Tech Spec: 2018 Toyota C-HR

The C-HR receives two Toyota-first features: driver distraction secure audio (DDSA) and brake hold function. DDSA prevents certain multimedia menus from being selected while the vehicle is in motion by complying with NHTSA’s Driver Distraction Guidelines. Brake hold function is a convenience feature that maintains braking force at all four wheels to keep the vehicle stationary when at a full stop. As a result, the vehicle will remain still even if the driver reduces the pressure on the brake pedal. Once the driver depresses the accelerator, brake pressure will release, and the vehicle will move forward.

The C-HR’s engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder dual-overhead cam producing 144 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 139 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm, sends all power to the front wheels via the continuously variable transmission with intelligence and shift mode (CVTi-S). The engine employs many of Toyota’s latest generation of technologies, including variable valve timing (VVT) and Valvematic, both of which have received extensive optimization to enhance fuel economy and smooth operation. Valvematic offers a broader range of continuously variable valve timing (lift and phasing) to provide optimal intake valve (not on exhaust side) operation relative to engine demands. Furthermore, to reduce exhaust emissions, the catalyst is warmed earlier during the engine’s ignition cycle.

The all-new CVTi-S utilizes redesigned pulleys to enhance acceleration and fuel economy; a new belt structure to reduce cabin noise; and a coaxial two-port oil pump system that allows for continuous oil pressure modifications in various driving conditions. A preload differential helps to distribute torque between the left and right wheels during low-speed operation to make for easier, composed driving.

The newly developed MacPherson strut front suspension with SACHS dampers has angled strut bearings and a large diameter stabilizer bar to help the C-HR’s front end respond quickly and precisely at initial corner turn-in. And at the rear, an all-new double wishbone style multi-link rear suspension utilizes a 26-mm stabilizer bar and SACHS dampers with urethane upper supports. The material, together with an aluminum-cast upper support housing, aids in the dampers’ absorption efficiency, and therefore, greatly benefit passenger comfort, cabin quietness and vehicle agility.

Feeling connected to the road is characteristic of a sporty drive, and the C-HR delivers with its column-type electronic power steering system. As is the case with other EPS systems, a tilt of the steering wheel will return light feedback at low speeds, and at higher speeds, drivers will notice the stronger feedback for increased confidence while behind the wheel. The C-HR’s steering system’s feel, however, relies on a highly rigid rack-and-pinion steering gearbox that is installed directly to the front suspension. Braking is handled by pairing 11.7-inch front ventilated discs with 11.1-inch rear solid discs.

The C-HR comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). TSS-P is a multi-feature advanced active safety suite that bundles pre-collision system with pedestrian detection function featuring forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking; lane departure alert with steering assist function; automatic high beams; and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control.

The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection uses a uses a camera and radar to detect a vehicle and/or pedestrian ahead of the C-HR in certain conditions. When the system determines there is a possibility of collision, it prompts the driver to brake with an audio and visual alert. If the driver notices the hazard and brakes, the system may provide additional braking force using brake assist. If the driver fails to brake in a set time and the system determines that the risk of collision with a vehicle and/or pedestrian is extremely high, the system may automatically apply the brakes, reducing speed in order to help the driver avoid the collision or reducing the impact.

Lane departure alert with steering assist function uses an in-vehicle camera designed to detect visible white and yellow lane markers in front of the vehicle and the vehicle’s position on the road. If the system determines that the vehicle is starting to unintentionally deviate from its lane, the system alerts the driver with an audio and visual alert. When the alerts occur, the driver must check the surrounding road situation and carefully operate the steering wheel to move the vehicle back to the center part of their lane.

In addition to the alert function of lane departure alert, the C-HR features a steering assist function. If the system determines the vehicle is on a path to unintentionally depart from its lane, the system may provide small corrective steering inputs to the steering wheel for a short period of time to help the driver keep the vehicle in its lane.

On highways, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control functions similar to conventional “constant speed” cruise control in that it helps vehicles travel at a consistent speed set by the driver, but this system adds a vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode designed to assist the driver by adjusting vehicle speed to help maintain a pre-set distance to a preceding vehicle when the preceding vehicle is traveling at a lower speed. Once a vehicle speed is set by the driver, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control uses a front-grill mounted millimeter-wave radar and an in-vehicle camera designed to detect a preceding vehicle and help determine its distance.

If the vehicle ahead is detected traveling at a speed slower than the set speed or within the distance range setting, the system is designed to automatically decelerate the vehicle without having to cancel the cruise control. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the system may apply the brakes and operate the vehicle brake lights. The system will then respond to changes in the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to help maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle distance set by the driver. When there is no longer a preceding vehicle driving slower than the vehicle’s set speed, the system accelerates until the set speed is reached and returns to the pre-set speed cruising. Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control is designed to function at approximately 0 to 110 mph, and may enable low speed following, speed matching, stopping and acceleration/deceleration to a preceding vehicle.

Automatic high beams help enhance forward visibility during nighttime driving. It uses a camera to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the taillights of vehicles ahead, and then automatically switches between high beams and low beams so as not to interfere with other drivers.

Complementing TSS-P are 10 standard airbags, standard hill-start assist control and rear backup camera, as well as available blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, which are only available on the XLE Premium model.

An entry-level XLE carries a starting msrp of $22,500. A top-of-the-line XLE Premium, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder CVTi-S engine, front wheel drive and an R-Code color package, carries a price tag of just over $26,000.

A new C-HR also comes with ToyotaCare, a no-cost maintenance plan that comes standard with the purchase or lease of every new Toyota for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Servicing the 2018 Toyota C-HR

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

• Check installation of driver’s floor mat
• Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
• Inspect wiper blades
• Rotate tires
• Visually inspect brake linings/drums and brake pads/discs

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months:

• Replace engine oil and oil filter

Every 15,000 miles or 18 months:

• Inspect ball joints and dust covers
• Inspect brake lines and hoses
• Inspect cabin air filter
• Inspect drive shaft boots
• Inspect engine coolant
• Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
• Inspect radiator and condenser
• Inspect steering gear
• Inspect steering linkage and boots

Every 30,000 miles or 36 months:

• Replace cabin air filter
• Replace engine air filter
• Inspect automatic transmission for signs of leakage
• Inspect fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
• Inspect fuel tank cap gasket

At 60,000 miles or 72 months and then every 15,000 miles or 18 months thereafter:

• Inspect drive belts

At 100,000 miles or 120 months and then every 50,000 miles or 60 months thereafter:

• Replace engine coolant

Every 120,000 miles or 144 months:

• Inspect vacuum pump for brake booster
• Replace spark plugs

ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE FOR SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS

Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads: Every 5,000 miles or six months:

• Inspect ball joints and dust covers
• Inspect drive shaft boots
• Inspect engine air filter
• Inspect steering linkage and boots
• Replace engine oil and oil filter
• Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body

Driving while towing, using a car-top carrier or heavy vehicle loading: Every 5,000 miles or six months:

• Replace engine oil and filter
• Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis and body

Every 60,000 miles or 72 months:

• Replace automatic transmission fluid

Repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below 32 F/0 C: Every 5,000 miles or six months:

• Replace engine oil and filter

Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for a long distance such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery use: Every 5,000 miles or six months:

• Replace engine oil and filter

Every 60,000 miles or 72 months:

• Replace automatic transmission fluid

Fluids and Capacities

Coolant: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent

Continuously variable transmission fluid: Toyota Genuine CVT Fluid FE; capacity is 7.6 quarts (7.2 liters)