Toyota reveals ViRA SUV concept

Toyota has revealed pictures of an all-new small SUV concept that will rival Nissan’s JUKE if approved for production.

Called the ViRA, the name is a fusion of the Vitz (the Japanese domestic market’s name for the Yaris) and the RAV4.

Despite the name, the concept’s unmistakable sporty coupe profile also implies there’s been some 86 added for good measure.

Created to target a younger audience, like the JUKE, the ViRA picks up where the C-HR concept that was unveiled at the 2014 Paris motor show left off.

Where the two differ is that the ViRA is reportedly even smaller than the C-HR, which is already sub-RAV4-sized.

The smaller SUV concept is also clearly a three-door concept, while the bigger C-HR, that’s said to be already approved for production, is more likely to come with five-doors.

Interestingly, however, the ViRA was designed and created by Toyota Industries Corporation, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, and thus not an official Toyota concept.

Full details and specifications for the new concept remain scarce but it’s expected the range-topping ViRA will come powered by the 72kW/142Nm (+53kW electric motor) 1.8-litre petrol hybrid engine lifted from the Toyota Prius.

If so, expect the smaller SUV to better the hatchback’s 3.2L/100km fuel consumption.

More details will be released closer to the new concept’s official unveiling, which will take place at the Tokyo Auto Salon later this week, ahead of the world debut of the production version of Toyota's all-new compact SUV at the Geneva motor show in March.