We put the PHEV model of Toyota’s funky household automobile by its paces…
Playing cards on desk time. We’re already followers of the most recent Toyota C-HR household crossover. If a automobile could possibly be judged purely on its styling, it might be best-in-class.
After we first examined the second-generation C-HR in 2023, it was the complete 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 appears, 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 offered very effectively but it surely 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 strains and stable surfacing.
As soon as once more there’s a closely raked tailgate, although this time it encompasses a dual-element rear spoiler and a full-width LED gentle 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 leap 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 further 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 value noting that the C-HR PHEV is front-wheel drive – there isn’t any AWD choice.
In principle, 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 automobile tax band.
However, after all, 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. For those who can cost at residence and your commute is brief (otherwise you simply use your automobile 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 saved charged up.
Considerably, Toyota says the C-HR PHEV makes use of much less gas when working 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 automobile to have the ability to remark, however we definitely observed the EV gentle commonly popping up on the sprint whereas driving.
First impressions depend, and the second-gen Toyota C-HR definitely oozes kerb enchantment, particularly if you happen to go for a two-tone paint-job.
By way of dimension, its dimensions are virtually equivalent to the Suzuki S-Cross, which makes it a tad smaller than its fundamental rivals (together with the Nissan Qashqai), however greater than automobiles within the class under (eg Nissan Juke).
The driving place can be on the excessive facet for some, however you quickly get used to it as a result of it’s snug with a good quantity of assist.
There are roomier cabins, not simply because the C-HR isn’t as large as some rivals, however the driver centered set-up with excessive centre console makes it comfortable, particularly on the passenger facet.
The excellent news is that the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen mixed with the driving force’s digital show appears the half and works effectively sufficient. And mercifully, the C-HR has some bodily controls for necessities similar to air-conditioning.
There’s cheap 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 created 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 means till it’s run out of battery cost.
Nevertheless, if you happen to’re heavy together with your proper foot, or your battery is out of cost, the petrol engine will kick in.
Drive easily and it’s positive, however if you happen to hustle it the CVT computerized gearbox causes the revs to rise and keep excessive till you’ve reached your required pace. The din within the cabin quickly settles down, but it surely 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 effectively, however the C-HR is at its greatest cruising alongside. It will be an exaggeration to name it dynamic on entertaining B-roads, but it surely’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 may get to driving a 100% electrical automobile when it’s working in EV mode.
The opposite three modes accessible are auto EV/HV, HV and charging.
In EV/HV mode the engine will interact when further energy is required, returning to EV working 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 needs 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 well-liked powertrain, steering and air-con settings.
Lastly, it’s at all times value 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 automobile is serviced yearly at an authorised Toyota workshop.
Verdict: The attention-catching Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid is simple to drive, snug and effectively outfitted, with the potential to be tremendous economical. It is probably not the most cost effective or most spacious household PHEV, but it surely’s positively bought that wow issue.
Toyota UK
