IN A MOVE THAT GIVES strong hints of the next generation C-HR, Toyota has unveiled the C-HR prologue concept car, a concept vision for its new small SUV.
When it was first launched in 2016, the C-HR provided a bold styling direction for Toyota and the new concept takes that further with a precision organic design language, bigger wheels and shorter overhangs, giving the concept a more sporty, stronger aesthetic.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said Toyota was committed to selling the new C-HR alongside the recently launched Corolla Cross and this concept forecast an exciting future.
“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,” Mr Hanley said.
“We are looking forward to the reveal of the final production version and introducing it to the Australian market in the coming years,” he said.
At the front, the C-HR prologue features a smaller grille opening topped by slimmer headlights to accentuate the high-tech identity of the concept while its tri-colour option of sulphur over a metal silver and recycled carbon black gives it a standout appearance.
Demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to achieving its goals of carbon neutrality, the new C-HR will be available globally with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, strengthening Toyota’s multi-technology strategy in electrification.
Like all concepts, this one is likely to be toned down for productionThe new concept was designed by Toyota’s European Design Development team ED2 who designed the original C-HR and Design Director Lance Scott said the challenge was how to build on the attention that the first-generation C-HR received.
“Our mission was to dig deep, to go further than we’d gone before,” Mr Scott said.
The real question, in our mind, is whether such extreme styling (even though it is sure to be toned down for production) will be acceptable to Toyota’s traditionally conservative core market. Even the current C-HR is too avant garde for many Toyota buyers. But only time will tell.
Timing for the introduction of new C-HR in Australia and further product details will be announced closer to launch.