Toyota's C-HR is far from boring

Toyota vehicles often get a bad rep for being boring, Fremont Motors writer L Baures said, but Toyota's 2018 C-HR is far from predictable.

Baures calls the C-HR "fun" and "funky" in his recent posting. The front-wheel drive crossover features include a continuously variable transmission and a 2.0 liter DOHC engine that delivers 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Its recommended fuel is 87 octane unleaded or higher and its EPA estimated fuel economy is 27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined.

While the vehicle is available in single colors, its two color design and diamond shape styling gives it a unique appearance. To add to its beauty, it also has a glittery dash. It has USB port and Bluetooth connections for music and its functionality is up to par. Controls are also easy to find, Baures said.

"For its class, I couldn’t fault the C-HR. The transmission is smoother than some other CVT crossovers I’ve driven," Baures said. "It is pleasant to drive, like a bigger, smoother Yaris with less engine noise. The suspension is a MacPherson strut setup on the front and double wishbones on the rear. There is also a ‘sport mode’ for faster acceleration. Fuel consumption is good in the upper 20s. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Toyota."

The price for a C-HR starts at around $22,500 MSRP.