Toyota C-HR 2.0 PHEV Excel 5dr CVT

  • Automatic
  • Petrol Parallel PHEV
  • 5 door suv
  • 19 g/km CO2
  • 7.2 secs 0 to 62 mph
  • 223 bhp Engine power

Ten Second Review

Top versions of the second generation C-HR gain the PHEV powertrain Toyota thought unnecessary in this small coupe-crossover model's original predecessor. You could almost treat the resulting confection like a full-EV for commuting duties, but inevitably, there's a price to pay for the extra sophistication.

Background

Toyota's always seemed very undecided about PHEV technology. Having virtually invented it back in 2012 for a top version of the Prius, it took nearly another decade for the brand to offer it again on another model (the RAV4). Questions to the company as to why smaller Toyotas couldn't be had with Plug-in Hybrid tech were met with the response that the benefits of PHEV were "largely illusory" and that a better solution was to concentrate on conventional Hybrids. But everyone's allowed to change their mind and Toyota clearly has in developing the second generation C-HR crossover we're looking at here, which now has a headlining PHEV model at the top of its line-up. Most sales will continue to be of the self-charging conventional Hybrid versions of this model, but let's take a closer look at whether plugging your C-HR in might be a credible option if you're planning to spend big on this model line.

Driving Experience

Most PHEVs actually aren't very efficient at all, once their EV range is used up. When that happens, they usually revert to a conventional petrol engine made even less efficient by the fact that it has to lug along the extra weight of a Plug-in Hybrid battery pack. The C-HR PHEV has that too, but at least its core petrol engine is a self-charging full-Hybrid, which makes it rather unique amongst models of this genre. The 2.0-litre engine in question (borrowed from the faster of the two standard Hybrid models) is mated to a 161bhp electric motor powered by a 13.6kWh battery that, when fully charged, can offer an EV range of up to 41 miles. Only the front wheels are driven - with up to 220bhp, which allows 62mph to be dispatched in 7.4s en route to 112mph. To cope with the extra power (and weight), Toyota has added new twin-piston brakes and new ZF frequency-sensitive shock absorbers supposed to improve the ride over high-frequency bumps. There are three driving modes and you can alter the strength of regenerative braking right up to a 'B' setting that offers so much retardation off-throttle that you hardly ever need to use the brake pedal. As with the ordinary Hybrid versions of this second generation C-HR, Toyota says it's worked on the handling, introducing a wider track and tweaking multi-link rear suspension elements from the larger RAV4. It all sits on the company's usual TNGA-C platform, borrowed from the Corolla. And Toyota says that it's improved auto gearbox response too, though you shouldn't expect too much there.

Design and Build

Apart from different badgework and an extra charging flap, there are no visual differences to set this PHEV model apart from more ordinary C-HR Hybrids. If you liked the edgily-styled first generation C-HR, it's likely that you'll also appreciate the visual efforts Toyota's made with its replacement. As before, dramatic lines, sharp bodywork creases and sculpted headlights catch the eye. Plus the nose gets Toyota's latest 'hammerhead face', there are flush-fitting pop-out door handles and pricier trim levels get two-tone paintwork. A new pre-coloured resin finish for the bumpers also gains gives a two-tone vibe. Contrary to expectations, this MK2 model is a little smaller than its predecessor, 35mm shorter and sitting 15mm lower. It's 45mm wider though and has bigger wheels - up to 20-inches in size. The cabin features various recycled plastic fabrics, contrasting soft-touch surfaces and a pair of so-called 'sail panels' that stretch from the fascia top into the doors. A 12.3-inch digital dial display features for the instruments and the centre screen is also 12.3 inches in size. You sit quite high, but it's not enough to alleviate the rather compromised rearward visibility. You access the rear through conventionally-sited door handles. And once inside, you'll be tight on legroom, though Toyota claims that extra space for heads has been freed up by the fact that the optional panoramic glass roof doesn't need a shade. Rear seat visibility is limited and the sloping roof line restricts ceiling space. That's 54-litres less than the 2.0-litre HEV variant and 78-litres less than the 1.8-litre HEV. To extend this space, the seat back splits 60:40.

