cars news 10: U.S.-Spec 2017 Toyota C-HR Prototype Spied Testing in Michigan

The U.S.-spec 2017 Toyota C-HR small crossover has been spotted testing in Ann Arbor, Mich., and from the looks of it, it’s not much different from the C-HR sold in other markets. Like the 2016 Prius, the C-HR rides on the new TNGA platform. The compact crossover will compete against the likes of the Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3, Fiat 500X, and Subaru Crosstrek when it goes on sale in the U.S. in spring 2017.

2017 Toyota C HR US spec rear three quarters 2

2017 Toyota C HR US spec front three quarters 1

Immediately you’ll notice that the car features the same aggressive front fascia as the global version that first debuted at the 2016 Geneva auto show. The same upswept headlights are also present; however, unlike the Euro-spec production car, this prototype has conventional halogen light bulbs instead of LED clusters. From the side, the prototype retains its distinctive styling and also features a line that starts from the headlights, curves down the front wheel arch, and then rises up the belt line before ending on the taillight cluster.

Out back, the clear taillight clusters have been switched out in favor of red ones. The rest of the car’s rear fascia remains the same, still featuring a roof-mounted spoiler and a dramatically raked rear window. This prototype’s lack of clear taillights also suggests that this isn’t a hybrid and is instead likely a gas-only version. In Europe, the C-HR will have a choice of two gas engines in addition to the Prius-sourced hybrid powertrain, a 2.0-liter I-4 and a 122-hp 1.2-liter turbo-four that first debuted in the global-market Toyota Auris. A six-speed manual gearbox will be offered in other markets while a CVT is optional. For the U.S., it’s not yet known what kind of powertrain choices the C-HR will receive.

Photo Source: Brian Williams Photography