Photo: Toyota
Last week, Toyota teased us with a new model’s shadow, with only the head and taillights being clearly visible. We thought it was the Auris Cross, but now the automaker flicked the lights on and revealed the concept car before its debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.
Unexpectedly though, Toyota unveiled something that looks like a new rival for the Juke... but designed by Renault. Don’t get us wrong, it looks awesome compared to the frog-faced Nissan compact, but it has almost no Toyota aroma. Just look at those headlamps and the large grille area surrounding the badge - it’s like a squinting Clio.
The manufacturer says the C-HR concept previews a further development of the “keen look” and “under priority” design style, bringing sharper edges, a more frowned face and even a bit of the “diamond architecture” that shaped the new Lexus NX, which starts from the tip of the hood and ends on the tailgate.
A hybrid powertrain has been confirmed for the concept, meaning that it will be found on the production version too. It will probably be the same one fitted on the Auris Hybrid, comprising a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor totaling 136 hp (100 kW).
However, the slightly higher camouflaged Auris spied on track earlier was wearing an independent multilink rear suspension and that could be an early test mule for the car following to be spawned by the concept. And this could only meant that the car will be offered with a four-wheel drive system.
All in all, it seems that Toyota is heading in the right way, at least with the design part. From the GT 86 coupe and the new Camry to the Gundam-styled 2014 AYGO and the incredibly cool FT-1 concept, Toyota is set to show the world it can design something better than toasters on wheels.
The manufacturer says the C-HR concept previews a further development of the “keen look” and “under priority” design style, bringing sharper edges, a more frowned face and even a bit of the “diamond architecture” that shaped the new Lexus NX, which starts from the tip of the hood and ends on the tailgate.
A hybrid powertrain has been confirmed for the concept, meaning that it will be found on the production version too. It will probably be the same one fitted on the Auris Hybrid, comprising a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor totaling 136 hp (100 kW).
However, the slightly higher camouflaged Auris spied on track earlier was wearing an independent multilink rear suspension and that could be an early test mule for the car following to be spawned by the concept. And this could only meant that the car will be offered with a four-wheel drive system.
All in all, it seems that Toyota is heading in the right way, at least with the design part. From the GT 86 coupe and the new Camry to the Gundam-styled 2014 AYGO and the incredibly cool FT-1 concept, Toyota is set to show the world it can design something better than toasters on wheels.
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