All-new 2023 Toyota C-HR on the way; concept revealed

KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota dropped the quirky yet stylish C-HR from its lineup back in 2020 and the gap was filled by the Corolla Cross. However, the former continues to be offered in the global markets and is now up for a generation upgrade. The Japanese automaker just teased the second-gen of the crossover SUV in the form of the Toyota C-HR Prologue Concept.

Toyota confirms the new C-HR will debut next year with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains under the skin. It will feature a quirky exterior and unconventional proportions and is penned by the brand's ED2 studio in South France, just like the outgoing model.

The Prologue Concept boasts an evolutionary styling with a few styling cues borrowed from Toyota’s recent models such as the Prius and Crown. It has a hammerhead front fascia with a smaller grille teamed up with sharp, angular headlights, and an aggressive bumper, offering the crossover a bit angrier look than before. 

Also part of the dramatic styling is short front and rear overhangs, prominent creases, large rear pillars, and large alloy wheels. The thinner tail lights on the back are stretched deep into the boot lid and high up into the C-pillar

The car is sprayed with a tri-tone paint scheme comprising silver, recycled carbon black. and gold accents on the half roof, diffuser, and front grille.

No details are yet available on the second-gen C-HR interior, however, we can expect a more spacious cabin loaded with advanced creature comforts.

Underneath the upcoming C-HR, Toyota is likely to utilise a version of the TNGA-C architecture as it confirmed the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. While the automaker kept numb on the engine specifications, the SUV is expected to borrow the plug-in hybrid setup from the new Prius, comprising a 164kW 2.0-litre system and a 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack offering a zero-emission drive of around 50 km.

More details on the 2023 Toyota C-HR are expected to roll out closer to the launch, so stay tuned.

Also read: 9 units limited 2023 Toyota GR Corolla introduced in Thailand