This is the first photo of the Toyota CH-R concept, which will make its debut at the 2014 Paris motor show next month. According to reports, the vehicle is expected to be the concept precursor to Toyota’s Nissan Qashqai rival, poised to debut in production form sometime next year.
The Qashqai‘s been a massive sales success for Nissan. Since its debut in 2006 it almost singlehandedly redefined the family car segment in Europe. Previous wagon and SUV owners flocked to the new crossover, which promised — and delivered — a commanding driving position and inherent practicality without sacrificing fuel economy or style. Rivals were left scampering for a product to fill the niche. And that’s what we’ll see in Paris, if this dark image of the Toyota C-HR concept is anything to go by.
Toyota says the C-HR concept vehicle is the company’s “innovative vision for a compact crossover model”. We’re not sure what the name itself means, but we like the overall silhouetted shape of the concept car and what we’re able to make out of its head and taillamp designs. They look very conceptual. And that’s what we like to see on concepts…
According to Toyota, the C-HR concept “combines a powerful new design language with an engaging driving experience and a hybrid powertrain”. That sounds very good indeed. But we’ve been promised the world before and been let down. Is it even possible to have an engaging driver’s car that’s frugal and good looking in this day and age?
We’re looking forward to seeing the result.
