171.2 inches (4,348-millimeters), 70.7 inches (1,795 millimeters), and 61.6 inches (1,564 millimeters). This makes it larger than the Nissan Juke, but only slightly, and is placed underneath the larger RAV4. The C-HR’s exterior has been redesigned to offer more space. It features a set rear seats that can be folded flat and what Toyota calls a “MeZone” driver-centric feature.
Toyota Safety Sense technology is standard on the XLE Premium trim. It includes systems such as pedestrian detection, pre-collision warning and lane departure warning. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking is also included. The XLE Premium trim includes blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
The C-HR will be available for purchase in 2017 The C-HR is expected to go on sale in 2017 with no word on pricing in the U.S.
