The Toyota C-HR is Exactly What Scion Needs To Succeed

Aaron Cole
by Aaron Cole
the toyota c hr is exactly what scion needs to succeed

Toyota’s compact crossover C-HR will be making another auto show appearance before its production version is unveiled next year at the Geneva Auto Show, and its quite possible that the model could make or break Scion’s future in the U.S.

Toyota hasn’t released many details about the C-HR, other than to say that it’ll be built on the same, global TGNA structure that the next-generation Prius is built on and would have a similar hybrid powertrain.

The small crossover would fit entirely within Scion’s wheelhouse of younger buyers who apparently can’t get enough of crossovers, and would help make relevant a brand that is, um, struggling with sales.

In addition to the updated images, Toyota says it has brought the C-HR closer forward to production by adding two more doors and changing the roof color from two-tone to glossy black. That gigantic belt-line detail on the rear doors and impossibly sharp rear tail lights probably [s]shouldn’t[/s] won’t make it to production.

(It’s possible that the model could be shared between Toyota and Mazda under their growing partnership.)

This year, Scion will release a reskinned Mazda2 sedan in the States as the Scion iA and a rebadged Corolla hatchback as the Scion iM to replace outgoing or slumping models that have fallen flat at dealerships. Both new models may be sold at dealers under a new “Pure Price” format that would allow buyers to all-but purchase their cars online and accept delivery at a dealership, which could put the automaker one-step closer to again connecting with younger buyers who view cars — and car buying — substantially different from their parents. Another step: a small crossover that sell like crazy right now.

Scion sales have slumped since its zenith seven years ago. The brand ranks 30th among automakers in sales so far this year.






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  • Bobby D'Oppo Great sound and smooth power delivery in a heavier RWD or AWD vehicle is a nice blend, but current V8 pickup trucks deliver an unsophisticated driving experience. I think a modern full-size pickup could be very well suited to a manual transmission.In reality, old school, revvy atmo engines pair best with manual transmissions because it's so rewarding to keep them in the power band on a winding road. Modern turbo engines have flattened the torque curve and often make changing gears feel more like a chore.
  • Chuck Norton For those worried about a complex power train-What vehicle doesn't have one? I drive a twin turbo F-150 (3.5) Talk about complexity.. It seems reliability based on the number of F-150s sold is a non-issue. As with many other makes/models. I mean how many operations are handle by micro processors...in today's vehicles?
  • Ravenuer The Long Island Expressway.
  • Kwik_Shift A nice stretch of fairly remote road that would be great for test driving a car's potential, rally style, is Flinton Road off of Highway 41 in Ontario. Twists/turns/dips/rises. Just hope a deer doesn't jump out at you. Also Highway 60 through Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. Great scenery with lots of hills.
  • Saeed Hello, I need a series of other accessories from Lincoln. Do you have front window, front and rear lights, etc. from the 1972 and 1976 models
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