This is a new car, despite looking and sounding like existing Toyota models.
Originally planned to be called the bZ3X, Toyota’s new coupe-SUV is called the C-HR+ – although there’s no relation to the hybrid C-HR that’s already on sale.
You'll be able to order the C-HR+ from January, and first deliveries will take place in March.
Prices and specifications
The C-HR+ range starts at £34,495, which gets you the Icon trim – which is only offered with the smaller of the two batteries. Icon trim includes 18-inch black alloy wheels, a 14-inch touchscreen, a heated steering wheel, dual wireless phone charging trays and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Design and Excel come with the bigger battery option, plus extra equipment. For £36,995, the Design trim adds a powered bootlid and tinted rear windows.
Excel trim is a punchy £40,995, and doesn't seem to offer amazing value for money. A top-view camera helps with parking in tight spots, there's an electrically adjustable driver's seat and there's additional driver assistance tech. We'll have to wait to see whether early cars are subject to the luxury car tax, because the tax cap is planned to rise from £40,000 to £50,000 in April.
Range and performance
Toyota sees this as an important model in its lineup, and it’ll offer the C-HR+ with more powertrain choices than the bigger bZ4X. There’ll be an entry-level version with a 57.7kWh battery, front-wheel drive and a 167hp electric motor, as well as a larger 77kWh battery with either front or four-wheel drive.
The four-wheel-drive, dual-motor version has the performance headlines, with 340hp and a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds – figures which are identical to the range-topping Ford Explorer and Volkswagen ID.5. But it’ll be the two-wheel-drive, large-battery model with 223hp that offers the longest range – Toyota suggests a maximum range of 373 miles between charges.
The coupe shape helps with efficiency, while the C-HR+ also comes with a heated steering wheel, heated windscreen and heated front seats to reduce the reliance on the more power-hungry air conditioning system. A heat pump is also fitted, which should improve efficiency in cold weather. This is partly a reaction to bZ4X owners finding that their cars aren’t nearly as efficient as advertised.
Also setting the C-HR+ apart from the bZ4X is that it’ll be fun to drive, according to the Japanese carmaker. A rigid EV platform, retuned suspension and a remapped power steering system are some of the improvements.
The large touchscreen will dominate the centre console, with the built-in sat nav providing route details based on how much charge you have and where local chargers are.
We’re told that the 2,750mm wheelbase gives ‘class above’ passenger space, and that the sloping roof only starts after the rear seats to preserve headroom. The 416-litre boot is marginally bigger than the hybrid C-HR’s, although still small for the class.
As with other Toyotas, the C-HR+ will be covered by a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, with a separate battery warranty that protects you if the battery drops below 70% of its original capacity for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Can’t wait for the new Toyota C-HR+? Shop used electric cars available now or read our Toyota reviews.
