We put the PHEV model of Toyota’s funky household automotive by means of its paces…
Playing cards on desk time. We’re already followers of the newest Toyota C-HR household crossover. If a automotive could possibly be judged purely on its styling, it will be best-in-class.
After we first examined the second-generation C-HR in 2023, it was the total hybrid (‘self-charging hybrid’ in Toyota-speak) model.
Now the brand new C-HR’s enchantment has been widened additional with the addition of a plug-in hybrid to the line-up.
Earlier than we assess the PHEV, let’s time journey again to 2017 when the primary technology ‘Coupe-Excessive Rider’ was launched within the UK.
With its radical seems to be, it was one thing of a departure for Toyota which was nonetheless promoting the conservative Auris and Avensis on the time.
The funky C-HR was a aerodynamic crossover with a low-slung roofline like a coupe. Distinctively styled with a giant roof spoiler and sloping rear window, it bought very nicely however it wasn’t with out points.
The brand new Toyota C-HR is a looker. A extra grown-up model of the outgoing mannequin, it boasts a wider stance and the unique’s curves have been changed by sharper traces and stable surfacing.
As soon as once more there’s a closely raked tailgate, although this time it contains a dual-element rear spoiler and a full-width LED mild bar under with an illuminated ‘C-HR’.
On the entrance, it options the brand new ‘hammerhead’ face of Toyota SUVs, whereas the ‘hidden’ raised rear door handles have been changed by retractable ones, entrance and rear. Total construct high quality, inside supplies and expertise have additionally been upgraded.
The plug-in hybrid C-HR is priced from £39,145, which is a soar from the entry-level full hybrid mannequin (£31,290). Moreover, there are three PHEV trim ranges – Design, Excel and GR Sport.
It makes use of the identical 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as probably the most highly effective hybrid mannequin. Nevertheless, it’s paired with an even bigger electrical motor (161bhp) and bigger battery pack (13.6kWh in comparison with 11.1kWh), boosting whole output from 194bhp to 220bhp.
This additional energy interprets right into a swift 0–62mph time of seven.4 seconds, in comparison with 8.1 seconds for the two.0-litre hybrid mannequin and 10.2 seconds for the 1.8-litre hybrid mannequin. It’s additionally price noting that the C-HR PHEV is front-wheel drive – there isn’t any AWD choice.
In concept, the plug-in hybrid is able to 353.1mpg, whereas CO2 emissions are a low 19g/km, placing it within the 8% benefit-in-kind firm automotive tax band.
However, in fact, it’s the truth that the PHEV has an all-electric driving vary of as much as 41 miles (greater than most rivals) that issues most. In case you can cost at dwelling and your commute is brief (otherwise you simply use your automotive for brief journeys) your journeys to the storage could possibly be few and much between.
As with all plug-in hybrids, it’s most economical when it’s not used for lengthy journeys and is stored charged up.
Considerably, Toyota says the C-HR PHEV makes use of much less gasoline when operating in hybrid mode in comparison with most competitor plug-ins as a result of the clutch-less twin motor system eliminates friction and put on. We’d want per week or so with the automotive to have the ability to remark, however we definitely seen the EV mild recurrently popping up on the sprint whereas driving.
First impressions depend, and the second-gen Toyota C-HR definitely oozes kerb enchantment, particularly in case you go for a two-tone paint-job.
By way of measurement, its dimensions are virtually an identical to the Suzuki S-Cross, which makes it a tad smaller than its essential rivals (together with the Nissan Qashqai), however greater than vehicles within the class under (eg Nissan Juke).
The driving place might be on the excessive aspect for some, however you quickly get used to it as a result of it’s snug with a good quantity of help.
There are roomier cabins, not simply because the C-HR isn’t as vast as some rivals, however the driver centered set-up with excessive centre console makes it comfortable, particularly on the passenger aspect.
The excellent news is that the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen mixed with the driving force’s digital show seems to be the half and works nicely sufficient. And mercifully, the C-HR has some bodily controls for necessities similar to air-conditioning.
There’s affordable house for passengers on the again, whereas the cabin as a complete has a classier really feel, with extra soft-touch surfaces.
Toyota’s additionally ticked the sustainability field as a result of the seat materials are constructed from recycled plastic bottles and there’s animal-free ‘leather-based’ on the steering wheel.
Load capability is a modest 310 litres (down from 388 litres within the 1.8 Hybrid), whereas the 60:40 cut up rear seats flip to extend cargo quantity to 1,076 litres.
Visibility is nice forward, however barely more difficult behind because of these chunky rear pillars and small rear home windows. Fortunately, all variations have a reversing digital camera.
On the highway, the C-HR is refined for probably the most half. Each time you begin a journey, it defaults to fully-electric mode and it’ll proceed that manner till it’s run out of battery cost.
Nevertheless, in case you’re heavy along with your proper foot, or your battery is out of cost, the petrol engine will kick in.
Drive easily and it’s fantastic, however in case you hustle it the CVT computerized gearbox causes the revs to rise and keep excessive till you’ve reached your required velocity. The din within the cabin quickly settles down, however it places you off driving something however sensibly.
That stated, it has a supple suspension with solely the worst lumps and bumps upsetting the calm progress. So, it’s one of many extra snug SUVs available on the market.
Gentle steering fits its pure city habitat nicely, however the C-HR is at its greatest cruising alongside. It might be an exaggeration to name it dynamic on entertaining B-roads, however it’s agile and there are good ranges of physique management, whereas grip is first rate.
The C-HR flips between electrical and engine drive seamlessly, and it’s as shut as you will get to driving a 100% electrical automotive when it’s operating in EV mode.
The opposite three modes out there are auto EV/HV, HV and charging.
In EV/HV mode the engine will interact when additional energy is required, returning to EV operating afterwards.
HV mode helps keep the battery’s state of cost and is engaged robotically when battery cost runs low, whereas charging mode can be utilized when the driving force desires to cost the EV battery when driving, utilizing energy generated by the engine.
Moreover, there are three drive modes – Regular, Eco and Sport – plus Customized, which permits the driving force to pick out their most popular powertrain, steering and air-con settings.
Lastly, it’s all the time price remembering that the C-HR comes with a three-year guarantee that extends as much as 10 years/100,000 miles as long as your automotive is serviced yearly at an authorised Toyota workshop.
Verdict: The attention-catching Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid is straightforward to drive, snug and nicely geared up, with the potential to be tremendous economical. It might not be the most affordable or most spacious household PHEV, however it’s undoubtedly bought that wow issue.
Toyota UK
