SPY PICS: All-new 2023 Toyota C-HR caught testing

The incoming second-generation 2023 Toyota C-HR has been spotted testing in Europe ahead of an anticipated reveal and local introduction later this year.

Wrapped in thick and elaborate camouflage, this is the first time we’ve seen Toyota’s upcoming new small SUV in the flesh.

And the early signs are good for those who like the look of the recently revealed Toyota Prologue concept.

Looking beyond the camouflage, the engineering development car is refreshingly close to the Prologue concept in its proportions, contouring and key features.

Its stout overhangs point to it being a production version of the Prologue compared to the bigger (but still compact) and sleeker Toyota bZ concept shown at the LA motor show late last year.

The C-HR is known for its chunky stature and sporty stance, and the new model looks set to continue that trend with plenty of lumps, bumps, creases and an even more hunkered-down stance than the current iteration.

One notable omission from the development mule you see here is the Prologue concept’s (and first-gen C-HR’s) hidden rear door handles; instead of being integrated into the oversized C-pillar, the handles are now in the traditional location halfway up the door.

Another scale-back is the alloy wheel design.

The concept’s almost clover leaf-design has been swapped out for a set of black multi-spoke rims, but this could just be a case of variant-specific equipment and will likely change before the reveal.

Petrol, hybrid and battery-electric powertrains will all feature in the global new Toyota C-HR line-up, however it’s not yet clear whether the EV model will be available from launch.

Other powertrain details are also still to be confirmed.

The current model ships Down Under with the choice of an 85kW 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol or 90kW 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid.

The inclusion of an open honeycomb grille on the spied prototype suggests it isn’t the EV version.

Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations vice-president Sean Hanley confirmed back in November the new C-HR would be offered here alongside the recently launched Toyota Corolla Cross, continuing the brand’s two-pronged small SUV strategy.

“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 after the reveal of the Prologue concept.

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