The first concept debuted at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, adorned with a Toyota badge. The company suggested the design study previewed a small crossover to slot below the Rav4.
An updated Toyota concept appeared earlier this year in Frankfurt, ahead of the Scion variant’s arrival last month in Los Angeles. Both models feature a sleek profile and futuristic design elements, slightly toned down from the original design though still apparently far from production form.
The latest concepts have five doors, LED projector headlights and LED daytime running lights.
The C-HR will be among the first models built upon Toyota’s New Global Architecture platform, shared with the Prius and other vehicles. The concept’s lightweight hybrid system will be brought to market, though it is unclear if it will arrive with the first run or as a later offering. Combining an electric motor with a high-efficiency gasoline engine, the setup will have a combined output of 121 horsepower.
The production C-HR is slated to make its global debut at the Detroit auto show, sources have told Car and Driver.
The model is viewed as important for the company, particularly for the Scion brand in the US market. Toyota recently predicted that sedans will be almost entirely replaced by compact SUVs as the segment continues to grow at a fast pace. One executive bets the Rav4 will eventually outsell the Camry, among the best-selling nameplates in automotive history.
Live images by Brian Williams.
Leave a Reply