Category Archives: Toyota

Electric/hybrid, Motoring, Toyota

The new Prius: how good is it?

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Toyota Prius PHEV Excel

By Bill McCarthy

The Prius was a game-changer when it was introduced in the 1990s. As the first mass-p roduced full hybrid car, it took the world by storm and sparked a global rush toward electrification.

Its combination of a petrol engine and electric motor attracted eco-conscious consumers, including a host of Hollywood celebrities, which greatly increased its visibility.

Originally, its quirky design was dictated by the need to accommodate the battery, but it has since evolved – transforming from an ugly duckling into a strikingly attractive swan. Now in its fifth generation, the Prius signature wedge shape remains, but it is sleeker, with a lower roof and an extended wheelbase.

The curved bonnet, raked windscreen, classy slim LED lights, concealed rear door handles, and sloping silhouette all contribute to a modern, sporty image that is a match for anything in its class. In fact, when covered in branding, recognising this model as a Prius might have proved a challenge.

This particular Excel model celebrates Toyota’s sporting arm, Gazoo Racing. Inspired by success at the Le Mans 24-hour race, it highlights GR’s development of racing hybrid technology since 2012 and was used as a promotional tool at the iconic French event this year.

Much improved interior

Stepping inside, the Prius boasts a classy, driver-focused cabin that cleverly blends traditional controls with advanced technology. While the design is more functional than cutting-edge, it’s dominated by a crisp 12-inch infotainment screen.

This system manages key features like cloud-based navigation and smartphone connectivity, all accessible via the intuitive ‘Hey Toyota’ voice control.

A seven-inch digital driver’s display is positioned directly in the line of sight to minimise distraction. The black-themed interior features colour-coordinated accents, smart switches, and ambient LED lighting for a premium feel.

Enhanced practicality

Practicality is a key strength in this latest model. You’ll find more usable storage throughout, including a seven-litre glovebox and a rear-opening centre console. Importantly, luggage capacity has increased to 284 litres (up from 251 litres), thanks to the battery being relocated under the rear seat.

Performance and economy

Once the battery depletes, the petrol engine seamlessly takes over. The system also recaptures energy through regenerative braking to charge the battery on the move. For business users, the low emissions translate into a very low Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rate.

Improved ride and handling

Driving dynamics have been significantly improved. By placing the battery under the rear seat and positioning the fuel tank lower, Toyota has achieved a lower centre of gravity. This results in a more stable and agile ride.

MacPherson strut front suspension and a double wishbone rear suspension further enhances handling and ride comfort. The cabin remains quiet and comfortable, with minimal wind and road noise, making it a practical and pleasant family car.

Comprehensive safety equipment

This car comes equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite includes a raft of airbags and::

  • A pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
  • Lane Departure Alert
  • Radar Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Electronic Stability Control and a Reversing Camera

Prices start at £39,995 for the entry model, with this range topping Excel starting from £37,895.

Verdict

The continued success of the improved Prius after over 25 years is a testament to its enduring quality. It now delivers a mix of classy styling, rapid performance, and low-running costs. With its low emissions and decent, if not class leading,electric-only range, it remains a formidable contender in the competitive UK market.

Factfile

Toyota Prius PHEV Excel

  • Price: £39,995
  • Mechanical: 220bhp combined 1,987 litre petrol engine and electric motor driving all from wheels via single speed automatic transmission
  • Max Speed: 110mph
  • 0-62mph: 6.8 seconds
  • Economy: 47.6mpg WLTP (403, constant full charge)
  • Insurance Group: 31A
  • C02 emissions: 12g/km
  • Bik rating: 9%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/62,000 miles

Electric/hybrid, Motoring, Toyota

Toyota C-HR

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Crossover offers dramatic styling

By Bill McCarthy

Toyota’s striking mid-level crossover stands out in many ways with its sleek and dynamic shape with sharp creases, angles, high riding stance.  The vehicle has always been stylish, but now the profile is even more dramatic and now features a unique coupe-like silhouette, larger alloy 18-inch alloy wheels and a shortened ‘hammerhead’ frontal design.

If you like gizmos such as flush-fitting door handles, then it has them and it also features full LED headlights with integrated turn indicators and in case you missed it, the model name is integrated into the rear light bar and is illuminated as you start up or switch off.

 Toyota makes much of it being ‘customer-centred’ and includes premium features such as ambient lighting with 64 colour options and a panoramic roof that requires no sunshade  and rear privacy glass.

The cabin feels light and airy robust, high-quality fixtures and fittings and a piano black plastic finish. There are neat chrome finishes and blue strips throughout the cabin to emphasise the car’s eco-friendly nature.

In practical terms, a reasonably spacious 388 litre boot will accommodate most needs.

The line-up includes the latest two litre plug-in hybrid which joins the 1.8 and 2.0-litre models, powered by the fifth generation Toyota full hybrid electric system.  This system delivers a stronger combination of power and efficiency. 

The 1.8 HEV system driven here, boasts an ultra-efficient engine and delivers a powerful total output of 138bhp. Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre hybrid offers an even more engaging driving experience with its higher output of 195bhp.

The electric motor is always in operation and the petrol engine kicks in at any speed, depending on the battery charge and driving conditions. You can monitor your driving performance using the myriad dials and readouts on the 12.3-inch touchscreen, which also controls smartphone connectivity, sound system, and cloud-based navigation. 

A 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display in the binnacle delivers instant information to the driver.

On the road, performance is brisk with the petrol/electric combination delivering decent pace and excellent fuel economy. It accelerates to 60mph in just over 10 seconds, a second quicker than it previous incarnation and the claimed economy of nearly 60mpg, with careful driving, was not far off the mark.

Designed with the European market in its sights, the ride is comfortable with the suspension working efficiently to iron out all but the worst of the lumps and bumps our dismal roads have to offer.

Handling is also decent enough, it’s no performance car after all, but it feels stable with responsive steering.

All models are well-equipped, even the entry-level version, with 17-inch alloy wheels, powered/folding door mirrors with auto-folding function, smart entry, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and automatic wipers.

 Move up the grades and the creature comforts expand, with the likes of a climate control system that incorporates nanoe-X air quality technology to combat viruses, bacteria and odours in the cabin.

 Other advanced features include Toyota Safety Sense, which alerts drivers to potential crashes and provides assistance like autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. 

Also featured are lane departure alert, traffic sign recognition, auto full-beam headlights, blind spot monitor, cross-traffic alert, and lane change assistance.

Factfile

  • Toyota C-HR Dynamic Hybrid 1.8 CVT
  • Price: £34,685
  • Mechanical: 138bhp, 1,798cc, 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via e-CVT transmission
  • Max speed: 106mph
  • 0-62mph: 10.2 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 58.5
  • Insurance group: 20E
  • CO2 emissions: 108g/km
  • BiK rating: 26%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles