The all-new 2018 Toyota C-HR sub-compact SUV made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, and boy, it sure looks like a radical departure from conventional Toyota in terms of design and driving experience.
It will go on sale next spring with a long list of standard premium features that includes 17” alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, supportive heated seats, 7” audio display, and Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The latter bundles cutting-edge active safety technologies like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, and more.
Stylish and athletic, the Toyota C-HR (which stands for “Coupe High-Rider”) will definitely stand out from the equally new Ford EcoSport and others in the competitive, burgeoning small SUV segment. It heavily borrows from the stunning concept unveiled at this same auto show last year and is cut to resemble a “Distinctive Diamond.”
More importantly, the new C-HR actually looks fun to drive. A 2.0L 4-cylinder engine sends 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a revised CVT that features a Sport mode and simulated 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic technology. A newly developed MacPherson strut front suspension and all-new double-wishbone rear suspension will combine with a low centre of gravity, high body strength, and low weight to deliver sporty handling.
No all-wheel drive? Nope, not for now. Still, the video at the bottom should get you excited:
