Toyota releases pricing and specifications for C-HR Plug-in hybrid SUV

Toyota’s C-HR Plug-in hybrid has been priced from £39,145 and offers an electric-only range of up to 41 miles.

The model, which completes the electrified powertrain line-up of the SUV, also has CO2 emissions from 19g/km, putting it in the 8% benefit-in-kind company car tax band.

It is available in three trim levels - Design (£39,145), Excel (£42,610) and GR Sport (£43,540) – and is available now, with customer deliveries from July.

The PHEV powertrain comprises a 161bhp electric motor on the front axle, with energy stored in a 13.6kWh battery, alongside a 150bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine.

These units produce a combined power of 220bhp, which enables a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.4 seconds.

CH-R Plug-in, which joins the 1.8- and 2.0-litre hybrid powertrains in the range, has a 6.6kW on-board charger which allows the battery to be fully-charged from empty in under two-and-a-half hours.

The plug-in model also features a heat pump, as well as using engine heat, to support the air-conditioning system in winter. This reduces power usage and helps improve the EV driving range.

Its Predictive Efficient Drive system now features a geo-fencing. 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 EV and hybrid vehicle (HV) modes when travelling outside low emission zones (LEZs). This maximises the EV driving range available when entering an LEZ.

Regeneration boost offers one-pedal driving, providing up to 80% of the braking requirement, depending on which of the settings – gentle, medium or strong – is selected.

In a first for any Toyota vehicle worldwide, the C-HR Plug-in hybrid features ZF frequency sensitive control (FSC) to enhance handling and ride comfort.

The hydro-mechanical system increases damping force at low frequencies to gain superior body control, in roll and pitch, and during cornering. At high frequency, damping is reduced to improve ride comfort.

The braking system has also been enhanced. The plug-in is fitted with 17-inch callipers and discs, together with the latest vehicle stability control systems.

The 1.8- and 2.0-litre hybrids have 16-inch twin callipers and discs.

Toyota also says a combination of measures produce improved acoustic comfort. Engine speeds in motorway driving have been reduced by up to 500rpm and noise disturbance is reduced with the use of vibration damping and noise insulation.