What is it: The C-HR (Coupe High Rider) is Toyota’s entry into the burgeoning compact tall hatchback segment. Expect it to do battle in the showrooms against Honda’s HR-V.
Why does it matter? The C-HR marks a shift away from conventional CUV design like that found in the RAV-4 and moves Toyota into the murky realm of quasi-CUV’s like the Mercedes GLA, Buick Encore and Nissan Juke. It’s a growing segment in Canada and one that captures much sought after younger buyers.
The bones of the C-HR are a 144-horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder backed by a CVT transmission and a FWD drivetrain. Toyota bills the C-HR as being inspired by sports car design and to that end you can slap the CVT transmission into sport mode which allows you to shift up and down between seven simulated gears. The car cleverly designed with the rear door handle hidden in the C-pillar.
According to designers, the C-HR features a driver-centric “Me-Zone” interior with a 60/40 folding rear seat. Sound deadening is applied generously throughout.
When is it coming to Canada? We can expect to see the C-HR in Toyota showrooms around late spring of next year.
Should you buy it? If you find a RAV-4 to be too practical and frumpy and don’t mind sacrificing AWD, the C-HR could be for you. In the style-conscious tall-hatchback market, the C-HR is the freshest design among the HR-V and aging Buick Encore. The C-HR also comes with Toyota’s sterling reputation for quality and reliability.
Toyota C-HR
