Toyota continues to believe in hybrid technology and is one of the major investors in a hydrogen fuel cell, but it has realized that it may miss the galloping train of the electric revolution in the automotive world.
Therefore, in an expedited development process (with a little help from Subaru), Toyota unveiled about a year ago its first electric car in the modern era which is currently arriving in showrooms in Israel.
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It's called bZ4X, where the combination bZ actually symbolizes an electric sub-brand that will include another 7 electric models in the coming years.
bZ4X is built on the basis of a new modular electrical platform called e-TNGA that will also be used by Lexus, and as mentioned, also by Subaru.
The flexible platform makes it possible to offer the bZ4X with a single electric motor with 204 hp and front-wheel drive, or a pair of motors that create dual propulsion and a combined power of 218 hp.
A lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 71.4 kilowatts should provide a range between 502 and 459 km depending on the version, and there is also support for fast DC charging of up to 150 kilowatts / hour.
In short, everything you need in an electric car in a crowd-pleasing crossover package.
The exterior design is quite successful, mainly thanks to a lattice-free front that is accentuated to the front and a high hood with side swells.
Large dark plastic wheelhouse covers give the bZ4X the coveted crossover look.
In the cabin, Toyota tried to show originality, but not too much.
The standout design items are a dashboard screen located high in front of the driver’s eyes and a “floating” console between the front seats.
The human engineering is good without the intricacies and functions hidden inside the touch screen menus, and there is good space in the rear even for older passengers thanks to the flat floor.
However, the driving position is not ideal for tall people as the steering wheel in its high position hides the dashboard.
Toyota could also be expected to use slightly less plastic materials in lighter shades.
The bZ4X's paddle unit does not display exceptional data, but it does deliver good performance with a smooth action character even when the pedal is glued to the floor.
The calibration of the suspensions is relatively hard and it manages to restrain the body of the car, which weighs almost 2 tons, well.
The steering was pleasantly surprising thanks to good weight and a sharp initial turn, and the dual-propulsion version we drove has plenty of grip and also an X-Mode system to assist in off-road driving.
The absorbency of the suspensions on Denmark’s roads was good, except for a slight bounce over urban disruptions and high deceleration lanes.
Although it joins the celebration belatedly, Toyota also has a modern electric car with the latest technology and a useful driving range.
With a price tag ranging from 230-250 thousand NIS, it is more expensive than its direct competitors, but offers an efficient and balanced package like any Toyota you know.
Second, electric
motor
Power
218 hp
Torque
34.4 kg
Weight
1,885 kg
0-100 km / h
6.9 s
Maximum speed
160 km / h
Price
250,000 NIS
In favor
of the latest technology, an efficient propulsion system
Against
innovation
Solid electric
bottom row
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