What is the Toyota C-HR+ if it isn’t a C-HR?

The new Toyota C-HR+ isn’t a C-HR at all, it’s a plus. But what does that actually mean?

(C-HR+ ≠ C-HR)

Even the keenest of algebra fans may struggle to understand how the C-HR+ formula doesn’t equate to C-HR in any way, but that’s the logic Toyota have opted for here. That’s right, despite the name, the Toyota C-HR+ — although inspired by the C-HR — is ‘an all-new model in its own right’ which Toyota view as a key addition to its BEV ‘offensive’. 

Feeling inspired

Despite the electric SUV’s positioning as entirely different proposition than its namesake, the design inspiration is clear. Drawing from both the C-HR and the bZ4X (another confusing Toyota naming convention which this EV may signal the end of) the C-HR+ is a pleasant mix of angular edges and choppy indents, all set into a high shouldered silhouette. 

It’s nothing revolutionary, but it looks set to hold a presence on the road. The horizonal lines found across the body reach a crescendo with the wide-set rear led lights which are a standout feature — also adding a clear hint of personality to differentiate it from the similarly sized Smart #3 and Volvo EC40 e-SUVs. 

On the plus side

One area where the C-HR+ is definitely distinct from the C-HR, is the electric powertrain. 

Built upon the same e-TNGA platform as the bZ4X and the Lexus RZ, the C-HR+ is available with either a 57.7 kwh or a 77 kwh battery. While the former will be limited to front-wheel drive, the latter packs an all-wheel drive option expected to produce a nippy 333 hp, letting 0-60 mph slide by in just over 5 seconds. Impressively this makes the ‘+’ the most powerful non-GR model in Toyota’s European line-up, quietly eclipsing even the fan favourite GR Yaris in terms of sheer grunt.

Distance figures aren’t fully locked in ahead of its release later this year, but Toyota are estimating the C-HR+ will have a range up to 373 miles — a competitive figure in the C-SUV market in which it will operate.

Real world ready 

As hinted at by this functional range, it’s not all about sporty performance: the C-HR+ is talking the talk as a practical car too.

While compact for an SUV at 4.52 m long, Toyota seem keen to highlight internal spaciousness as a priority — which is mildly surprising considering the fairly limited 416-litre boot capacity on offer. That said, the ‘class above’ interior (which only comes with a slightly vague ‘900 mm front-rear couple distance’ measurement) is touted as bringing ‘greater cabin space than is typically expected of a C-segment SUV’. Make of that what you will.

Visually though, the cabin indeed does look open and roomy, with subtle ambient lighting spread throughout adding to this the feeling of airiness. Oh, and there’s a panoramic room to let in some natural light too — that always helps.

Aside from that the only C-HR+ interior specifics we have are that there will be not one, but two wireless smartphone chargers, some USB ports for rear passengers, as well as air conditioning controls for those in the back.

And that’s all the components of the C-HR+ equation that we have for now. So, despite the slightly confusing name, we can confirm this indeed isn’t the C-HR, and that we’ll be keeping an eye out for more details as its release date approaches.

Hero image credit: Toyota