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Leith Cars Blog

The Toyota C-HR Concept Is a Sharp-Looking Crossover. Literally.

Said to be inspired by diamonds, the Toyota’s C-HR is sharper than cheddar cheese. The entire design is angular and aggressive, but also unlike anything we’ve seen before. It looks like the kind of car that’s searching for Shia LaBeouf and Optimus Prime.

“Day 201… They still suspect nothing…”

There’s more to this car than looking like a Decepticon, though. It’s Toyota’s first compact crossover, and unlike so many concept cars, this one is actually heading to production. The C-HR features a hybrid powertrain (that we don’t know much about), and some of the coolest rims we’ve ever seen.

Motor Authority reports say this engine will be “good for 120 horsepower,” and that it could also be powered by some turbocharged gasoline powertrains. Reports from Road Show are echoing that, saying the hybrid is a 1.8L that produces 120 horsepower, and the turbocharged engines will pass that with 133 horsepower.

No one really knows, though. Road Show is also reporting that the US will probably see a 2.0L engine with a CVT and no six-speed manual option. That would be logical considering how unlikely you are to sell a manual car in the United States, but upsetting for those of us who like to do our own shifting.

When will we see the C-HR?

Wondering when will the C-HR make it to the United States? There’s no specific date, but Spring 2017 seems to be the broad consensus. We also don’t know what its price will be, but we’ve got a pretty good idea.

Since the C-HR is going to be a Nissan Juke competitor, you can expect to find it in a similar price-range. The Nissan Juke starts at $20,250 and tops out just under $30,000. The Mazda CX-3 and Jeep Renegade are at similar price points, so we’re guessing the C-HR will be priced comparably.

What we’d like to see

More than 40mpg, lots of torque, and all-wheel drive. That’s the technology that would set the Toyota C-HR apart from the Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3, and Jeep Renegade. Also, please don’t give us an interior that’s too advanced for its own good.

We’ll keep our fingers crossed for a compact crossover that breaks the mold. We’d love to hear what you would like to see in this upcoming model, so let us know on our Facebook or Twitter!