cars news 10: Scion C-HR Crossover Concept Debuts in Los Angeles

First seen as the two-door Toyota C-HR crossover concept at the 2014 Paris auto show, the subcompact crossover was confirmed for production at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show. Unlike the original concept, the production model will feature four doors. Debuting at the 2015 Los Angeles auto show this week in concept form, the new model will be sold in the U.S. as the Scion C-HR.

While few technical details of the Scion C-HR have been revealed, we know the new subcompact crossover will ride on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), which also underpins the all-new Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle as well as the upcoming fourth-generation Prius hybrid. The new platform is said to offer a lower center of gravity and increased body rigidity for more responsive handling and improved ride comfort.

“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, in a release. “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.”

The C-HR crossover is aimed at “young urban creative customers,” and its name stands for Compact size and High Ride height. Scion says these buyers want something “distinctive, sophisticated, passionate and clean.” Interior and exterior styling is said to be inspired by “a diamond with sheered sides.”

Scion C HR concept side view with reflection

“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 lineup.”

The diamond-cut styling applies to the front, sides, and rear styling as well as the spokes on the 21-inch wheels. The grille, fender flares, lower side panels, and rear bumper feature graphite black accents, while the roof features a piano black finish.

No powertrain details have been released. The automaker says that technical specifications will be revealed when the production version debuts sometime next year.

Source: Scion