Toyota openly talks about multi-technology to achieve the complex challenge of carbon emissions neutrality in Europe. It is not exactly the same vision that Brussels has for decarbonization, which has preferred to impose the electric car, with the included ban on manufacturing cars with combustion engines from 2035.
In any case, Toyota opts for a much more rational strategy, appropriate to the market, a plan that involves having hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric or fuel cell models in its range.
We must remember that in 1992 Toyota was already talking about hybrids and that the first Prius was manufactured from 94 to 97. Since then, the Japanese brand has sold more than 25 million hybrid cars worldwide. Little joke.
Multi-technology, therefore, seems a sensible way to achieve an increasingly cleaner and more respectful automobile fleet. All, in an uncertain climate in the face of demands from some European manufacturers to postpone sharp decisions on the future of the automotive industry. For now, the application of the demanding Euro 7 regulations has been postponed until 2030.
The second generation of Toyota’s C-HR, the attractive compact SUV in the C segment, did not have a PHEV version until now. That is, plug-in hybrid. The novelty of the C-HR Plug-in Hybrid comes at a time when this technology makes more sense than ever. And it reinforces Toyota’s electrification strategy in Europe.
The new C-HR PHEV is, therefore, a vehicle with a DGT label 0 and with a very interesting 100% electric autonomy. The choice of Plug-in Hybrid technology for the C-HR also has an added incentive in Spain. The C-HR is a commercial success and Spain is the country where it is sold the most in the world.
In this way, the C-HR is a fashionable car with which Toyota, since 2017, has created a concept, almost a category of automobile. A different bet that has gone down very well, especially with a young audience. Also with a non-conformist type of customer, who was looking for a different car.
Its coupe-style body stands out, with short overhangs and the flush door handles that emerge when you approach the car with the key. The casual appearance is reinforced with the 18-inch wheels (20 as an option) and the two-tone paint.
It is also true that it is not a particularly large or habitable car. It’s not your job. The rear seats are tight, with little headroom and limited visibility. And the trunk in this new PHEV version is 310 liters, 54 liters less than the conventional hybrid.
Of course, the driving position improves with new materials and a large 12.3-inch screen. And the new gear lever of this generation is very ergonomic, practical and pleasant to the touch.
Plug-in
The new C-HR Plug-in Hybrid has the 152 HP 2.0-liter gasoline engine, plus a 163 HP electric motor. The combined power is 223 HP, 26 HP more than the normal hybrid. With the top speed limited to 180 km/h, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds.
But the most interesting part of this technology is the 13.6 kWh battery, which allows a WLTP approved electric range of 66 km. But in the city, driving gently and carefully, the range can approach 100 km. Figures, in both cases, excellent. The battery can be charged in about two and a half hours with the 6.6 kW charger that comes as standard.
The first thing that catches your attention about the new C-HR Plug-in is how well soundproofed it is. Toyota has made a notable effort and it shows. Not in vain, it has double windows and new insulating material in the engine. This ensures that, when accelerating decisively, the engine noise – with continuous variator change – is mitigated. That is, it is perceived much less than in other models of the brand.
It is also a solid SUV, with a very successful balance between dynamic efficiency and comfort. In this sense, the frequency-sensitive control technology prevents annoying body rolls and provides the feeling that the car is always well “supported”. And the low center of gravity, with the battery on the floor, further enhances stability.
The hybrid system, with 223 HP of combined power, provides an effective response at all times. Soft if we want it, or more forceful if we step on the accelerator with energy.
The driver has four operating modes of the Plug-in Hybrid system: EV Mode, Auto EV/HV Mode, HV Mode and Charging Mode. With the EV option, default at startup, the system will operate in electric mode until battery power is depleted, regardless of power demand.
The driver can also select the Auto EV/HV mode, in which the vehicle will activate the thermal engine when there is a high power demand, using the EV mode in the rest of the situations. HV mode, in which the battery state of charge is maintained, is automatically selected when the battery charge is low.
Finally, the battery charging mode can be selected when the driver wants to recharge the hybrid battery while driving, using the gasoline engine. In addition, there are the usual predefined driving modes Normal, Eco and Sport.
On the road, it is normal for the battery to run out after a few kilometers if we opt for EV mode. The interesting thing is that the C-HR will continue to function as a conventional hybrid. And with an almost negligible increase in fuel consumption.
On the other hand, the change has position B for maximum retention or three more retention options through the central screen. The maximum retention position allows “one pedal” type driving. That is, when you release the accelerator pedal, the car brakes itself, almost to a stop. It is a very useful function in urban traffic. And, in addition, we recover energy.
The new Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid is available in Advance, GR Sport, GR Sport Premiere Edition and Premiere Edition trims. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, automatic braking with pedestrian detection and a heat pump to ensure greater battery efficiency.
And the Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system offers a more connected multimedia experience, with voice recognition and wireless smartphone connection through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the perfectly integrated 12.3-inch touch screen is standard across the range.
The C-HR Plug-in Hybrid Advance costs 38,500 euros, the GR Sport (42,000 euros), and the Premiere and GR Sport Premiere (47,400 euros). Likewise, you can access the Advance finish for 295 euros per month with Toyota Easy Plus, an offer that also includes 4 years of maintenance and 4 years of warranty.