Market and Model

Prices for the second generation C-HR model start from just over £31,000, but you'll be paying in the £39,000-£44,000 bracket for this PHEV version. Things kick off with base 'Design'-spec, but most will want to find the £3,000 or so more Toyota wants for the mid-level 'Excel'-spec version. The 'GR Sport' trim level many will also consider has 20-inch machined alloy wheels, a head-up display and a JBL premium audio system. Along with bi-tone exterior paintwork, front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery, ambient interior lighting, a panoramic roof and a 360-degree panoramic view monitor. That's in addition to the usual very complete rosta of C-HR spec. You can tick off a powered tailgate, cloud-based navigation, a wireless smartphone charging mat, 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. Plus there's rear privacy glass and a parking sensor system with automatic brake function. There are heated seats and you get a 12.3-inch instrument display, along with a 12.3-inch 'Toyota Smart Connect+' central infotainment screen. The safety and assistance package includes the latest, third generation Toyota Safety Sense package, with functions including a Pre-Crash System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beam. In addition, there is a Blind Spot Monitor which links to Safe Exit Assist to help prevent doors being opened into the path of vehicles approaching from the rear. 

Cost of Ownership

For this PHEV C-HR variant, you're looking at up to 353.1mpg on the combined cycle and up to 19g/km, with an EV range of up to 41 miles; in the real world, it'd be more like 35 miles. That claimed range figure puts the car in a very favourable 8% Benefit-in-Kind taxation bracket - which for many customers could be the clincher for purchase. Helping with the range figure is the fact that this second generation design is around 2% more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor. On the move, you can select an EV mode or use a Hybrid setting that will work with the sat nav and uses Geofencing technology that will prioritise electric power in low-emission zones. The navigation system can also suggest a route that will take into account your state of charge and identify possible charging spots. In a C-HR PHEV, you can also adjust the strength of the regenerative braking. The 13.6kWh battery can use a 6.6kW on-board charger for a home top-up that will take two and a half hours using the optional two-phase cable and a typical garage wallbox. Whatever C-HR you decide upon, as usual with Toyotas these days, if you keep the car serviced at a franchised dealer, the warranty can be extended up to a maximum of 10 years.

Summary

For a few people, this Plug-in Hybrid C-HR will be the ideal small coupe-crossover confection. Hybrid power when you need an engine. And you can treat the car like a full EV when you don't. What's not to like? Well the added weight for one thing. And the significant price premium for PHEV power for another. So you'll either be a sceptic or a convert when it comes to this model. But then the C-HR has always garnered that kind of reaction, so why should this second generation model's more sophisticated high-tech flagship variant be any different? In a world undecided about the future of EVs, it might just be an ideal fashionable small runabout for those who don't mind a premium price tag. And then again, it might not. Everyone will have their own opinion, just as they always have with the C-HR.

