Toyota is developing a new SUV to take on the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Honda HR-V in the international markets. The model will be closely based on the C-HR concept that Toyota revealed last year at the Paris motor show, and will go on sale in 2016.
The Toyota C-HR concept was distinguished by its heavily flared wheel arches, angular haunches and ‘floating’ rear light clusters, all of which gave it a notably broad stance. The C-HR’s flamboyant looks were created in response to a demand from Toyota’s boss Akio Toyoda for more adventurous designs.
The new SUV will be based on the Toyota New Global Architecture, the firm’s equivalent of Volkswagen’s MQB platform. It has been designed to underpin a variety of cars, in front, rear and all-wheel-drive configurations. By 2020, around half of all Toyotas will be based on this platform; the next-gen Prius will be the first to use it.
One of the most significant benefits of this platform structure is that it allows greatly enhanced interior space. The C-HR concept was said to have the interior space of a Qashqai despite having slightly smaller dimensions. Toyota is also keen on upgrading the quality and functionality of its interiors, and this is move will be accelerated as new-generation cars are being planned.
The new SUV is expected to be revealed at the 2016 Geneva motor show.
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