Toyota C-HR Prologue formally debuts – previews subsequent era of compact crossover; hybrid, PHEV energy

The Toyota C-HR was proof that the Japanese carmaker wasn’t afraid to face out with a daring design when it made its debut on the 2016 Geneva Motor Present. It has been a number of years for the reason that C-HR burst onto the scene, and the corporate has now introduced {that a} successor is on the way in which, previewed by this, the C-HR Prologue.

Like the unique, the idea you see right here is styled to be daring, with clear inspiration taken from latest fashions just like the Crown, Prius and Aygo X. The obvious is the hammerhead face that’s achieved with interlocking shapes and lighting signature, the latter that includes near-C-shaped daytime working lights that mix into the principle headlamps.

Additional down, the big maw within the decrease apron homes a comparatively small grille that’s flanked by what seems to be air curtains. When seen from particular angles, the piercing entrance finish appears to be like much more pronounced.

Down the perimeters, outstanding creases originating from the entrance wheel arches meet at a degree in the midst of the entrance doorways, which then extends in direction of the rear of the car. There’s extra for the eyeballs to see too, together with door handles that seem like tucked on the nook of the taillights fairly than being up excessive on the C-pillars, as they had been on the unique C-HR. As for the entrance door handles, they’re saved flush with the automotive’s physique and prolong out when wanted.

There are additionally the same old idea issues like outsized wheels and aspect cameras rather than mirrors, that are more likely to be made extra standard in manufacturing guise. You’ll additionally discover the tri-tone paint scheme to emphasises sure parts just like the rearmost pillars, with a “sulphur” hue serving to distinction the “steel silver” and “recycled carbon.” Toyota says it designed the Prologue to have a tri-colour choice to make it stand out from the same old bi-tone strategy.

The dramatic styling continues within the rear, with a particular rear wing trailing from two “bubbles” on the roof, full-width taillights, a sculpted tailgate and a large rear diffuser ingredient. Toyota isn’t prepared to point out us the inside simply but, however it says that the overhangs at the moment are shorter, which probably means higher inside area due to an improved wheelbase. We’ll see for ourselves when the carmaker is able to reveal extra.

As for powertrains, the following C-HR will likely be provided with the model’s self-charging hybrid powertrain in addition to a plug-in hybrid that makes use of batteries assembled in Europe. Though not talked about within the launch, the crossover might additionally get an all-electric powertrain, as previewed by the Small SU EV throughout a media briefing final December.

The Small SU EV, which many believed to be a brand new bZ EV or an excellent earlier take a look at the following C-HR, appears to be like suspiciously just like the Prologue and up to date patents that surfaced on-line present a mannequin that appears extra production-ready, and once more, fairly acquainted.

GALLERY: Toyota Small SU EV patent photographs