Next-gen Toyota C-HR previewed by new Prologue concept

Toyota has debuted another concept vehicle designed to preview of the next-generation Toyota C-HR small SUV.

Fittingly dubbed the Toyota C-HR Prologue, the new concept is the internal combustion counterpart for the previously seen Toyota bZ concept, which previewed the long-rumoured battery-electric version of the Japanese brand’s funky compact SUV.

The most obvious differences between the two are the Prologue’s more traditionally styled grille and intake combination, along with its less than subtle tri-colour paint job – the EV version is all-together sleeker and more elegant.

Comparing the Prologue with the existing C-HR, designers say they primarily narrowed the grille opening and completely reworked the headlight design to match the latest-generation products while the tri-colourway aims to command attention.

Other obvious differences we can see include the bold new contours both on the bonnet and down the flanks of the body, even chunkier hips, a completely new slimline rear lighting signature, enlarged diffuser element and evolved double-bubble rear spoiler.

The wheels are another clear advancement, but on the whole it’s fair to say the Prologue looks like a new-generation vehicle (which it is) while still being instantly recognisable as a C-HR.

Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations vice-president Sean Hanley confirmed the next C-HR would be offered in Australia alongside the box-fresh Toyota Corolla Cross, thereby maintaining the brand’s two-pronged strategy within one of Australia’s most popular vehicle segments.

“The current C-HR was embraced by customers for its bold styling and unique small SUV packaging and the concept vision for the next generation C-HR takes that to an even higher level,” he said.

“We are looking forward to the reveal of the final production version and introducing it to the Australian market in the coming years.”

Given the frequency with which the C-HR-related concept vehicles are being wheeled out and the connotations of this latest example’s very name, it would be reasonable to expect the second-generation Toyota C-HR to be revealed by the middle of next year and on sale here by late 2023.

This timeframe was hinted at further by Toyota when a spokesperson said: “Timing for the introduction of new C-HR in Australia and further product details will be announced closer to launch” – a line usually thrown around only when a market launch is near.

The current Toyota C-HR was the sixth-best-selling sub-$40,000 compact SUV on the market as of November 30, with 7409 sales accounting for 6.6 per cent of the packed small SUV segment.

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