Toyota CH-R Crossover Concept

[wbradley]

Good news everybody, Toyota and Honda have struck a deal. New Toyota models will be able to take some Honda components.

The CHR features a Civic engine and tail lights.

[daiheadjai]

Originally Posted by RRnold

I have to admit, that rally version looks cool, almost Dakar.

But would you say this is Dakar of your dreams?

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[DuMa]

oh shit. take my money now toyota. GIVE ME 5

[RRnold]

Originally Posted by daiheadjai

But would you say this is Dakar of your dreams?

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

Good one!

[vh_supra26]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5DaRimh97Q[/ame]

It’s hard to believe, considering the automaker practically pioneered the compact crossover segment, that Toyota waited this long to introduce something smaller than its popular RAV4.

FAST FACTS
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
Output: 144 hp, 139 lb-ft
Transmission: Continuously-variable auto
US Fuel Economy (MPG): 27 city, 31 hwy
CAN Fuel Economy (L/100 km): Unavailable
US Price: Starts at $22,500
CAN Price: Starts at $24,690

More surprising still, the 2018 Toyota C-HR wasn’t even planned as a Toyota in the first place and was supposed to hit the North American market bearing a Scion badge. However, that brand’s demise opened the door to a tiny Toyota ready to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke and Honda HR-V, among others, in a segment that’s set to explode.

Unconventional Styling

That the C-HR was initially intended to be Scion’s first crossover, subcompact or otherwise, is useful in explaining its looks, which are polarizing to say the least. In the C-HR, Toyota has reached into the Mercedes-Benz bag of tricks, consecrating the quirky crossover a coupe based on its low-slung roof line. The claim is a ridiculous one, of course, and the C-HR is no more a coupe than the Chevrolet Tahoe is an economical choice next to the Suburban.

Considering just how unusual it appears from all other angles, the C-HR’s front fascia is decidedly less so. In fact, park it next to the breadwinning RAV4 and the two are nearly indistinguishable outside of their differences in proportion and height. These similarities are rooted in the need to create a familial face, but they don’t extend much further than their front ends.

Look at the C-HR in profile and its radical design truly begins to take shape. The crossover’s conspicuous character lines pick up where the headlights taper off and work their way back, creating pronounced front fenders that provide a bold appearance. Continuing across the doors, the character lines come to an arrow-like point just before reaching the corner of the taillight to once again give the C-HR an impressive — and aggressive — stance.

Around back, the similarities between the C-HR and the Honda Civic hatchback are hard to ignore. While the C-HR is a crossover and thus stands slightly taller than the Civic, both share the same wedge-like tailgate design and C-shaped taillights. Coupled with the cascading roofline, and the C-HR is a short and stout package that is as compact as it is quirky.

Plenty of Passenger Space

The C-HR’s slight exterior proportions don’t, however, result in a cramped cabin. Its wheelbase spans just 103.9 inches (2,639 millimeters), though the vast majority of that space has been dedicated to the passenger area. The first row is home to a roomy 43.5 inches (1,105 mm) of legroom, while those in the second row are treated to 31.7 inches (805 mm) to stretch their legs. The latter measurement may seem short, but there’s still plenty of space in the second row — particularly for those who come up short of the height restrictions to ride the average rollercoaster.

Likewise, headroom in either row is enough for most. With no sunroof available, the C-HR offers 38.1 inches (968 mm) of space to upright in the front seats and 38.3 inches (973 mm) in the rear, surprising figures given the raked roofline. Hip- and shoulder room, too, are more than ample, and don’t leave the cabin feeling too cozy.

Accessing the C-HR’s second row can be challenging, with rear doors that don’t swing open very wide. This may pose potential problems for parents when it comes to installing car seats. Alleviating at least some of those possible profanities when it comes time to strap a seat in place are LATCH anchors that are conveniently located behind velcro flaps for easy access.

The C-HR also comes up short in the cargo compartment, with limited space on hand. With only 19 cu-ft (538 liters) of cargo room with the rear seats upright, it offers substantially more space than the Nissan Juke (10.5 cu-ft, 297 liters) but far less than the Honda HR-V (24.3 cu-ft, 688 liters). The tailgate opening is, however, wide enough to accommodate larger items without the need to be apt in the art of Tetris.

Bucking the Boring Trend

Underpinning the C-HR is a variation of the architecture that is shared by the likes of the current Prius and the upcoming redesigned Camry. With plenty of torsional rigidity and a low center of gravity, the C-HR features a taut chassis that is atypical of a crossover. Add in wheels that sit about as close to the corners as possible and actual steering feel and feedback, and the C-HR a nimble package that borders on fun.

Adding to the enjoyment is the C-HR’s suspension setup. With MacPherson struts up front and double wishbones at each rear wheel, the subcompact crossover does well to absorb bumps and road imperfections with few to no bumps reverberating into the cabin. But it’s the addition of Sachs dampers at all four corners that reduce rebound rates to keep the suspension from slopping its way around corners.

