Paris show: Toyota teases possible Corolla SUV

A COROLLA-BASED SUV is a step closer to being confirmed, with Toyota announcing it will debut its C-HR hybrid crossover concept at the Paris motor show in October.

The Japanese car-maker's announcement was light on detail, only saying the car would reveal the brand’s approach to the small-SUV segment.

“The concept combines a bold new design language with an agile, engaging driving experience and a hybrid powertrain,” the statement read.

A teaser image accompanying the announcement reveals a silhouetted high-riding hatch with coupe lines, rear spoiler and large front splitter. The tail-lights and headlights appear to have an intricate and ornate design.

The shape looks like it could belong to the crossover Corolla spotted testing at the Nurburgring in July. The footage, which can be viewed online, shows the Corolla (dubbed the Auris in Europe) being put through its paces at ‘the Green Hell' two months ago.

The hybrid powertrain used in the C-HR could turn out to be the same used in the Prius C which combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 54kW/111Nm with an 45kW/169Nm electric motor.

Whether the C-HR and crossover Corolla seen testing are one and the same remains to be seen. The new crossover is not expected to go on sale until 2017 and when it does it is likely to be available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive guise.

The small SUV will sit below the RAV4 in Toyota’s line-up and go head to head with rivals such as the Nissan Juke, Holden Trax, Mitsubishi ASX and Ford EcoSport.