Release of Toyota chr Production

Release of Toyota chr Production

    Review As someone who appreciates those who stand out from the crowd, I cheered the C-HR as it appears in the auto-form of the auto show over the last couple of years, finally revealing its production at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show. And then it was my turn to drive this punky little car during a Toyota-sponsored trip to Austin, Texas' quirkiest city.

Wayne Cunningham / CNET Roadshow

     From the Los Angeles introduction, I came in knowing that it's a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, making 144 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, powered the C-HR. I also knew that Toyota would not offer all-wheel-drive, just front-wheel-drive, disappointing many.

However, countering expectations driven by those specs, the C-HR makes use of a new platform from Toyota, the same one that makes the generation of the Prius actually drive like a real car. That platform uses MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone at the rear to make up the C-HR's suspension, components that generally lead to good driving dynamics.

Toyota takes a chance with bold design for new C-HR

     A small hatchback with standard 18-inch wheels and a higher riding position than a typical car, the C-HR begins with the Toyota design language at the front end, similar to the new Corolla and Camry. From there, things get a little crazy. The headlight casings stream down the robust front fenders, a deep contour line swoops up the rear fenders to meet the down-curving roofline, and a slotted spoiler hangs over the hatch.

Although the strong design of the C-HR invites comparisons to the Nissan Juke, I did not look quite as goofy.