Considering just how engaging and enjoyable the C-HR can be on a twisty road, the engine propelling the C-HR is an underwhelming one. With a 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood, the C-HR is good for just 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. Both of those figures are on par with others in the segment, but given the way the C-HR tackles turns a torquey turbo engine would enhance the crossover’s otherwise impressive performance.

Power from the naturally-aspirated engine is sent to the front wheels through a continuously-variable automatic, the only transmission offered in North America. While CVTs rarely impress, the one in the C-HR isn’t so bad. It does suffer from some of the rubber-banding typical of these transmissions, but this particular one is fairly linear under acceleration. It does, however, seem like paddle shifters would be a good fit in this fun-to-drive CUV.

Also somewhat disappointing is the crossover’s official fuel economy ratings. The C-HR is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway, which is the same as the Honda HR-V with all-wheel drive, and doesn’t quite cut it considering the C-HR is only available in a front-wheel drive layout. It does, however, seem as though there’s room to improve on those numbers without too much effort. Resetting the trip computer after shooting our video review saw the C-HR hold steady at a combined fuel consumption of 34.2 mpg before traffic forced it down to a still-respectable 33.4 mpg after almost 70 miles of driving.

Driving a Big Bargain

While the C-HR’s cabin features few flashy thrills, its design is a modern and clean one to be sure. Plenty of unique textured materials are strewn throughout, while relevant controls are easily within view — and reach — of the driver. It’s part of a driver-centric approach designers took with the C-HR aimed at limiting distractions behind the wheel.

There’s also plenty of standard content that’s been poured into the C-HR without breaking the bank. With only two trims available — XLE and XLE Premium — the subcompact crossover starts at just $22,500 ($24,690 in Canada), and comes with a great suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.

Also along for the ride is a dual-zone automatic climate control system and backup camera, and a standard seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that sits atop the dash. Smartphone interfacing systems Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t included just yet, but don’t be surprised if that’s part of the package shortly. The infotainment system also lacks satellite radio, though Bluetooth audio streaming is built in to make up for the lack of a CD player.

Stepping up to the XLE Premium trim brings the price up to $24,350 ($26,290 in Canada), and adds a few features, including blind spot monitoring and foglights, to round out the Scion-esque trim walk. Leather seats aren’t available, but the standard cloth ones offer plenty of comfort and support.

The Verdict: 2018 Toyota C-HR Review

The 2018 Toyota C-HR may be a crossover, but it’s easily as fun as any compact hatchback on the market. With surprising driving dynamics, it’s a turbocharged engine away from being a full-blown riot on the roads. While some folks may be dissuaded by the lack of available all-wheel drive, putting power to all four wheels isn’t necessary — and, indeed, wouldn’t do the C-HR many favors.

The C-HR may be on the expensive end of subcompact crossovers, but it’s still priced reasonably while remaining the only vehicle in its class to offer adaptive cruise control as standard equipment. Add it all up, and the C-HR looks like a solid entry in a field that will no doubt become increasingly crowded in the coming years.

LOVE IT
Plenty of passenger space
Surprising driving dynamics
Standard active safety features

LEAVE IT
No available all-wheel drive
Tiny cargo compartment
Limited infotainment features

http://www.autoguide.com/manufacture...ta-c-hr-review

[vh_supra26]

BRUSSELS -- Toyota aimed its boldly styled C-HR at the European market, and so far, that focus appears to be paying off.

Since the C-HR's introduction early this year, it has become the Japanese brand’s third-largest seller in Europe and has established itself as a top contender in the fast-growing compact SUV/crossover segment.

Nissan’s Qashqai, with 75,114 European sales in the first quarter, according to figures from JATO Dynamics, is the segment sales leader. The C-HR, with 31,888 units sold, figures strongly in the mix with the Ford Kuga (40,033), Peugeot 3008 (37,163), Renault Kadjar (29,474) and Seat Ateca (21,707).

Toyota has said it expected to sell 100,000 C-HRs annually in Europe and early demand has strained production at the company’s plant in Sakarya, Turkey, said Matthew Harrison, vice president of sales and marketing at Brussels-based Toyota Motors Europe.

Harrison said that 80,000 sales contracts had been taken through the end of April.

"This year, we will comfortably sell more than 100,000, probably toward 110,000," Harrison said. "We have more than two months’ worth of order bank, in terms of consumers waiting. We are having to reallocate supply in order to avoid customer dissatisfaction or unnecessary waiting times."

In the original planning for the C-HR, "We were talking about lower volumes than this,"Harrison said. "As people started to see final design, execution and pricing, there was a surge of confidence. Combined with a booming crossover segment, we already knew 12 months before we launched the car that demand would potentially be ahead of what we could produce."

