Toyota FT-CH hybrid concept (photos)

At the 2010 Detroit auto show, Toyota showed off a new dedicated hybrid concept, this one designed to be an entry-level car for the hybrid buyer.

Wayne Cunningham Jan. 11, 2010 5:27 p.m. PT

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Toyota's new hybrid concept, the FT-CH, came out of its European Design and Development center in Nice, France. It is a compact car created to be an entry-level hybrid.

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The car would use Toyota's Synergy hybrid system, similar to that used in the Prius, which can drive the car under electric power at low speeds.

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Although small by U.S. standards, in most countries the FT-CH would be considered large for a city car. The CH in the name stands for compact hybrid.

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The FT-CH is a four-door hatchback, a fairly common design for Europe, offering ample seating and practical cargo space.

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The exhaust pipes appear to be mere vents in the bumper, perhaps echoing the minimal emissions of the car.

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The cabin has the usual concept car accouterments, with odd graphics in a monolithic instrument cluster, and a strange climate control knob at the front of the console.