It might be a bit back-lit, but this is the first image for Toyota's putative rival for the Nissan Qashqai, likely to be called Auris Cross.
Looking more than a little like an overgrown Prius the C-HR concept will use the same underpinning s as the current Auris Sport Tourer estate, and a drivetrain which Toyota says provides "an engaging driving experience and a hybrid powertrain."
That means it's more or less guaranteed to use the 1.8-litre, Miller-cycle petrol engine with the same hybrid electric motor and battery system as the Auris hybrid and Prius.
A high-riding compact crossover, the C-HR will lead to a production Auris Hyrbid which has already been spotted testing on the famed Nürburgring race track.
Hopefully that testing should ensure that the production model has handling and ride to match the impressive Qashqai, especially given that, under the guidance of CEO, Akio Toyoda, Toyota is keen at last to provide a more enthusiastic driving experience in its mainstream models.
Both two- and four-wheel- drive variants, as well as a diesel model, will be available when the Auris Cross goes on sale in 2017.
