The introduction of the Toyota C-HR Plug-in completes a fully electrified powertrain line-up for the all-new mid-size SUV range and reinforces Toyota’s multi-path technology strategy for reducing emissions on the route to eventual carbon neutrality.
The 2.0-litre Plug-in (PHEV) joins the recently launched 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid electric models in the line-up and like them benefits from the enhanced efficiency and performance enabled by fifth generation Toyota hybrid technology.
The Toyota C-HR Plug-in provides a pure electric vehicle with a driving range of up to 41 miles – in excess of the typical daily distance covered by most UK motorists. It has a dual character, automatically switching to hybrid electric running when its EV battery is depleted, giving drivers the reassurance and flexibility of Toyota’s class-leading hybrid technology and ensuring constant efficiency on every journey.
The PHEV powertrain comprises a 161bhp (163 DIN hp.120kW) electric motor on the front axle, with energy stored in a high-output 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery, alongside a 2.0-litre engine with 150bhp (152 DIN hp/112 kW). Together these elements produce a total system power of 220bhp (223 Din hp/164kW), enabling 0-62mph acceleration in 7.4 seconds.
Performance is matched by efficiency with fuel consumption from 353.1mpg and WLTP combined cycle CO2 emissions from 19g/km, A clutch-less dual motor system eliminates friction and wear, which means the Toyota C-HR Plug-in uses significantly less fuel when running in hybrid electric mode compared to most competitor PHEVs.
In common with the other electrified powertrains in the new Toyota C-HR range, the Plug-in has been tuned to suit UK and European tastes, using real-time data from drivers across the continent. For example, accelerator pedal input sensitivity has been recalibrated for easy control and rapid response.
In a first for any Toyota vehicle worldwide, the Toyota C-HR Plug-in features ZF frequency sensitive control (FSC) to enhance handling and ride comfort. The hydro-mechanical system increases damping force at low frequencies to gain superior body control, in roll and pitch, and during cornering. At high frequency, damping is reduced to improve ride comfort.
Enhancements have also been made to braking performance. The new Plug-in is fitted with 17-inch callipers and discs, together with the latest vehicle stability control systems. The 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrids have 16-inch twin callipers and discs; all models have an electric parking brake and a redesigned brake pedal to help improve control and produce a more natural braking feel.
Four powertrain operation modes are available: EV, auto EV/HV, HV and charging.
EV mode engages by default when the vehicle is started. The system will continue to operate in EV mode up to the limit of its EV driving range, regardless of how hard the accelerator is used.
The driver can select auto EV/HV mode, in which the engine will engage when extra power is needed, returning to EV running afterwards.
HV mode helps maintain the battery’s state of charge and is engaged automatically when battery charge runs low. It can also be manually selected by the driver.
The charging mode can be used when the driver wants to charge the EV battery when driving, using power generated by the engine.
The Toyota C-HR Plug-in has a 6.6kW on-board charger which allows the battery to be charged from zero to 100 per cent in less than two-and-a-half hours using the optional tri-phase cable and a wallbox power supply. A Mode 2 charging cable is supplied as standard for charging using a domestic electricity supply.
The Toyota C-HR Plug-in range comprises three grades – Design, Excel and GR Sport.
Prices
| MODEL GRADE | POWERTRAIN | OTR PRICE |
| Design | 2.0 plug-in hybrid electric | £39,145 |
| Excel | 2.0 plug-in hybrid electric | £42,610 |
| GR Sport | 2.0 plug-in hybrid electric | £43,540 |
