When Toyota revealed the next-generation C-HR Prologue concept, it would not say whether the small SUV was going all electric. Now, spy photographers say they have captured photos of the production vehicle testing with an all-electric powertrain ahead of its official unveiling. Spotted on the road in Europe, this camouflaged test vehicle’s silhouette is notably similar to that of the C-HR Prologue concept, which was revealed in December. Toyota’s followup to the popular C-HR small crossover, the automaker confirmed that the new model would get hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants. Now it appears that it will also get an all-electric version.
Although the small crossover’s design
details are all hidden under a camouflage wrap in these spy shots, its profile
is all but identical to the concept’s, featuring the same roof-mounted spoiler
and aggressive hood as the show car. Although the tester’s tail appears to be
straighter than the concept’s, closer inspection reveals what appears to be a
separate panel, that may serve to deceive onlookers.
There are no close-up shots of the
interior, but some of the photos are clear enough to see a touchscreen that
sits proud of the dashboard, and separate from the instrument binnacle. That
suggests that this vehicle will have two separate screens, unlike higher-end
brands, such as BMW and Mercedes, which combine two screens into a single unit.
Although this vehicle will be more humble than those, the style has been taken
up by more mass market brands like Kia and Hyundai.
No official information on this
crossover’s powertrain has been revealed yet, but the current C-HR is offered
as an EV in China, delivering a range of up to 400 km. The larger
bZ4X, meanwhile, offers a WLTP range of up to 516 km for the
front-wheel-drive variant. Its electric motor makes 201 hp and
265 Nm of torque.
Assembly of the new C-HR is expected to
take place in Turkey, where the current model is made. Toyota has confirmed
that it will reveal the production version of the model later in 2023. More
details are expected at that time.