All-new 2023 Toyota C-HR previewed in concept - Hybrid and PHEV powertrains announced

When crossover SUVs were starting to pick up in popularity in Malaysia, the battle was between the Honda HR-V and the Toyota C-HR. The latter’s quirky design and higher price tag were a bit too much for most Malaysians which resulted in Honda dominating the non-national crossover market.

But Toyota isn’t giving up on the C-HR completely as the outgoing generation is still offered overseas but after 6 years, it’s time for a new generation to take over. Enter the Toyota C-HR Prologue Concept which basically teases the second-generation 2023 Toyota C-HR.

Elements shown in the C-HR Prologue are likely to be carried over into the production model and that should include the overall bold styling that gives off a sporty and strong aesthetic. It’s more interesting to look at than the Honda HR-V for sure.

Also read: Pros and Cons: 2022 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS, is it better than the Corolla Cross Hybrid?

The overall design was already hinted at much earlier when Toyota and Lexus unveiled 16 new EV models a year ago. Among the cars surrounding President Akio Toyoda was a yellow SUV that was at the time called the “Small SU EV concept”.

Also read: Checkmate? Toyota to sell 3.5 million EVs by 2030, unveils 16 models, 14 more coming - world's largest EV player?

Some changes were made since then like the front bumper which now has black elements surrounding a mostly covered intake and the wing mirrors which are slimmer on the Prologue. That is likely to remain on the concept though.

Toyota has yet to reveal the interior but it claims to be more spacious and practical than before. It is also likely that the all-new C-HR could be more laden with technology with the likes of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) being a feature on some variants.

Also read: Review: Toyota C-HR – are you nuts to pay RM 150k for this? Maybe

As for what’s powering the all-new C-HR, Toyota confirmed that it would be offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid units but isn’t revealing anything more. Since it could likely be sitting on a TNGA-C platform like the Corolla Cross and the all-new Prius, it’s likely that similar powertrains could be shared in the all-new C-HR.

Also read: 5th gen 2023 Toyota Prius debuts - adds 2.0L PHEV, 0-100 km/h in 6.7s, with looks Mazda will be jealous of

The all-new 2023 Toyota C-HR will be produced in Turkey where the outgoing generation is also produced, at least for the European market. Besides Europe, the all-new C-HR is also expected to be launched in Australia where it would slot between the Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross.

Also read: Bye Toyota Rush, hello Yaris Cross for ASEAN? Could happen as early as 2023

As for Malaysia, it’s still very early to tell if the all-new C-HR would make a comeback here. The outgoing generation is still offered in Thailand and Indonesia albeit with only a hybrid powertrain. The 1.8-litre petrol variants that were once available in Malaysia had already been discontinued in the region.

Also read: Used Toyota C-HR for under RM 110k; Toyota's style icon now at HR-V prices