It is finally here ! Toyota's successful small SUV welcomes a very promising plug-in hybrid version. “More powerful, more engaging, more comfortable, and more fun to drive.” This is what the manufacturer promises with this model designed to be even more versatile. So, bet held? Our test of the new Toyota C-HR PHEV.
The Toyota C-HR PHEV looks: always more original
No need to remind you, you might say. Everyone knows that the C-HR owes its success above all to its bold style. Conceived, designed and developed for the European market, it pursues its ambitions as a “concept car for the road”. As a reminder, the Toyota C-HR PHEV takes on the look of its predecessor while maximizing the sharp edges and curves. We therefore find the Hammerhead front of the Toyota Prius PHEV, and the X-shaped shield contributing to the massive effect. C-shaped lights at the front, a raised stern at the rear, a high beltline... The “Manga” effect of the first generation is diminished, but retains a familiar look. The rear part, however, remains more “strict” and raw than the rest of the vehicle. Let's not forget the flush handles, in line with the premium ambitions of the C-HR, a first for Toyota.
The most diligent will, however, remember the sound of said handles being folded, quite surprising during automatic locking/unlocking. You will have understood, aesthetically, it is a bit white hat and white hat. Our plug-in hybrid Toyota C-HR is distinguished only by its PHEV badge affixed to the rear. For the rest, we find the same 18 to 20 inch rims depending on the finish, and the different ones delivered with two-tone roofs. Our model of the day is a Toyota C-HR PHEV in Collection Premiere finish. Or 19-inch two-tone black/aluminum rims, and two-tone+ Sulphide yellow/black bodywork. Its dimensions: 4.36 m long, 1.83 m wide, and 1.57 m high. Remember that it is 3 cm shorter than its first generation predecessor. The plug-in hybrid crossover therefore retains familiar proportions, while slightly changing its character.
On board: more technological, not more welcoming
Finally, the only other exterior difference is to be found under the compact SUV. Yes, a plug-in hybrid means weight gain in the underbody. Unsurprisingly, the interior of this Toyota C-HR PHEV is more than familiar to us. The dashboard extends towards the doors to “surround” us, highlighted by the customizable and adaptive ambient lighting. The latter fits with the circadian rhythm: colder colors in the morning, and warmer ones in the evening. The door lighting also serves as an alert in the event of dangerous opening, when a cyclist, pedestrian or other vehicle passes. At the front, we benefit from a driving position that is oriented towards you, intuitive and accessible. The instrument cluster and central touch screen both measure 12.3 inches. They are readable, very complete for the handset, but still limited to our taste for multimedia.
The fault of an interface that is still so rudimentary although responsive. Fortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make the experience much more enjoyable. The multifunction steering wheel and air conditioning control retain many physical buttons, to our delight. The finishes are more flattering at the top (inserts, foamed surfaces) than at the bottom (hard plastics, difficult to escape). At the rear, no revolution, those over 1.75 m will deplore the limited legroom, although the headroom benefits from the finesse of the panoramic roof. And who says C-HR, says restricted window surface at the rear and therefore ambient occlusion. The Toyota C-HR PHEV is unfortunately no exception to the rule, and remains poorly lit from the rear. Too bad, a simple light upholstery would be enough to maximize the feeling of freedom and space on board. Toyota, if you can hear me!
Performance: more comfort in plug-in hybrid
To finish with the interior, the Toyota C-HR PHEV inevitably loses a few liters of trunk space. Its volume thus goes from 364 l (AWD hybrid) to 310 l in plug-in hybrid, or 54 l less. In terms of performance, it must be admitted, the promise is kept. The 152 hp 2.0 gasoline engine is associated with a 163 hp electric motor. Or a cumulative power of 225 hp. An engine that is naturally more comfortable than the HEV 1.8, thanks to its approval and its additional power. The “High Rider Coupe” is pleasant in town and on expressways, with good automatic hybridization management. It’s flexible, fluid, pleasant to take with you. The transitions between thermal and electrical are, as always, perfectly transparent. The SUV's 1,650 kg are imperceptible. However, you will inevitably have to deal with the thermal rattle and the CVT box when you put too much strain on the vehicle.
Obviously, the slightly heavy right foot and the demanding climbs make the experience more “noisy” and tedious under the hood. A detail that is still less uncomfortable than on the less powerful hybrid. Especially since this is mainly felt outside the city. In an urban environment, Auto mode or EV mode are most useful. The dynamic behavior is to match, with controlled roll input and damping that is only a bit firm. This is thanks to the TNGA-C platform, which is more rigid and “quieter”. Braking is just as effective, with excellent stability even in emergency situations. The Toyota C-HR PHEV encourages a smooth and smooth ride overall. And that’s good, since its primary objective remains versatility. 100% EV for everyday journeys, hybrid efficiency for road journeys. The promise is generally kept.
Consumption and autonomy: up to 66 km in EV?
The Toyota C-HR PHEV is based on a 13.6 kWh battery, compared to 4 kWh for the HEV. Enough to promise up to 66 km of all-electric range, according to the manufacturer. Note that Toyota highlights the results of an NCBS survey according to which the average distance traveled in Europe is 42 km per day. In practice, the 66 km are far from unrealistic. We were able to reach 61 km by forcing EV mode, this on a mixed route between 50, 80, and 110 km/h. Note, however, that the C-HR sometimes decides to switch back to thermal, when it considers it more judicious. On the highway at 110 km/h for example, for a few moments before switching back to electric. In Auto EV/HV mode, intelligent management maximizes autonomy, in concert with “Geofencing”. Geolocation allowing you to read the signs and locate yourself in order to anticipate ZFEs, for example.
Added to this are energy recovery and mode B, allowing you to approach One Pedal driving. The Toyota C-HR PHEV then becomes even easier and more peaceful to drive. Deceleration phases and energy recovery are minimally intrusive, and naturally lend themselves to eco-driving. In terms of consumption, we were able to record 1.8 l/100 km over a journey of 98.5 km. Electricity consumption amounts to 11.8 kWh/100 km, for an EV driving rate of 88%. Empty battery and 100% thermal, we easily go down to 4.9 l/100 km in leisurely driving. With a heavier foot and on a more dynamic journey, we reach 6.5 l/100 km. More than correct values compared to daily use, which will favor electric operation. Finally, it takes 2.5 hours of charging for a complete cycle on a reinforced socket, and 8 hours on a domestic socket. AC charging (2 x 3.5 kW) requires.
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