The Toyota Prologue concept is a glimpse at the next generation C-HR, set to be revealed in the first half of 2023.
New information from Japanese reports has a reveal date for the next generation of the popular Toyota C-HR small SUV.
Reliable Japanese outlet Best Car reports that Toyota dealership sources are preparing for the model change just before the mid-point of next year, in May, before which more information about the next C-HR is expected to become apparent.
For now, the newest reports suggest that the drivetrain in the new model will purely consist of a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, both electrified as a hybrid and as a regular internal-combustion engine, with the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine being discontinued.
Early reports from Japan also had a plug-in hybrid version on the cards, though it’s possible this is based on the potential use of the recently revealed Toyota Prius as a platform base.
Best Car now instead reports a new platform, likely a tweak of the highly regarded TNGA platform, is being developed for the C-HR, which has been previewed in its design by the Prologue concept revealed in early December 2022.
This new information comes as Toyota halts current development plans for its future electric cars, hoping to reorganise and increase the pace of its EV plans, potentially using existing models to bolster its electrified future.
It’s also expected there will be a GR Sport version of the C-HR available from launch, rather than being introduced years down the track.
Previously, it’s already been confirmed to CarsGuide by Toyota Australia vice-president for sales and marketing Sean Hanley that the next-generation C-HR will come to Australia once it’s available.
“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,” Mr Hanley said.
“We are looking forward to the reveal of the final production version and introducing it to the Australian market in the coming years.”
Current Toyota C-HR pricing in Australia starts at $30,915 before on-road costs for the base GXL, up to $37,665 each for its top spec Koba and GR Sport variants, both with the 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain.