2015 Scion C-HR Concept Teases Upcoming Production Crossover – $24k Pricing, Hybrid Option Predicted



2015 Scion C-HR ConceptHey good lookin’!

Your eyes are not deciving you: this new Scion concept might look very familiar. If so, it is because we have seen it at Geneva and Frankfurt in Toyota guise.

The purple and grey C-HR concepts shown so far are exact clones of this Scion for good reason: all tease the same upcoming compact crossover.

Priced below the RAV4 and tipped to offer a hybrid engine option, the C-HR is a handsome and on-trend statement of intent for Toyota and its Scion offshoot.

This concept is not in the slightest bit production feasible, however, with wild shapes and concept-only touches like the floating taillamps and 22-inch wheels.

How will the eventual production car look? Remains to be seen.

If the real car keeps the sleek contrast-black roof, macho fenders and overall silhouette, we will be lucky ducks!  The nose is looking a bit more production-friendly than the rest of the bodywork. The wide swath of gloss black for the upper grille extends around a giant Scion badge in the center, and up into very dark-tinted LED headlights. These wear dual LED projector beams, expanding the lamp look outward via lit concentric rings etched into the black ninja mask.

And what will the truck be called? We think it might be called the Scion iD when it launches in mid-2016 as a 2017 model for the US market, but no one knows as of now.  The prefix is likely to be “i” to match the latest iM and iA. Calling the brand’s first CUV, the name “iX” might also be possible, but that name lacks uniqueness among the dozens of other X-badged high-riders.

What we do know is that it shares the latest modular platform architecture with the next Prius, will be priced from $24k with nearly everything standard — per Scion’s mantra — and will compete with the Jeep Renegade, Chevy Trax and Fiat 500X.

 

2015 Scion C-HR Concept

 

SCION’S NEXT ICON: WORLD DEBUT OF C-HR CONCEPT CAR AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

18/11/15

 

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 18, 2015 – When the designers for the Scion C-HR Concept began their research, they were told by young urban creative customers, “Polarizing is ok. Boring is not.”  That sentiment was evident today as the Scion C-HR Concept had its World Debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. 

With an iconic design that also incorporates functionality and sporty performance, the Scion C-HR Concept is much like Scion’s customer in that it strives to stand out from the crowd.

“Scion is known for doing things differently, and maybe even being a little weird,” said Scion Vice President Andrew Gilleland. “This C-HR Concept embraces that idea and wears it like a badge of honor. We couldn’t be more excited to add the production version to our line-up.”

The C-HR Concept is named for its Compact size and High Ride height. With four doors and a hatch for supreme functionality, it’s the perfect vehicle for “yuccies,” the young urban creatives who inspired the design.

These customers put an emphasis on great design and wanted something distinctive, sophisticated, passionate and clean. They viewed most SUVs as too boring and wanted something for their urban lifestyle that sparked emotion.  

Participants in the research identified images that had a harmony of form and function: sleek chopsticks made from recycled materials, an earthy but modern terrarium, and a cutting board with grid lines for precise slicing.

Given that creative license, Toyota’s international design team embarked on a design that not only makes a statement, but reinforces the C-HR’s purpose as an urban lifestyle vehicle.
 
Taking inspiration from a diamond with sheered sides, the C-HR cabin is like a precision-cut gemstone. From the overhead view, the diamond points have been sharply cut in the front, rear and sides, giving view to the round fender flares visible from every angle of the car. The lower body is sensual and instills strong emotions while the chiseled, faceted cabin suggests protection, giving the C-HR contrasting features that satisfy two desires. Graphite black accents on the grille, rear bumper, fender flares and lower side panels reflect the strength and stance of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the all-piano black roof enhances the C-HR’s sleek and stylish profile.

The 21-inch wheels continue the cut gem theme and feature spokes with chiseled cut-outs shaped with the car’s profile in mind.  

Underneath the captivating design of the C-HR is a platform featuring Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA). TNGA is an innovative and integrated approach to developing new platforms and powertrains for Toyota. It creates a lower center of gravity, increased body rigidity, more responsive handling and improved ride comfort.

The increased body rigidity reduces body movement and roll in cornering. This allows for better ride comfort while maintaining dynamic performance. Improvements will be felt through responsive handling, agility and straight-line stability.

“Even though the C-HR has a high ride height, our focus was on creating a fantastic urban driving car,” said C-HR Chief Engineer Hiro Koba. “My favorite place to be on a weekend is at a race track and I wanted to build a car that I would have just as much fun driving in the city during the week with refined driving comfort and responsive, precise steering.”

More information about the timing and technical specifications for the C-HR will be available when the production version debuts in 2016.
           
“The Scion C-HR will be a stand-out vehicle for us” said Gilleland. “Its styling will lead the way, but its substance will seal the deal. It’s got amazing driving dynamics, superb functionality, and, like all Scions, premium features at an accommodating price. There’s no doubt this will be the next iconic vehicle for Scion.”