Frankfurt 2015: Toyota C-HR morphs towards production

A year ago, we saw the Toyota C-HR concept at Paris; a car that encapsulated so many of the exterior design trends of 2014 we even featured it in our annual review yearbook. In order to bridge the gap between the concept and the production model, which arrives in Geneva in 2016, Toyota has done a new version of the C-HR.

The most obvious change is the addition of a pair of rear doors, while the car also gets new bumpers – the front mask now includes a diamond-shaped mesh intake; new lamps, which continue the diamond detail theme in place of flowing contour lines; and a new set of 21-inch wheels with faceted details on the wheel centres.

It’s a decision that’s understandable, maintaining interest in what will become a completely new model line for the firm. However, choosing a gunmetal grey colourway is interesting, especially when combined with the precise, faceted detailing. It can’t be just us that think this is a Toyota that’s trying to become a Lexus as much as a production car.

However, the concept still leaves one big question unanswered, as we still have no idea what direction the interior will take. We’ll have to wait until Switzerland to find out.

In terms of the exterior, however, Toyota needs to be a little bit careful that it doesn’t fall into its rather common trap of adding more and more conflicting detail to what is, fundamentally, a solid design.