Target: Young buyers

The C-HR, which stands for Coupe High Rider, first appeared as a concept at the 2014 Paris auto show, and was shown in production form at the 2016 Geneva show. It uses Toyota’s New Global Architecture, which also underpins the latest generation Prius. European production began last November in Turkey, on the same lines as Corolla and Verso models, with the plant’s capacity expanding to 280,000 vehicles from 150,000. C-HRs produced in Turkey are being exported to the United States, where sales started this spring.

Toyota sees the C-HR, with its unconventional styling, as a way to attract younger buyers in Europe. Harrison said the average age of Toyota customers is 56 or 57, several years higher than the industry average.

"The brand is seen as a very respected one that is about quality, durability and reliability, probably one that people choose for mostly rational reasons," he said. "Not so cool and appealing to a younger audience."

"One of our aspirations for the brand is to create a little more fun and excitement," he said.

Toyota has trailed some of its European competitors in developing a full SUV/crossover lineup, Harrison said. "We’ve been very strong and focused over the past decade on the traditional core segments,” he said, but the crossover segment boom and the speed of it "definitely took us a little bit by surprise.”

There is room in the Toyota lineup for more SUVs and crossovers, he said. Currently, the company has just three in Europe: The CH-R, the midsize RAV4 and the full-size Land Cruiser.

"There’s plenty of opportunity for us between C-HR and Land Cruiser," he said. "It’s not a territory you want to cover with just RAV4."

No diesel

A diesel engine is not available on the C-HR, and Harrison said about 80 percent of buyers chose a hybrid drivetrain.

While the C-HR has contributed to surging sales for Toyota in Europe, the company’s performance in its European region, which includes more than 50 countries including Israel, Turkey and Russia, has been mixed.

Sales rose to 924,650 units in the 2017 fiscal year (ending March 31), and the company says its focus on gasoline hybrid drivetrains over diesels gives it an edge as tightening pollution standards and fallout from the Volkswagen emissions scandal turn buyers away from diesels.

Despite higher vehicle sales, Toyota's European operations swung to a 12.2 billion yen (98.3 million euros) operating loss compared with an operating profit of 72.4 billion yen (583 million euros) a year earlier. Negative foreign exchange impacts and a year-end contribution to Toyota's global recalls contributed to the loss.

Toyota Europe said additional marketing efforts, increased volumes and accelerating cost reductions has increased operating income on a like-for-like basis.

Harrison said: "We have been growing, mostly holding share in a recovering market. I think we are moving into a phase with the C-HR introduction where we have got real product-led share growth."

Based on new vehicle registrations, Toyota brand had a 4.5 percent share of the European Union and EFTA markets through April, according to data from industry association ACEA, compared with 4 percent in the same period in 2016. Sales increased 17 percent in the same period, to 245,072.

Toyota holds the top European market share for Asian brands, ahead of Nissan at 3.9 percent, Hyundai at 3.2 percent and Kia at 3 percent, according to ACEA.

http://europe.autonews.com/article/2...-c-hr-pays-off

[vh_supra26]

[funwheeldrive]

I think the car looks great in person. I wish it came with a decent engine and transmission.

[why?]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

I think the car looks great in person. I wish it came with a decent engine and transmission.

No scions did though. If it really sells well maybe toyota will decide it needs a manual and a better engine, but it would probably have to sell really well. The reviews seem to say it handles well.

[chaoskaze]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

I think the car looks great in person. I wish it came with a decent engine and transmission.

It's being developed, i still see CHR with full camo wrap driving around near downtown las vegas for some odd reason.

I mean I was driving MY CHR while looking at some random dude in a CHR with full camo looking at me ......needless to say that's pretty funny in my book.


But ya, I'm sure they are developing the AWD/Hybrid version for US market? Else why still full camo car 3 months after the car is out?

If they do have the AWD version I will trade mine in for that. O.o




However eventhou CHR is selling like hot cake in Asia & europe, in US market ppl just pick on it being super lower power.

To be honest why you need 200+hp in a family car? US car reviewer like to bash anything don't have 250hp & claim that you can't get out of traffic with that amount of power... lmao.

[funwheeldrive]

Originally Posted by chaoskaze

To be honest why you need 200+hp in a family car? US car reviewer like to bash anything don't have 250hp & claim that you can't get out of traffic with that amount of power... lmao.

I don't need it to be powerful, it would just be cool to have an option for a high revving engine and manual transmission. Like how the Honda Fit used to be.

[chaoskaze]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

I don't need it to be powerful, it would just be cool to have an option for a high revving engine and manual transmission. Like how the Honda Fit used to be.

I don't know, an CHR?

Maybe a more torquey engine so i can toe a tear drop tiny camp cart.... and go off roading.

If CHR has all wheel drive & just enough torque to toe this thing around.
* maybe it does already.




https://happiercamper.com/

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Originally Posted by chaoskaze

If CHR has all wheel drive & just enough torque to toe this thing around.
* maybe it does already.

ummm, the US does not get an AWD trim. We're stuck with fwd only.

[e30kawi]

I saw one of these in D.C. This weekend. Looks great in person!