Toyota C-HR Plug-in PHEV crossover now on sale

Toyota’s C-HR crossover is now available with a plug-in hybrid electric model, completing the powertrain line-up.

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It’s priced from £39,145 and joins the recently launched 1.8 and 2.0-litre hybrid electric models for the second-generation model.

This is the first time that the C-HR has offered the option of PHEV power – Toyota said it reinforces its “multi-path technology strategy for reducing emissions on the route to eventual carbon neutrality”.

The PHEV powertrain teams up a 163hp electric motor on the front axle, powered by a 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery, alongside a 152hp 2.0-litre engine. It’s good for 223hp and 0-62mph acceleration in 7.4 seconds, while providing an electric-only range of up to 41 miles.

Official fuel consumption is 353.1mpg and WLTP combined cycle CO2 emissions are from 19g/km. The CR-V Plug-in also provides a new geofencing function that automatically optimises battery use to maximise EV driving capability in low emission zones.

The 6.6kW on-board charger allows the battery to be charged from zero to 100% in less than 2.5 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 MyToyota app can be used to start and stop charging remotely when the vehicle is plugged in. MyToyota also provides access to the Toyota Charging Network, one of the largest pan-European EV charging networks.

Toyota claims no compromise in handling for the PHEV version, thanks to new technologies, weight-saving measures and increased body stiffness, while it also says the TNGA modular platform avoids loss of cabin or boot space.

Powertrain settings have been tuned to provide throttle response and acceleration feel to suit European tastes.

Four powertrain operation modes are available: EV, auto EV/HV, HV and charging. Regeneration boost offers ‘one-pedal’ style driving, providing up to 80% of the braking requirement, depending on which of three settings – gentle, medium and strong – is selected.

Drive Mode Select systems span the familiar Normal, Eco and Sport options, and the Toyota C-HR also offers a Custom option, which allows the driver to select their preferred powertrain, steering and air conditioning settings.

The model line-up comprises Design, Excel and GR Sport versions. Design grade provides flush-fitting door handles, 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish, rear privacy glass, smart entry, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic wipers, power tailgate and parking sensors with automatic brake function. The front seats have integrated heaters and the air con can be adjusted for left and right zones.

Onboard tech includes a 12.3-inch customisable driver’s instrument display, 12.3-inch Toyota Smart Connect+ with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, front and rear USB-C ports and a wireless phone charger. A Skyview fixed panoramic roof with thermal glass and bi-tone paint finish can be specified as options.

Driver assistance features bring the latest, third-generation Toyota Safety Sense with functions including Pre-crash system, adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist, road sign assist and automatic high beam. The blind spot monitor links to safe exit assist to help prevent doors being opened into the path of vehicles approaching from the rear.

Excel models are priced at £42,610 and come with 19-inch machined alloys, bi-tone exterior paintwork, front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery, ambient interior lighting with 64 colour settings and a panoramic roof. A panoramic view monitor is provided and the Toyota Safety Sense package gains lane change assist, front cross traffic alert and adaptive high-beam system headlights. Cornering lights and a driver monitor camera are also provided.

The GR Sport grade is priced at £43,540 and adds details inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing. Equipment upgrades include 20-inch machined GR Sport alloys, head-up display and JBL audio.

Customer deliveries of the C-HR Plug-in start from July.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.