It might use the same name but there’s a big difference between Toyota’s C-HR and C-HR+.
The latter is all new, on a new platform, and sports a new coupe SUV look.
C-HR offers hybrid or plug-in hybrid motoring, but C-HR+ doesn’t, following the ever growing trend to dispose of internal combustion in favour of 100 per cent electric power.
So it’s the same (in name) but different in its styling, which to my mind makes it a better looking offer, despite the anonymous colour of our test car. Dark metallic greys are for days gone by with brighter colours more of an attraction.
There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with the existing C-HR and they certainly served notice that Toyota know a thing or two about producing cars that make good use of their electrical capabilities.
So with a 77kWh lithium-ion battery providing the forward motion via the front wheels the performance here is acceptable, particularly from a standing start when you might need to get a shift on in traffic, and its WLTP driving range of 377 miles means range anxiety should be far from your mind.
The front view is certainly distinctive and because of its swooping lines, sharp edges and sloping rear end, it has a refreshing style not very much in evidence when you look elsewhere. On the styling front C-HR+ will be a marmite car to some – Transformers meets 21st century traffic.
If you’re up front there’s no problem. It’s not flashy inside (typically Toyota in fact) so the dark rooflining and plastics make it a wee bit sombre but there’s no discernible shortage of space. There’s loads of it and coupled with a really decent driving position, behind the wheel is a good place to be.
Actually, comfortable, broad, supportive seats greet all aboard and the build quality is top notch if dull – touches like twin hands free phone chargers in the centre console are much appreciated if you’re used to hearing ‘oh, mine needs charging too….’
On the road the ride quality is adequate and fairly controlled over bumps, but you will notice a bit of body roll on twisty roads if you’re pushing on.
Toyota’s 14 inch multimedia system, pretty much the same across all their cars, is one of the more user friendly you’ll come across and doesn’t entirely rely on you delving into a multitude of hidden menus. Touch button and sliders are there for the main controls, as well as more steering wheel click buttons than a big girl’s blouse.
Interestingly, despite its chunky proportions, C-HR+ weighs less than 2000kgs, which is unusual for a family sized EV.
C-HR+ is covered by the same warranty as all Toyotas, three years as standard, but is extended by a year and 10,000 miles up to 10 years/100,000 miles every time you have it serviced by a Toyota dealer. That also covers the battery.
Toyota C-HR+ Design
Price: £36,995
Engine: 77kWh lithium-ion battery
Power: 221bhp
Torque: 197 lb/ft
Transmission: single speed
Top speed: 99 mph
0-62mph: 7.3 seconds
Range: 377 miles
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
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