www.ADandP.media
When the production version of the 2018 Toyota C-HR compact crossover was
introduced for the first time at the 2017 LA Auto Show, then-Toyota Div., Toyota
Motor Sales U.S.A., group vice president and general manager, Bill Fay said, "It
looks like nothing we've ever created." As a Toyota.
At the 2015 LA Show a concept car had been revealed, the Scion C-HR. And at
the time then-Scion vice president Andrew Gilleland said, "Scion is known for
doing things differently, and maybe even being a little weird. This C-HR Concept
embraces that idea and wears it like a badge of honor."
The Scion C-HR was a concept with the obligatory exaggerated wheels and tires
and character lines. And by August 2016, Scion ceased to exist.
That said, the C-HR continued on. It became a Toyota. Of course, there were
some modifications and the concept became real. Even in terms of what the
"C-HR" stands for. At first, it was "Compact size with High Ride height." It is now
"Coupe High Rider." (Although it should be pointed out that whereas a "coupe"
is generally defined as a car with two doors, the C-HR has four doors. But there
are two aspects of that which need to be taken into account. One is that there is
a sloping roofline, which is more coupe-like than sedan or even crossover-like
(it really is a crossover, not a car, which accounts for the accurate "High Rider":
the C-HR is based on the same TNGA architecture—that's Toyota New Global
Architecture—that underpins the current-generation Prius. The Prius has a ground
clearance of 5.1 inches. The C-HR has a ground clearance of 5.9 inches.) and the
C-HR
CREATING THE
By GARY S. VASILASH, Editor-In-Chief
Yes, this is a Toyota. A production
crossover. One that will clearly appeal
to those who are wondering where
Scion has gone.
29
AD&P; ∕ MAY 2017
TOYOTA
Yes, that's a Toyota:
the 2018 C-HR. No,
it doesn't look like
anything that's come
from that brand
(at least since the
2000 Celica).