Summer days with the 2018 Toyota C-HR

The  2018 Toyota C-HR not only looks great, but it is sporty looking too. I had the chance to receive one from DriveShop this past week and I took it on several long drives in the country and more. I do have to say that I am impressed by a long shot! Let's take a look at the exterior. 

The C-HR has two slim projector-beam halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights. I love this car because it looks wider than it is but I would describe it as a compact car more than anything. 

The car also has a narrow hardcore body and slender windows. There are hidden-type designed door handles for the back seats. The C-HR also has 18-inch tall by 7 wide aluminum wheels and 225/50R-18 all-season tires.

The tail lamps protrude outward and the hatchback tapers neatly inboard. This gives the car a futuristic look. The C-HR also has touch-sensor lock and unlock capability, integrated front fog lights, plus, power side mirrors with turn signals, blind spot warning indicators, puddle lights with “Toyota C-HR” projection, and auto-folding functionality.

The C-HR has canards on the rear quarter panels, front and rear spats and a streamlined rear lower bumper. It also has stabilizing fins integrated into the taillights to manage critical airflow in and around the body.  

Overall, I loved the exterior of this vehicle.

Now, lets talk about the cabin. 

The C-HR has dual-zone climate controls, speaker surrounds, and black headliner above the front passengers.

I also found out that the front windshield is acoustic noise-reducing!  There is a 7-inch audio display positioned centrally atop the dash. It comes with a twin-ring gauge cluster behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The shift knob is stain plated and a bright 4.2 inch color MID sits between the twin-ring cluster. This shows odometer, SPORT and ECO modes, outside temperature, fuel economy, trip information and more! 

 It also has bolstered bucket seats! IT is VERY comfortable. For cargo carrying, the rear 60/40 seat can slit and fold back. 

 Key XLE standard features include all-black appointments; premium leather-wrapped steering wheel; auto-dimming rearview mirror with backup camera; electric parking brake; dual-zone climate control; and Sport Fabric-trimmed front bucket seats with sport bolsters and six-way adjustability. XLE Premium adds Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert; heated front seats; eight-way adjustable power lumbar driver’s seat; and Smart Key System with Push Button Start. Both models are equipped with a six-speaker AM/FM/HD Radio™, Aha™ app, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, AUX audio jack, Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, and Voice Recognition with voice training.

The CH-R's engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder dual-overhead cam producing 144 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 139 pound-feet of torque and 3,900 rpm. Safety is a must for me, as I am a mom. It comes with Toyota Safety Sense P. It is anticipated to be the only vehicle in its segment with standard Pre-Collision System with Active Braking. It is also expected to be the only vehicle in the compact crossover market with Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control as standard equipment.

Want one? The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2018 C-HR will range from $22,500 for XLE to $24,350 XLE Premium. Available colors include Ruby Flare Pearl, Blizzard Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Black Sand Pearl. Available all new-for-Toyota colors include Silver Knockout Metallic and Blue Eclipse Metallic