'Crossover users want something special, something that a traditional SUV cannot offer. They want a high driving position, but they don’t want the boxy shape of an off-roader. And they also want an agile driving feel. With the Toyota C-HR, we are trying to introduce a new value into the C crossover market, and that newness comes from SUV robustness and strength. But we're not trying to make an SUV that's dynamic, rather, a dynamic vehicle with SUV-like properties.'
The all-new Toyota C-HR introduces a distinctive styling that brings newfound dynamism and sensuality to the crossover market. 4360mm long, 1795mm wide, 1555mm high (Hybrid) and with a 2640mm wheelbase, the production vehicle remains remarkably true to the concept car’s exterior which was first shown at the Paris Motorshow in 2014, and which registered extremely well with target customers.
Under the concept of “Sensual Speed-Cross”, and featuring a diamond architectural theme with wheel arches projecting prominently at all four corners to emphasise the new crossover’s strength and rigidity, the Toyota C-HR modulated structure combines a powerful lower body and raised ground clearance with the slim and sleek cabin profile of a coupe.
Viewed from any angle, the Toyota C-HR's combination of facetted gemstone-like shapes with fluid surfaces and elegantly integrated detailing create a delicate balance of precision and sensuality. The front represents a further development of Toyota’s Under Priority and Keen Look design identity. The slender upper grille flows from the Toyota badge into the sleek, aggressive wing extremities of the headlamp clusters and wraps fully around the front corners of the vehicle.
The movement of the blacked out rocker panel towards the front and rear wheels, along with the shoulder axis that runs through to the front and rear, emphasise the fast-looking, 'lift-up' feel of the thin body. The Toyota C-HR's coupe-like styling is further enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C pillar and, essential to the representation of speed within the design, the powerful projection of the sweeping roofline into a large, highly aerodynamic, skeletal frame rear spoiler.
To the rear, the strongly tapered cabin integrates a top-hinged tailgate giving access to the loadspace. This contrasts with the pronounced flaring of the wheel arches, which give the new crossover a wide and extremely powerful stance. Standing proud of the tapering body work, prominent rear light clusters may also be equipped with LED lamp technology to give the rear view of the Toyota C-HR an equally expressive visual signature.