Toyota C-HR to live on: New concept previews next-generation small SUV

A new concept has provided our first official glimpse at the next-generation 2024 Toyota C-HR.

Revealed overnight, the Toyota C-HR Prologue concept is an early preview of the second-generation small SUV, which is set to replace the current model unveiled in 2016.

And it’s bound for Australia, with Toyota’s local arm confirming the next-generation C-HR will be sold in Australia, despite the existence of the larger and more conservative Corolla Cross.

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"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," said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operation, Sean Hanley.

"We are looking forward to the reveal of the final production version and introducing it to the Australian market in the coming years.”

While further details are expected in the coming months, Toyota has confirmed it will offer the next C-HR with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, alongside a regular hybrid.

It is currently unknown if petrol-only engines will continue into the next generation, but it seems unlikely – particularly as a European-focused model.

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Under the skin, it is believed to be closely related to the next-generation Prius, which is underpinned by the latest version of Toyota’s TNGA platform, with a more powerful 1.8-litre hybrid, a 2.0-litre hybrid AWD from the Corolla Cross, and a newly-developed 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid.

The plug-in hybrid Prius features a 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing for an all-electric driving range of approximately 90 kilometres.

Designed and developed in France, the C-HR Prologue concept previews an evolved design direction for the upcoming model, inspired by the recently-launched Prius, BZ4x and Crown.

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It was showcased alongside the European debut of the all-electric BZ Compact concept – first unveiled at last month’s LA Auto Show – which is expected to slot between the second-generation C-HR and BZ4x in Toyota’s lineup, potentially badged BZ3x.

The concept is believed to be as close to production as the Aygo X Prologue concept revealed in 2021, which preceded the Aygo X city car – slotting below the Yaris Cross in Europe – unveiled eight months later. This suggests a similar timeframe, with the production C-HR likely to debut in mid-2023 ahead of a 2024 market launch.

Up front, there’s a sharper design with a pair of slim headlights and a slimmer grille, while a more sloped roof flows into a light strip at the rear.

It appears the hidden rear door handles will continue into the next generation, while the oversized alloy wheels and pop-out front door handles are likely to be replaced by more conventional units.

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VFACTS new-car sales data reveals 7409 examples have been sold in Australia to the end of November, placing it seventh in the small SUV segment behind the MG ZS (19,410), Mazda CX-30 (12,975), Mitsubishi ASX (11,976), Hyundai Kona (11,082), Kia Seltos (8198) and Subaru XV (8146).

It is forecasted to be outsold by the recently-launched Corolla Cross next year in its first full year of sale, with the larger vehicle offering greater practicality, a broader range of hybrid options, and conventional styling.

First launched in Australia in 2017, the Toyota C-HR range expanded in Australia with the addition of a hybrid powertrain in 2019, and a sportier hybrid-only GR Sport a year later.

Below: The current 2023 Toyota C-HR

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