Much due to modern design, which has made it a desirable object among younger drivers, the Toyota CH-R, a compact SUV originally launched in 2016, succeeded by the current generation in 2023, has contributed to an important change in the customer profile of the world’s largest manufacturer, both in Europe and in Portugal, similar to what happened with the Yaris in 1999. The C-HR+, visually, is close to the bold image of the model from which it inherits its name, but technically, the new 100% electric proposal from the Japanese brand has more in common with the bZ4X.
Firstly, it is based on the e-TNGA platform, the same as the bZ4X, and although it is shorter in length and wheelbase, this does not compromise either the luggage capacity (416 liters) or the habitability, optimized by the flat floor, achieved by placing the battery between the axles. The range consists of three versions, two with front-wheel drive and one with all-wheel drive: Exclusive (167 hp, battery with 54 kWh usable capacity, 458 km range in the combined WLTP cycle, prices starting from €40,900), Premium (224 hp, battery with 72 kWh, 607 km range, from €45,300) and Lounge (343 hp, battery with 72 kWh, 501 km range, from €53,500).
The mid-range version covers more kilometers on a single battery charge, and the top-of-the-line model boasts the Toyota badge without the “sporty” Gazoo Racing (GR) label, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The interior of the C-HR+ also references the bZ4X, rather than the C-HR, as it retains the digital instrumentation on a 7” monitor and a steering wheel with a smaller-than-normal diameter. For controlling the infotainment system, there is a 14” touchscreen at the center of the dashboard, with physical controls for the defroster and sound system, which simplifies usage while driving.
The battery can be recharged via an onboard charger of 11 kW (optional 22 kW), or a fast charger with up to 150 kW of power – the battery features temperature pre-conditioning to increase the speed of the operation. There are four levels of energy regeneration during deceleration, selectable via paddles on the steering wheel, although none of them is of the One Pedal type, capable of bringing the vehicle to a stop, which is complemented by Eco and Snow driving modes.
