Toyota previews compact crossover

Shape of crossovers to come: Toyota will unmask its new C-HR concept at the Paris Motor Show on 2 October.

Shape of crossovers to come: Toyota will unmask its new C-HR concept at the Paris Motor Show on 2 October.

Published Sep 15, 2014

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Nice, France - This teaser photo all but confirms that Toyota is working on a new compact crossover model to slot below the RAV4.

Toyota says that this C-HR concept car shows its "innovative vision" for a compact crossover model, but previous spy shots of a high-riding Auris test mule suggest that there is a production version on the cards.

The car in the picture looks to be the correct shape and size to have been spun off the Auris hatchback's platform, although it also appears that Toyota has made numerous styling changes, particularly to the rear end where we see a claw-like taillight design and more coupé-like C-pillar slope.

In fact, Toyota claims to have come up with a "powerful new design language" for this concept, but we'll have to wait until its Paris Motor Show reveal on 2 October to see what it looks like in the flesh.

Toyota also promises an "engaging driving experience" from its hybrid powertrain, although production versions will almost certainly offer a conventional range of petrol and diesel engines, as we see in the Auris, in addition to a petrol-electric hybrid.

Though this "Angry Auris" is likely to enter the market at a lower price point than the Rav4, expect it to be more of a sporty hatchback in hiking boots than an affordable softroader like the Ford Ecosport. In any case, it would certainly cost a bit more than the standard Auris hatch, which sells for R215 700 to R353 000 in SA.

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