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New Toyota C-HR is worth the wait

We first saw the Toyota C-HR at the Paris Motor Show in 2014. Two years later it makes its production debut here in Geneva.

Emme Hall Former editor for CNET Cars
I love two-seater, RWD convertibles and own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for pavement fun and a lifted 2001 Miata for pre-running. I race air-cooled Volkswagens in desert races like the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000. I have won the Rebelle Rally, seven-day navigational challenge, twice and I am the only driver to compete in an EV, the Rivian R1T.
Emme Hall

Toyota may be late to the subcompact crossover game, but it's off the bench and looks like it's about to score. The C-HR debuted at the Geneva Motor Show today, showcasing an edgier look for Toyota, one I'm happy to see.

In fact, this little guy was originally supposed to be sold as a Scion, which may explain its more youthful look. Whatever its origins, I'm just glad it's finally made it into production.

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Looking mighty Juke-esque.

Josh Miller/Roadshow

We first caught a glimpse of the C-HR concept at the Paris Motor Show in 2014, and this production vehicle hasn't changed much. It looks to be a slightly less wacky looking Nissan Juke, with aggressive style lines, distinctive front and rear fenders, and an inward boomerang bend to the tail lights.

Based on the same global platform that underpins the latest generation Prius, the C-HR will be available in Europe as a 1.8-liter hybrid, putting out 120 horsepower, or a 1.2-liter turbo, knocking out 133 horses. Those folks opting for the turbo will get the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or Toyota's continuously variable transmission.

The US should get the C-HR in the spring of 2017. Alas we'll more than likely get a 2.0-liter engine with the CVT and no option for a manual.

No word on pricing yet, but it would make sense for this new model to slot in a good bit south of Toyota's larger RAV4, which starts at just over $24,000.

Toyota's new C-HR is the small crossover you've been waiting for (pictures)

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