Toyota has previewed the next-gen C-HR crossover via the C-HR Prologue concept. Similar to the first-generation C-HR, the second-gen crossover will be radically styled and will have a thoroughly reinvented proposition – available for the first time with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in addition to a full-hybrid model.
- The C-HR will be closely related to the new Prius
- Likely to get strong and plug-in hybrid powertrains
- Toyota’s EV for India coming in 2025
New Toyota C-HR will share powertrain with the latest-gen Prius
The striking new C-HR will be closely related to the recently revealed Prius, sharing the latest generation of Toyota’s TNGA architecture and offering the same choice of motive power. It will be sold in many global markets alongside a similarly styled but slightly larger electric SUV-coupé, previewed recently by the bZ Compact Crossover concept, as part of Toyota’s continued assault on the critical C-segment crossover market.
Technical details remain under wraps, but the powertrains are likely to be a variation of the PHEV powertrain, which pair a 149hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 160hp electric motor on the front axle for a combined power output of 224hp. The new C-HR Hybrid, which Toyota estimates will be the biggest-selling variant, will use an evolved version of the current car’s drivetrain, with a subtle power boost to 194hp.
New Toyota C-HR design details
The new C-HR, like its predecessor, has been designed at Toyota’s European design headquarters in Nice, France. The overall silhouette – a clear evolution over the current car – will be retained, but it will have shorter overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners.
Toyota calls the C-HR a “condensed stance monster” – a phrase it says defined the direction for the Prologue concept. The production version of the C-HR will have the new-look "Hammerhead" front-end design, which is being rolled out across the line-up to give Toyota models a common identity. However, the production version is unlikely to have the tri-tone finish as the Prologue concept.
The production car is expected to be revealed sometime around mid-2023 before a market launch later in the year.
Toyota's plans for India
Toyota is currently focussing on hybrids for the Indian market. In addition to the Vellfire MPV, the Camry sedan and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder midsize SUV, Toyota recently unveiled the Innova Hycross with a strong hybrid powertrain.
When it comes to pure EVs, Toyota, in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki, is working on a Creta-rivalling midsize SUV slated to be launched in January 2025. The new SUV will be based on a born-electric 27PL platform, a derivative of the 40PL platform that currently underpins the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ EV SUVs.
Also see:
Toyota Innova Hycross review: Moving the goalposts