It all started in 2014, when Toyota debuted the C-HR at the Paris Motor Show, anticipating with the C-HR Concept the arrival two years later of the C-HR and the C-segment of large production crossover coupes. Today, with the Toyota C-HR Prologue, the Japanese manufacturer shows a first but very realistic vision of a car that will soon make its debut on European roads, anticipating the next generation of the C-HR. If the current Toyota C-HR was born at the ED² (Toyota European Design Development) style centre based in the south of France, the shapes of the C-HR Prologue also came to life in the same design centre. The challenge for ED² was clear, albeit ambitious: to go beyond what they had already achieved and renew a breakthrough and successful model.
“Our mission was to go deeper, to go further than we had ever done before. We can’t wait to give the world our new C-HR,’ said Lance Scott, Design Director/Co-Gerant of Toyota European Design Development (ED2). In essence, the car has remained true to its original DNA. Bold, polarising, the C-HR Prologue presents a more sophisticated and provocative expression of the previous concept car and current generation. Larger wheels with reduced overhangs enhance the car’s footprint on the ground from all angles.
The ‘Hammerhead’ front end is part of a 3D architecture made up of interconnected shapes and a full-width light signature. The grille openings are reduced, while the headlights are tapered to accentuate the high-tech identity and create a more aggressive look. The same theme of interconnected shapes continues throughout the bodywork, which is reminiscent of the cut of a diamond, in the movements and intersections of the lines, creating two shapes that fit together to accentuate the car’s road presence.
The C-HR Prologue brings a third touch of orange colour along with metallic silver and black recycled carbon fibre. From the outset, the car was designed to use a three-tone colour scheme for added character and personality. As for the engine chapter, the new C-HR will arrive exclusively in hybrid, full hybrid or plug-in versions and the batteries will be assembled in Europe.
