The 2018 Toyota C-HR is here and this is a sneak peek of the launch event from Texas. While we cannot mention price, fuel economy or driving impressions (until the embargo date of March 8th, 2017), we can give you the basics. Built in Japan and Turkey, the Toyota C-HR is a front-wheel drive, high-bodied, continuously variable transmission based vehicle.
Overseas, a manual transmission and hybrid are available, we only get the front wheel drive version with the continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Power comes from a 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 144 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. There are three driving modes that are (mostly) transmission-based. You can access economy, sport or normal driving modes, provided your vehicle is at a full stop.
While there is no rear transaxle, there is a independent rear double wishbone suspension with SACHS bump-stops. Hiro Koba, the deputy chief engineer for the 2018 Toyota C-HR and a race driver in his spare time, fine tuned the suspension on the Nürburgring.
No, the 2018 Toyota C-HR is (technically) not a crossover, it lacks an AWD option, but many people would consider it a direct competitor two small crossovers from Honda (H-RV), Nissan (Juke), Mazda (CX-3) and FCA (Fiat 500X). It’s actually a hatchback that has a high stance, about three-inches higher than the equivalent competitor.
Toyota says C-HR stands for “Coupe, High-Rider.”
The sneak peek video is coming very soon, and it will have more technical details. The complete detailed review with driving impressions, pricing and fuel economy is coming next week!
