Toyota is currently in the process of finalising plans to bring its radically styled SUV, the C-HR to India. A five-door crossover that looks more like a show car than a production car, the CH-R will take on the likes of the Creta and the Tucson when it’s finally launched in India sometime in mid-2018. What makes the CH-R stand out, however, is that it comes with radical styling like bulging wheel arches, angular lights and a very sporty coupé-like roofline. Based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), which is shared with the new Prius, the CH-R may be the first car from the all-new platform to be made in India.
On the inside, the CH-R gets the best interior Toyota has produced in a long time. The futuristic-looking dash is very radical, with several elements on the centre console placed in an unconventional manner. Despite the radical looks and sloping roof, the rear isn’t too cramped either. The roof of the car has been cleverly designed on the inside, so there is sufficient headroom. Legroom is adequate too but is likely to be a bit down on the competition.
Toyota, however, promises that the CH-R will walk the talk and deliver the excitement the styling promises. Handling will be distinctly sporty and young at heart and there will be a set of interesting engines for India too. A turbocharged petrol is also said to be on the cards, which could make for a real fun Toyota. Seems the company is keen to stick to its promise of no boring cars. One thing’s for sure, the CH-R will bring a breath of fresh air to the segment. Are we looking at another potential blockbuster SUV from Toyota?
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
