Toyota is introducing a rechargeable hybrid five-door to the home market. The new version also featured a slightly sportier image.
The all-wheel drive Toyota Crown Sport SUV launched in Japan in October of this year; until now, the model has been presented exclusively as a “simple” HEV hybrid, that is, without the ability to charge from electrical networks. Now the range has been expanded: in the brand’s homeland you can also purchase a rechargeable hybrid cross-over PHEV.
The installation of the new version includes the same naturally aspirated 2.5 petrol engine, but for the Crown Sport PHEV it was slightly “strangled”: the engine produces 177 hp. and 219 Nm instead of 186 hp. and 221 Nm for the HEV variant. But the front electric motor, on the contrary, is more powerful – 182 hp. and 270 Nm versus 120 hp. and 202 Nm. The rear electric motor is the same for both modifications (54 hp, 121 Nm). Well, the total output of the Toyota Crown Sport PHEV is 306 hp, while the HEV system produces a total of 234 hp. (In both cases, the company does not indicate the overall maximum torque).
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The rechargeable hybrid also gets a lithium-ion battery (50 Ah versus 5 Ah for the HEV's nickel-metal hydride battery). On electric power alone, such a crossover is capable of traveling 90 km (according to the WLTC cycle), and the total range exceeds 1200 km.
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Let us remind you that the model is based on the GA-K platform with a transverse engine. At the same time, the Toyota Crown Sport PHEV has additional struts in the area of the central tunnel to increase body rigidity. Both modifications have a fully controlled chassis. The ground clearance of the rechargeable hybrid is 160 mm versus 165 mm for the HEV version.
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The new version is offered in the only RS trim level. Externally, the Crown Sport PHEV differs from the HEV only in the nameplate and the design of black 21-inch wheels. The interior has “sports” front seats, paddle shifters, plus black and red leather upholstery and red decor. Regardless of the version, the Crown Sport equipment list includes a virtual instrument cluster, a multimedia system, climate control and the Toyota Safety Sense complex (adaptive cruise control, auto braking systems, lane keeping, etc.).
The price of Toyota Crown Sport PHEV is 7,650,000 yen (about 4,865,000 rubles at the current exchange rate), while for the HEV hybrid is asking 5,900,000 yen (approximately 3,753,000 rubles). In total, the company expects to sell 300 rechargeable hybrids per month in Japan (the plan for the Crown Sport HEV is 700 cars per month). Later, the SUV will probably reach other markets.