Toyota has surprised Frankfurt showgoers with the unveiling of a concept for a hybrid crossover. The 'C-HR' is a near-production preview, and Toyota bosses have confirmed it will be built and shown at the 2016 Geneva show.
Akio Toyoto, CEO of the Japanese firm, confirmed to Auto Express before the press conference that the finished product will look 'very similar' to this. We've seen less developed concepts of the C-HR at previous motor shows, and Toyota claims it'll go on sale in the middle of 2016 just after a Geneva production debut.
Image 3 of 7
Billed as a high-tech Nissan Juke rival, the C-HR is far removed from models in the current Toyota range, with a more angular and coupe-like design in keeping with the style-led small crossover market. A shift from the previous three-door to a five-door format shows a step towards production.
It's based on Toyota's new 'TNGA' platform architecture, which is described as a "integrated development program for vehicle platforms and powertrain components". It underpins the new Prius, and the C-HR is expected to share the same full hybrid petrol-electric powertrain. Technical specs aren't released yet but Toyota claims the petrol engine has a thermal efficiency of 40 per cent.
More news from the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show...