Toyota signalled its intention to launch a new vehicle genre at the Paris Motor Show in 2014 with the unveiling of the Toyota C-HR Concept. A little more than two years later, the concept became reality with a new car for the C-segment, a model that wasn’t willing to compromise and wasn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
In 2022, the challenge has been how to take the Toyota C-HR to an even higher level, building on its popular reputation for audacity, provocation and fun. Proof that Toyota is going to achieve this aim – and more – is demonstrated by the new Toyota C-HR prologue.
European development
The current Toyota C-HR was born at ED, Toyota’s European Design Development headquarters in the South of France. It is also at ED that the new Toyota C-HR prologue would come to life. The challenge for ED was clear, though ambitious: to surpass what they had already achieved.
Lance Scott, Design Director Toyota European Design Development, explained: “Our mission was to dig deep, to go further than we’d ever gone before. We’re really looking forward to delivering the new Toyota C-HR.”
The future is coming. With extra attitude
Toyota C-HR prologue is a first – but very real – vision of a car that will soon be turning heads on roads all around Europe. Much more than a simple concept, Toyota C-HR prologue makes very clear that Toyota is staying true to what made Toyota C-HR such a success. An outstanding car is ready to get even more attention.
Still a Rebel…with extra sophistication
One glance at the Toyota C-HR prologue shows that the car has stayed true to its original DNA. But something has clearly been added for the next generation.
Still bold, still perhaps polarizing, Toyota C-HR prologue presents a more sophisticated expression of audacity. As provocative as always, and just as much fun, Toyota C-HR prologue demonstrates a dichotomy of qualities rarely found in a single car. Bigger wheels with shorter overhangs enhance the stance from all points of view. At the same time, while the Toyota C-HR prologue increases its feeling of sportiness, it also increases its practical roominess inside.
Surfacing both precise and organic
Toyota C-HR prologue forgoes static lines to express a subtly changing movement from sharp to fluid. Precision organic design language developed from two seemingly opposing values cause surfaces to reshape and flow. This high dynamic range takes the contrast between fluidity and sharpness to a level never seen before. While, at the same time, the high character lines are simplified to emphasize refinement. By allowing surfaces to express both organic movement and extreme precision, the Toyota C-HR prologue becomes at once exceptionally modernistic and yet still with an approachable human touch.
A face to remember
The HAMMERHEAD face is part of a 3D architecture achieved with interlocking shapes and a bold lighting signature. Grill apertures shrink in size, while headlamps slim down to accentuate the high-tech identity. Toyota C-HR has a forward look as keen and piercing as a shark, and just as ready to surge forward. The same interlocking theme continues through the whole diamond-cut, rotating and intersecting body, creating two interlocking shapes that accentuate the car’s presence.
Before there was bi-tone. And now…
Toyota C-HR prologue brings a third colour accent of sulphur over a metal silver and recycled carbon black. From the very outset, it was designed to stand out in a tri-colour option. And stand out it does.
Extended electrified line-up with efficient hybrid and Dual DNA Plug in Hybrid
Toyota C-HR prologue is also demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to carbon neutrality bringing a wider electrification offer for the largest & most competitive market segment in Europe: C-SUV. The new Plug-in Toyota C-HR with European assembled batteries, in addition to the hybrid version will further strengthen Toyota’s multi-technology line-up.
