Toyota C-HR concept previews compact crossover

Teased in a single shadowy silhouette image, the Toyota C-HR concept is said to blend a “bold new design language with an agile, engaging driving experience and a hybrid powertrain”.

The image confirms the concept will take the form of a high-riding hatchback. Heavily raked front and rear windscreens and a roof-mounted rear spoiler give the concept a sporty look, while flowing LED headlights and angular LED tail-lights promise to create a unique look a the front and rear.

The concept is understood to preview Toyota’s Corolla-based crossover, which CarAdvice’s spy photographers spotted undergoing high-speed testing at the Nurburgring in July.

The spied prototype wore the production body panels of the regular Corolla hatchback, suggesting Toyota was preparing a model similar to the Subaru Impreza-based XV, though the concept’s unique styling suggests the anticipated production model will have a distinctive appearance.

The compact crossover will be positioned beneath the mid-sized RAV4, making it the smallest SUV in the brand’s range. It will rival the Holden Trax, Hyundai ix35, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan, among others.

International reports suggest Toyota’s compact crossover will go into production and reach global showrooms in 2017.

Both two- and four-wheel-drive versions are expected, with petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains likely to be offered.

More details will be revealed in the lead-up to the Toyota C-HR concept’s Paris debut on October 2.