Prologue concept teases next Toyota C-HR

TOYOTA has given us an early look at its next-generation C-HR compact SUV, the Prologue concept’s “organic” design language building on what the manufacturer says is the bold styling of the original model that launched back in 2016.

Once the new C-HR reaches production, Toyota Australia is committed to selling it here alongside the Corolla Cross with which it shares a segment, although launch timing remains under wraps.

Said to expand the styling direction of its predecessor, the new C-HR features “precision organic design language” that encompasses larger wheels and shorter overhangs to give the car a “sporty, stronger aesthetic”.

From the front, the C-HR Prologue features a smaller grille area topped by slimmer headlights to “accentuate the high-tech identity of the concept” while a tri-colour option over sulphur over metal silver and recycled carbon black gives a “standout appearance”.

The C-HR Prologue concept was designed by Toyota’s European Design Development team, which was responsible for the original C-HR. 

Design director for the Prologue concept, Lance Scott, said the challenge was how to build on the attention-grabbing looks of the original.

“Our mission was to dig deep, to go further than we’d gone before,” he said.

Speaking on the concept’s debut, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, said Toyota remains committed to selling the new C-HR alongside the recently launched Corolla Cross.

“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.”

While Mr Hanley did not specify a date for the model’s local launch, he did confirm that both hybrid electric (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains will be available.

The current-generation C-HR Is available with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain teaming a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine producing 74kW/142Nm with a 53kW/162Nm electric motor to provide a combined output of 90kW.

Combined-cycle fuel consumption for the hybrid is rated at 4.3 litres per 100km, while CO2 emissions are listed at 97 grams per 100km.

Petrol-only power comes in the form a Toyota’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol mill which makes 85kW/185Nm backed to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Depending on driveline configuration (2WD and AWD are available), the petrol model consumes between 6.4 and 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of between 144g/km and 148g/km.

Timing for the introduction of the new C-HR in Australia and further product details will be announced closer to the vehicle’s local launch.

The current C-HR – priced from $30,915 plus on-road costs – remains one of the more popular entrants in the busy Small SUV under $40,000 segment. Year-to-date figures published by the FCAI show Toyota has sold 7409 examples of the C-HR to the end of November, placing it in sixth position in the category.

MG’s ZS leads the segment with 19,410 unit sales ahead of the Mazda CX-30 (12,975), Mitsubishi ASX (11,976), Hyundai Kona (11,082), Kia Seltos (8198) and Subaru XV (8146), with the top 10 rounded out by the GWM Haval Jolion (7033), Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (5608), Honda HR-V (4446) and Volkswagen T-Roc (3350).