The Toyota C-HR has not yet arrived on our roads, and yet a possible sporty version is already being discussed

At the Geneva Motor Show, held in early March, we met the Toyota C-HR. A new model in the crossover range that will soon reach our dealerships as a compact SUV smaller than the veteran RAV4.

In theory, it will reach the European market later this year, and will be available with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a hybrid variant with the classic Toyota partnership: a 1.8 petrol engine and an electric motor.

The Toyota C-HR attracted plenty of flashes and glances at its stand during the Geneva event, not for being a completely revolutionary model or for having several hundred horsepower under the bonnet, but for its uncommon and well-crafted design that departs slightly from the norm. As a result, once it hits the streets, its main rival will most likely be the Nissan Juke.

But that is not all. According to the Autocar publication, Toyota could be considering developing a sporty version of the small crossover. Autocar’s sources are supposedly reliable, as they are people of some standing within the brand. Executive Rembert Serrus has stated that “the car lends itself to it. A sporty version could be a minor change or a new project. A performance version would make a lot of sense.”

A competition variant of the Toyota C-HR has already been developed for racing. It will take part in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, which takes place within a few weeks on the German circuit. This competition variant is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing around 180 hp. Hiro Koba, the project’s chief engineer, has reportedly hinted that he would like to see more powerful versions on the road.

Should a high-performance variant reach the market, in addition to improved engine output, we would likely see new suspension tuned for the version, a higher-capacity braking system, changes to the steering setup and, of course, aesthetic differences that give the exterior and interior a more sporty presence.

We will have to wait, but perhaps Toyota has on its way a first enemy for the Nissan Juke Nismo.

Source | Autocar

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverToyota C-HR17 versions · from 35,750 €