–– EV DIARY ––
Suttie’s seven days
Toyota’s first BEV has made it north of the border, so that our man Alisdair Suttie can put it through its paces
Toyota bZ4X Pure
List Price
BiK
0g/km
CO2
miles (Range)
mile-range test efficiency
MONDAY
A couple of firsts today – this is the first time I’ve been near a bZ4X and this car is Toyota’s first full battery electric car in the UK. We have had the hydrogen-powered Mirai, but that’s a fuel cell electric vehicle, so the bZ4X is a trailblazer for Toyota. It also stands out for its looks, which I rather like for all their angular boldness. However, the plastic arch surrounds are fooling nobody into thinking this is an SUV.
TUESDAY
This is the first chance to get properly acquainted with the bZ4X’s interior and it’s a good first impression. Toyota knows its customers, so the door opens wide to make entry very easy, while the seat’s hip height is bang on, too, to let you just sit into the car. Once installed, the seat is comfy and the games console dash design works very well thanks to clear graphics and not too much info displayed at any one time.
WEDNESDAY
This bZ4X is in Pure trim, which is the entry point to the range, so it comes with front-wheel drive and a 204hp motor. This means 0-62mph in a claimed 7.5 seconds, which is only 0.6 seconds behind the dual-motor version. Given the extra range of the single-motor model (317 miles compared to 285 miles for the dual-motor), this one makes far more sense for company drivers and delivers strong acceleration through the speed range.
THURSDAY
No trigger warnings will be required when I say the Toyota bZ4X drives very well. Toyota has pinned down the balance between suspension control and ride comfort very well in this EV, and it has isolated road noise from the cabin more effectively than in many rivals. For all those who have chosen a Tesla Model Y, they may well rue that decision if they try the bZ4X, which is a better car to drive in every respect.
FRIDAY
A glance through the spec of this Pure model today while waiting for my son to finish football training shows it’s got all the kit you’d want or need. There’s an easy-to-fathom infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen, a raft of comfort and safety kit – and it has a heat pump to help make battery charging quicker and more efficient. While some EVs still don’t have this feature as standard, Toyota has got it right.
SATURDAY
Plodding along the motorway just now gives me time to ponder the Toyota. On current usage, it should see 267 miles from a full charge, which is short of the claimed 317-mile combined range. It’s still enough for my needs at the moment, which largely involves a stress-free drive into the city. Around town, I know the bZ4X will be supple, quiet and easy to park. Will it draw looks? Nope, but that suits me fine, too.
SUNDAY
After some miles in the bZ4X, it does that Toyota thing of convincing you it would be a very good long-term companion. There’s no initial wow factor like you get with a Hyundai Ioniq 5, but the Toyota just gets on with the job of being a very useful, practical family car. Loads of space for everyone, a decent boot, charging that’s quick enough and a decent range. It’s even priced quite keenly for the sector in Pure trim.
