Standing out with Toyota's new generation auto show concept, Kenshiki Forum, which was held both physically and online in Brussels, was held for the fourth time this year.
Here, the Toyota brand showcased its new technologies and concepts bearing traces of future models. The prominent innovations at Kenshiki were the Toyota C-HR prologue, the bZ Compact SUV Concept and the new generation Prius. However, Toyota has announced that it plans to introduce six fully electric bZ models in Europe by 2026.
“An even bolder design with the Toyota C-HR prologue”
First shown as the Toyota C-HR concept at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the C-HR went into production two years later and brought excitement to the C-SUV segment like never before. Toyota took the already bold and assertive design of the C-HR even further with the C-HR prologue, which was first shown at the 2022 Kenshiki Forum.
Developed by staying true to the DNA of C-HR, the C-HR prologue has a more sophisticated design. Continuing to reflect the fun and different side of the model, the C-HR prologue looks more powerful and sporty from every angle with its larger wheels and shorter front and rear overhangs. However, the concept vehicle offers more practicality by increasing the living space inside.
Toyota C-HR prologue continues sharp lines with a fluid movement instead of static lines. This organic design language provides an unprecedented level of dynamic design. However, as part of the 3D design, the hammerhead front section stands out with its integrated shapes and model-specific lighting signature. It draws attention with a design that will always be remembered with its smaller front grille opening and thinner headlight design emphasizing high technology. Looking as sharp as a shark and ready to leap forward, the C-HR maintains this effect throughout the hull.
The innovative and bold Toyota C-HR prologue also introduces tri-tone color option instead of bi-tone for the first time. With a third sulfur color on metal silver and recycled carbon black, the model's design looks even more eye-catching.
The Toyota C-HR prologue also brings wider electrification options to the C-SUV segment, an important step towards Toyota's carbon neutral goal. In addition to the full hybrid version, it also provides a plug-in hybrid option with a battery assembled in Europe. Thus, it strengthens Toyota's multi-technology product range, including electric, full hybrid, rechargeable hybrid and fuel cell electric.
“bZ Compact SUV Concept expands bZ vision”
Toyota showcased the bZ Compact SUV Concept for the first time in Europe at the Kenshiki Forum. Sharing new details about the bZ strategy and the model, Toyota will expand its bZ product range with the bZ Compact SUV Concept. In this context, Toyota plans to introduce six bZ models in Europe by 2026.
The new concept vehicle is positioned in the C-SUV segment, which is the largest segment in Europe. The all-electric bZ Compact SUV Concept, designed in Europe, gives hints about the battery electric vehicles of the future with minimalist design. The zero-emission concept also minimizes its impact on the environment with sustainable materials. With its stylish appearance, the bZ Compact SUV Concept also brings dynamic performance and pioneering technologies to its segment.
The bZ Compact SUV Concept reflects its aggressive appearance even when stationary, and its agile design hints at its low-friction body. Based on the Beyond Zero theme, the design team created many environmentalist touches such as seats made from plant-based and recycled materials. The in-car personal assistant in the concept, on the other hand, can communicate with the driver or passengers visually and audibly by responding to incoming commands.
“The next generation Prius continues to pioneer green technology”
Displayed at the Kenshiki Forum, the fifth generation Toyota Prius continues to lead in innovative technologies with its dynamic design. Having become a global automotive icon since its launch in 1997, the Prius further strengthens this image with its new generation. The next-generation Prius will be available exclusively in Europe with a plug-in hybrid engine.
With its dynamic driving performance, increased efficiency, new interior and exterior design, the 5th generation Prius will continue the tradition of being innovative that started 25 years ago. The 5th generation Plug-in Prius is scheduled to hit European roads in mid-2023.
Using Toyota's new generation plug-in hybrid system, the Prius offers the model's lowest CO19 emission value ever at 2 g/km. One of the features that makes the Plug-in Prius unusual is that it has double DNA. Offering zero-emissions driving long enough for most daily trips, the Prius also uses highly efficient and flexible hybrid technology for longer distances.
The Plug-in Prius takes the driving experience further in every aspect with its new generation hybrid system. With more power and higher efficiency, the new Prius produces 2.0 PS (152 kW) with its TNGA 120l engine. Together with the new 163 PS (111 kW) electric motor, it has a total output of 223 PS (164 kW).
The new Prius is designed to handle most of the daily driving in all-electric mode, as well as a power boost that enables more dynamic driving. Thanks to the new 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, it can drive 69 kilometers in electric mode. For maximum energy efficiency, clean energy can also be obtained with optional solar panels on the ceiling. For maximum efficiency, solar panels can produce an electric range of 8 kilometers every day. When the vehicle is parked for a few days, the panels can fully charge the battery.
“Corolla Cross H2 Concept at Kenshiki for the first time”
While Toyota continues to develop products according to different market and changing customer needs with its carbon neutral target, one of them, Corolla Cross Hydrogen, was shown at the Kenshiki Forum.
Toyota engineers created the Corolla Cross H2 Concept to expand the use of hydrogen. Equipped with the 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine used in the GR Corolla, the Corolla Cross H2 Concept also has a hydrogen tank made with the knowledge gained from Mirai. Winter tests of the Corolla Cross H2 prototype, which is under development, will soon begin in Japan.
Taking advantage of the existing internal combustion engine technology, the vehicle also offers advantages such as fast refueling time, five-person passenger capacity, high range and a reduction in the use of limited elements such as lithium ion/nickel.
This technology, which is currently being tested in motorsports, is also being considered for transferring to road cars. Toyota has reduced the fuel refueling time of the hydrogen vehicle from five minutes to just 1 minute and 30 seconds with its work in motorsports, while increasing the range by around 30 percent.
“New mobility technologies will be developed in Woven City, the city of the future”
Woven City, which has a unique role in the transformation of Toyota into a mobility company, stands out as a world where autonomous vehicles take place and the city of the future is truly modeled with its carbon neutral features.
Toyota revealed details of Woven City at the Kenshiki Forum. Woven City, under construction near Japan's Mount Fuji, will, once completed, accelerate the realization of innovations and play a unique role in the future mobility of the world. The development of mobility technologies, smart agriculture, clean energy and healthy living will be accelerated on the test track in Woven City.
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