Toyota->ke88, a company known for building rock-solid cars and for developing innovative technologies, is getting ready to enter a new era. Already famous for its hybrid->ke147 drivetrains, the Japanese manufacturer is working on its first production fuel-cell sedan and a handful of technologies set to reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, Toyota is also looking to change its current design language by adopting more youthful styling cues. It seems the reform is only a few years away, as Toyota has just introduced the C-HR Concept at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.
The C-HR is more than just a preview car. Although it hints at Toyota’s next compact->ke140 crossover->ke288 for the European market, the concept also showcases a new design language and a brand-new platform. The company also brags about a significantly improved drivetrain, but it doesn’t provide us with actual details. Be that as it may, the C-HR Concept is definitely a vehicle you should pay attention to, and our detailed review is a great start.
Click past the jump to read more about the Toyota C-HR Concept
2014 Toyota C-HR Concept
- Make: Array
- Model: 2014 Toyota C-HR Concept
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
First official images
Exterior
The most important thing about the C-HR Concept is that it introduces a new design language. Although it won't make it to the assembly line in this form, the C-HR previews the next generation of Toyota crossovers. In the company's words, the concept "recaptures the design and packaging ingenuity that produced the original RAV4".->ke370 In other words, Toyota is aiming to develop a brand-new vehicle that's stylish, compact and dynamic, yet agile enough for the current urban lifestyle.
Styling-wise, the C-HR comes in a compact package, but boasts a design that makes it seem rather massive. The large wheels are mainly responsible for its beefy looks, but the muscular arches and the massive bumpers contribute as well. Overall, the design of the C-HR seems brand-new. However, once you start taking the details apart, some familiar cues become visible. For instance, the front fascia still carries Toyota's current grille, while the headlamps, although a bit futuristic by design, appear to be based on units seen on the new Corolla. Same goes for the muscular front bumper, also present on the sedan, albeit in a milder form.
The sleek, coupe roof extends toward a rear end that's sportier than anything we've seen from Toyota, save for the FT-1 Concept. The landscape is dominated by deeply sculpted air intakes, boomerang-shaped taillights, and a large lower apron. All told, the C-HR is a high-riding, muscular hatch that's highly spectacular for a Toyota badge, but too extreme to become a production car. At least not in this form.
Exterior Dimensions
Length |
4,350 MM (171.25 Inches) |
Width |
1,850 MM (72.83 Inches) |
Height |
1,500 MM (59.05 Inches) |
Interior
Toyota didn't have much to say about the C-HR's interior, but the only photo that came with the announcement reveals a more down-to-earth cabin. Nothing extreme to see in this department, with a dashboard that's cleaner than what you get in current Toyota vehicles. The center console is rather clean to look at, while the instrument cluster is dominated by a large clock.
The cabin is a mix of matte and glossy surfaces, with red door-panel inserts contrasting the otherwise black interior. The floor mats come with red edges, while the leather seats benefit from white stitching. Needless to say, unlike the exterior, the interior seems production-ready.
Drivetrain
Although most concept cars are equipped with an engine -- be it an experimental unit or a drivetrain that's already in dealerships -- the C-HR isn't ready to hit the road. In fact, it's powertrain is a well-guarded secret, although Toyota claims it introduces "the next generation of the sophisticated full-hybrid technology" that was first released in the Prius.
"It uses a new full hybrid powertrain that will deliver significantly improved fuel efficiency," that all we get from the Japanese automaker, who has yet to release any actual specifics.
Prices
Needless to say, you can't buy or drive the C-HR Concept. The production vehicle based on this study is at least a couple of years away and it's way too early talk about a price tag.
Competitors
Honda CR-V
The CR-V just received a nice refresh, and it offers good competition to a would-be NX-sized Toyota crossover. The CR-V’s compact size, room for five, and available all-wheel-drive system allows it to maintain that car-like feel while giving a more SUV-like performance.
The CR-V comes powered by a 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder making 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It’s backed by an Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission. The EPA rates the CR-V at 27 mpg city, 29 mpg combined, and 34 mpg highway for front-drive models, while all-wheel-drive CR-Vs get one mpg less in each category.
Pricing for the CR-V starts at $23,320 and rises past $32,770 for the new, range-topping Limited trim level.
Ford Escape
The Escape has proven to be a trendy, hot-selling crossover for Ford. Features like the available EcoBoost engine, touch-free rear tailgate opening, and Microsoft Sync have garnered their fair share of conquest buyers. Smart looks have helped as well.
Speaking of that EcoBoost engine, the 2.0-liter, turbocharged unit puts out 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. An all-wheel-drive system is optional for those looking to conquer foul weather. The EPA rates the EcoBoost at 22 mpg city, 25 mpg combined, and 30 mpg highway in FWD guise, while the AWD gets 21 mpg city, 23 mpg combined, and 28 mpg highway.
Pricing for the Ford Escape starts at $22,610 and rises close to $30,000 for the top trim level.
Conclusion
Granted, the Toyota C-HR showcases and enticing design, but that's pretty much it. Sure, it's enough if you look at it as a study that previews an upcoming model, but we can't help wonder how much of that sleek and muscular body will actually make it on a production model. Although the exterior is as conceptual as it gets, the interior is rather bland, and the hybrid drivetrain is still unknown. Sure, the overall scenario looks promising, but we need more than just a muscular body to cling on.