The plug-in hybrid version of Toyota's new C-HR crossover has arrived in Ireland, with a starting price of €45,315.
The plug-in version of the C-HR comes with a 13.6kWh battery pack, which, when fully charged, gives the compact crossover a potential electric range of up to 600km. According to Toyota, that's enough to cover many people's commutes.
Online reservations
Online reservations for the plug-in hybrid C-HR opened on Toyota Ireland's website on the 4th of April, and interested customers can reserve one with a €500 deposit.
Style-wise, the C-HR PHEV is only distinguished from the standard 1.8 or 2.0-litre hybrid by its badges and the extra flap which covers the charging port. The plug-in hybrid system uses a 150hp 2.0-litre petrol engine, running on the Atkinson combustion cycle, paired with a 120kW electric motor for a combined 223hp output. CO2 emissions start from 19g/km and on the official WLTP test, the C-HR PHEV recorded fuel consumption of just 0.8 litres per 100km (that's 353mpg).
Charges up in 2.5 hours
The C-HR PHEV comes with extra driving modes which allow you to save power in the battery for later in your journey, or to charge the battery as you drive. It can be charged at up to 6.6kW on AC power, which allows a full charge in two-and-a-half hours.
There's also a predictive geo-fencing function which Toyota says helps the driver keep one step ahead of what the journey may have in store. The system combines analysis of road and traffic conditions with ongoing learning about the driver's regular routes and driving style to automatically optimise the use of the car's all-electric mode. The geo-fencing function goes further by optimising battery use across the entire trip by analysing the planned route and automatically switching between electric and hybrid vehicle modes when travelling outside official low emission zones. This maximises the EV driving range available when entering a low emissions zone.
Clever suspension
The C-HR PHEV also gets some clever suspension, and uses ZF-supplied frequency-sensitive dampers, which aim to replicate some of the adjustable damping control you get with an electronic adaptive system, but without the cost or weight.
Zoë Bradley, Head of Marketing Communications and Corporate Affairs in Toyota Ireland said "After the positive reception of the standout, bold Toyota C-HR Hybrid which arrived in Ireland earlier this year, we're expecting equally high interest in the Toyota C-HR PHEV. With a pure electric driving range of up to 66km, the Toyota C-HR PHEV is well suited to daily commutes as well as longer journeys both of which benefit from the dual powertrain and fifth generation hybrid technology. The Toyota C-HR PHEV delivers a class-leading balance of performance, efficiency and bold style. We encourage any interested buyers to contact their local Toyota dealership to schedule a test drive - we expect the Toyota C-HR PHEV to firmly follow in the footsteps of the original Toyota C-HR, one of the most popular models in Ireland."