New Toyota C-HR leaked ahead of Geneva motor show debut

First pictures of Toyota's new Nissan Juke rival hit the web, ahead of its global debut in Geneva next week

The production version of the Toyota C-HR concept has been leaked ahead of its official reveal at the Geneva motor shownext week.

Leaked pictures, published on an American news website, confirm the Nissan Juke rival has stayed true to the design philosophy of the concept, with the five-door crossover flaunting bulging arches, angular lights and a coupé-like roofline.

The new model is based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), which is shared with the Prius, and makes use of hybrid power.

Toyota previously said it would be the first hybrid in this class, though it is not yet known if a conventionally powered alternative will be offered. The C-HR is expected to be powered by a four-cylinder powerplant for its internal combustion engine, paired with a CVT gearbox and an electric motor. It will sit below the RAV4 in Toyota's range.

A racing version of the C-HR has also been revealed, and will race at the Nürburgring endurance event this May.

The model has been previewed by the C-HR concept that was even declined as a Scion before the subbrand was given the axe and now the production series model makes the transition into the real world as a quirky and distinctive design crossover that will spark those usual love/hate scenarios. We can see an aggressive front end with a minimal grille and unique headlights, protruding wheel aches, lots of plastic body cladding, and a rakish windscreen. Moving towards the back we noticed the sloping roofline, the angular beltline, and smallish rear windows. The taillights are inspired by a boomerang shape, the rear door handles are hidden and there’s even a ‘floating’ rear spoiler.

Toyota, since the model is not official yet, has been coy on providing any data concerning the model, but the rumor mill has enough to keep us entertained. We know it will ride on the same TNGA platform that is used for the new generation Prius and the engine choices will also include a hybrid powertrain that will be produced in the UK. It’s most likely it will follow the same setup as in the Prius – which has a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. That’s good for a combined 121 horsepower and we already know from the official source the assembly of the C-HR crossover will be done in Turkey – from there exports will also include the United States.