  • Power tailgate
  • Push button tailgate release
  • Remote boot door release in cabin
  • Smart entry and push button start
  • Smart voice assist
  • Wireless phone charger
  • 6 speakers
  • Aux-in connector
  • DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)
  • Front USB Type-C connector
  • Rear USB Type-C connector
  • Road events
  • Toyota touch 2 with go navigation
  • USB connector integrated with radio and CD player
  • B - Pillar in Black
  • Bi-tone+ with black rear bumper extension
  • Black bi-tone roof
  • Black centre air vent
  • Black painted insert on boot door
  • Black side air vents
  • Black wheel arch mouldings
  • Body colour door handles
  • Body coloured front bumper
  • Door scuff plates
  • Emergency brake-light signal (EBS)
  • exhaust tail pipe and diffuser
  • Flush front and rear door handles
  • Fuel caution label
  • Gloss black door belt moulding
  • Gloss black lower front grille
  • Gunmetal surround on lower front grille
  • Piano Black Front Side Grille
  • Piano black rear spoiler
  • Rear bumper with gunmetal insert
  • Rear side wing doors
  • Rear tailgate
  • Satin chrome centre air vent surrounds
  • Satin chrome insert on centre air vents
  • Satin chrome insert on side air vents
  • Satin chrome side air vent surrounds
  • Silver large centre cap surrounds
  • Standard Front Side Grille
  • Toyota Skyview Panoramic roof with thermal comfort
  • Wing liner front and rear with sil
  • 12v power outlet - front
  • 2 rear coat hooks
  • 220v power output in luggage compartment
  • 3 spoke synthetic leather steering wheel
  • Assist grips front and centre pillar
  • Audio and telephone switches on steering wheel
  • Boot under floor storage
  • Cover front console box
  • Dark grey interior door handles
  • Door Edge Protection Film
  • Front console box
  • Front cupholders
  • Front door pockets
  • Full-flat loading
  • Glovebox with internal light
  • Hard tonneau cover
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Hooks for luggage holding net
  • Hybrid key cover
  • Luggage floor board with protection mat
  • Manual telescopic steering wheel
  • Manual tilt steering wheel
  • Multimedia switches on steering wheel
  • Platinum white and blue stitching on front door armrests
  • Rear door cup holder
  • Rear door pockets
  • Single compartment glovebox
  • Slow opening on lower glovebox
  • Suede front door trim
  • Suede rear door armrest
  • Suede/synthetic leather upholstery
  • Synthetic leather gear shift knob
  • Voice recognition switch on steering wheel
  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • Driver and passenger side airbag
  • Driver knee airbag
  • Front and rear seatbelt reminder
  • Front passenger airbag on/off switch
  • Pre-tensioners and force limiters
  • Rear door child safety locks
  • Rear seat reminder alert
  • Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) 8 airbags: Driver & passenger's airbags, dual side curtain airbags, side impact airbags, front centre airbag
  • Tyre pressure warning system
  • Door Lock
  • Glass-breaking alarm sensors
  • Immobiliser
  • Intrusion alarm
  • Intrusion sensor
  • Lockable boot lid
  • Motion sensor alarm
  • Power door locks
  • Remote door lock
  • Smartphone remote door lock
  • Smartphone remote hazard lights system
  • Wheel Nuts
  • Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70
  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 13.6
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 150
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100
  • Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear
  • Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2
  • Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 7
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 3
  • Usable Battery Capacity: N
  • WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 15.3
  • WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.1
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 66
  • WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 41.3
  • CO: 0.166
  • HC: 0.013
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Noise Level dB(A): 68
  • NOx: 0.006
  • Particles: 0.0001
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 19
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • CC: 1987
  • Compression Ratio: 14.0:1
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 80.5
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 97.6
  • Engine Code: M20A-FXS
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION
  • Gears: 1 SPEED
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 0.9
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 313.9
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Badge Engine CC: 2.0
  • Badge Power: 223
  • Based On ID: N
  • Coin Description: PHEV
  • Coin Series: Excel
  • Generation Mark: 2
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 27E
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 85
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 86
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 86
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 79
  • Safety Concerns: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.2
  • Engine Power - BHP: 223
  • Engine Power - KW: 164
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • Engine Power - RPM: 6000
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 139
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 19.2
  • Engine Torque - NM: 188
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 4400
  • Top Speed: 112
  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2
  • Alloys: True
  • Space Saver: False
  • Tyre Size Front: 225/50 R19
  • Tyre Size Rear: 225/50 R19
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Style: 5-DOUBLE SPOKE
  • Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY
  • Height: 1564
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4362
  • Wheelbase: 2640
  • Width: 1832
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 43
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2130
  • Max. Loading Weight: 480
  • Max. Roof Load: 75
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 725
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 725
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1650
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11