By Steve Laser
With the upcoming introduction of an all-new 2026 Toyota C-HR Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), it’s time to take a look back at the original C-HR concepts from Toyota – and Scion.
Toyota’s C-HR concept made its first appearance at the 2014 Paris Motor Show as a design study, with an updated five-door model displayed at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. We made the above photo of the C-HR concept while visiting the Tokyo Motor Show in Oct. 2015.
Scion C-HR Concept
One month later, in Nov. 2015, we visited the Los Angeles Auto Show where another variation of the C-HR concept made its debut – as a Scion. Yes, the C-HR was originally expected to join the Scion lineup.
Scion was the youthful division of Toyota in America with its own brand created in 2003. It was successful in its mission to attract younger customers, with models like the boxy xB, and later, the sporty tC and FR-S. The C-HR would have been Scion’s first compact SUV.
Taking its inspiration from a diamond with sheered sides, Scion said the C-HR’s cabin was like a precision-cut gemstone. The diamond points were sharply cut at the front, rear and sides, giving view to the rounded fender flares from every angle. Big 21-inch alloy wheels continued the chiseled theme.
The concept was based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) that was also used for the Prius. While powertrain details were not announced for the C-HR concept at the show, a production model would likely have a conventional gas engine.
A few months later, in Feb. 2016, Toyota announced that it was discontinuing the Scion Division. From 2003 to 2015, Scion sold more than 1 million vehicles.
The C-HR went on to become a Toyota for the American market (and globally). First generation models were offered in the U.S. from the 2018 to 2022 model years. Second-generation models are available in Europe and other markets. The new all-electric C-HR will mark the return of the model name to America. See our story at this link.
News source courtesy of Scion archives
Photos © 2015 CarNichiWa.com
Story (commentary) © 2026 CarNichiWa.com