Toyota C-HR SUV to make production leap at Geneva motor show

The final production version of the Toyota C-HR concept series will debut at next month’s Geneva motor show, the Japanese carmaker has confirmed.

The C-HR concept first appeared as a dramatically-styled and coupe-inspired show car at the 2014 Paris motor show, offering the first glimpse of Toyota’s plans in the compact SUV space.

One year later, at the Frankfurt motor show, Toyota showed a second take on the C-HR that was no less dramatic, but - with a more production-friendly design for the front and rear headlights - represented a clear step towards production.

Whether the concept pair’s complex folds and creases and complete lack of rear visibility will all make the leap to production remains to be seen, but with the incredibly popular - if now rather old - Juke in its sights for Europe, Toyota is likely to focus on an edgy design.

Toyota has also confirmed that the C-HR - which may yet debut with a different name - will be built in Turkey, with power provided by a petrol-electric hybrid system that will be produced in the UK.

The car maker’s local arm has thrown its hand up for the C-HR, and a local launch is hoped to occur before the end of 2016.

“The effort being put in is substantial – that’s more in terms of specification and pricing and making sure everything is right for our market before we throw our complete weight behind it,” Toyota Australia communications executive Stephen Coughlan told CarAdvice in Frankfurt last year.

“But there’s certainly a very strong interest, and obviously a very strong opportunity there for the car.”

It is unclear if Australian models will be sourced from Europe or if additional production will start up in Japan or elsewhere.

Toyota Australia imports most of its vehicles from Japan, with the exception of the Camry and Aurion (both produced locally), HiLux (Thailand), Corolla sedan (Thailand), Fortuner (Thailand) and Kluger(USA).

MORE: Toyota reveals TNGA tech
MORE: Toyota says it needs more SUVs
MORE: 2014 Toyota C-HR concept revealed
MORE: 2015 Toyota C-HR II concept revealed