Not all manufacturers present concepts that offer a really close view of what a new model will be like. However, with Japanese car manufacturers this is not the case, so the special interest aroused by the C-HR Prologue, which Toyota has just presented, clearly assuming that this concept model embodies “a very real vision of a car that will soon be seen on the roads of all of Europe.”
In the past, it was also like this. It should be remembered that it was at the 2014 Paris Motor Show when the Japanese brand surprised with the C-HR Concept, a project that caused a stir for representing a new approach in the C segment. But the truth is that, after two years , the C-HR “lost” the concept and gained production, remaining extremely faithful to the prototype that anticipated it. Now Toyota repeats the strategy again, preparing the arrival of the second generation of the C-HR, whose launch should take place at the end of 2023 or, at the latest, at the beginning of 2024.
In this iteration, the brand focuses on exploring what made the The C-HR is a daring proposal, which gives the air of a crossover, in a body that is taller than usual in sedans, but lower than that of an SUV. The new model pursues even greater dynamism, with a certain coupé profile topped by a sharply (in the literal sense) angular rear end. But the truth is that the brand that prevailed with its hybrid engines managed, with that hybrid aesthetic, to make the first C-HR a model with a rebellious design. Judging by the Prologue, the new generation will stay true to the C-HR’s strong styling identity, but will evolve towards greater refinement and even a certain sporty edge, courtesy of shorter overhangs and larger wheels. As for the front, it is almost certain that it will remain practically unchanged compared to the concept, reducing both the openings of the grill and the headlights, thinner for a greater sharpness of the front.
Another particularity of the C-HR has always been its two-tone paint, which is not only maintained but deserves the addition of a third tone. In this case, sulfur color contrasting with the metallic silver and black bodywork.
Although Toyota insists that the future C-HR will translate the conceptual model now presented into reality, it is expected that some more futuristic or stylish elements will give way to cheaper solutions or that do not sacrifice functionality, such as conventional mirrors. of cameras or the way to access the rear seats, whose doors, in addition to being disproportionate with respect to the previous ones, recast the opening mechanism towards the end.
As for engines, an exclusively electric variant of the C-HR is something we will never see, for the simple fact that Toyota adds this type of alternative to the bZ sub-brand, so that role will be reserved for the bZ3. Thus, for the new generation C-HR to compete in the hotly contested European C-SUV segment, the focus is on adding a plug-in hybrid version to the existing conventional hybrid, with batteries assembled in Europe. It is very likely that the C-HR plug-in hybrid will benefit from the same mechanics as the new Prius, whose 15.5 kWh accumulator allows it to estimate a range in 100% electric mode of 80 km, providing a combined power of 223 CV.
Source: Observadora
