John Murdoch has tested two electric Toyota SUVs and picked the C-HR+ as his favourite, also looking at the latest supermini to hit the market.
Toyota's Electric SUV Line-Up
Toyota currently sells three all-electric vehicles, with a fourth expected before the end of the year, not including its electric models in the luxury Lexus range. The Urban is the smallest model, the C-HR+ sits in the middle, and the bZ4X is the largest SUV.
Murdoch spent a few days with the two larger models and preferred the C-HR+. Although it shares much of its name with the popular C-HR hybrid, the electric C-HR+ is very different. Every body panel is different, it is considerably larger, and it uses the same platform as the bigger bZ4X SUV.
Performance and Pricing
The car has a front-mounted motor and front-wheel drive, with a choice of two battery sizes and three trim levels. The version tested had the larger 77kWh battery in the mid-range Design trim, costing £36,995 before the electric car grant, with White Pearl paint adding £950.
Inside, it shares most features with its larger sibling, including a 14-inch touchscreen and a smaller driver's display screen positioned high on the dash above the steering wheel rim. The C-HR+ proved agile and sporty to drive, though the ride is on the firm side. The steering offers plenty of feedback, and the motor delivers good performance at all speeds.
The motor produces 221bhp and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 99 mph – the same figures as its big brother. The cabin is well built and refined, with suspension that copes well with less than perfect roads. It handles well and cruises nicely at motorway speeds, while the many driver aids help in busy town centres and on country roads.
Practicality and Charging
The car comes with all the latest safety features and a five-star NCAP rating. The cabin is spacious without being fancy, with good quality materials and all necessary equipment included. The boot is substantial at 416 litres and can be increased significantly by dropping the rear seats.
Both the C-HR+ and its larger sibling come with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, extendable to 10 years and 100,000 miles with franchise servicing. A 150kW charger will take the car from 10-80 per cent in around 30 minutes, about average for this class.
Murdoch concluded that the C-HR+ is more stylish than its big brother, cheaper, and the one he would choose, although the sibling might suit people with increased space needs. Its blend of quality, efficiency and keen pricing make it well worth a look.
New AION UT Supermini
In other motoring news, the AION UT electric supermini will cost £28,950 when order books open this month. The manufacturer claims it offers UK motorists a new standard, with performance, premium quality, generous equipment and class-leading space.
Designed in Europe at the company's styling house in Milan, the AION UT brings supermini buyers premium features, comfort and design flair typically found on larger cars, including a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a 14.6-inch central touch screen and a 360-degree surround-view camera.
Buyers can enhance their UT with an optional Premium Pack, adding features such as a panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, ventilated driver's seat and wireless phone charging, for £1,200. The cabin offers generous legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers, plus 24 practical storage areas and a large 440-litre multi-layer boot.
Its 60kWh battery delivers the longest standard range in the segment, offering a class-leading 268 miles of electric driving. Sprinting from 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds, it is one of the perkiest superminis about town. The AION Great 8 Promise provides an eight-year warranty, eight years' servicing, eight years' roadside assistance and MOT until the car is eight years old, with the VIN-locked offering staying linked to the vehicle.
