2017 Toyota C-HR launched from $26,990

Toyota has launched the C-HR compact crossover in Australia. The C-HR, which stands for Coupe High Rider, joins the fast-growing compact SUV segment rivalling the likes of Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Nissan Juke.

On sale now, the C-HR range utilises a simple pricing structure that starts at $26,990 plus on-road costs for the six-speed manual front-drive C-HR, increasing by $2,000 for the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a further $2,000 for the traction of all-wheel drive.

Top-of-the-range C-HR Koba variants add luxury features including leather-accented seats, keyless entry and ignition, bigger (18-inch) alloy wheels, LED lamps and innovative nanoe (pronounced nano-e) technology that moisturises cabin air – all for an additional $4,300.

A vibrant colour palette accentuates the extroverted styling of the C-HR and is taken further on Koba grades with a $450 two-tone paint option, adding a white or black roof to specific body hues.

Personalisation is a by-word for the newest Toyota with more than 60 available Toyota Genuine accessories – second only to HiLux in the Toyota range in number – encouraging owners to express their individuality.

Customisation options to expand driveway appeal include eight alloy wheel designs; coloured exterior garnishes, wheel caps and mirror covers; and roof cross-bars for bicycles and other sports equipment.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said C-HR’s stunning design brings together the best aspects of a hatchback, a coupe and an SUV.

“C-HR will bring new customers to the Toyota brand – typically younger, image-conscious people who take a more emotional approach to purchasing a car compared with our more traditional customers,” Mr Cramb said.

“Owners will appreciate C-HR’s refined engine, its supple chassis that rides and handles well, its premium airy interior – and the bonus of excellent fuel economy,” he said.

Targeting younger buyers, the C-HR is the company’s first compact crossover to be constructed on a new highly rigid platform called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). Space-efficient MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspensions, newly developed for C-HR, promises crisp driving with hatchback-like handling and smooth, accurate steering.

Global chief engineer Hiroyuki Koba, a keen driver, strategically adapted the Global Architecture platform to confirm it met his requirements to suit the C-HR’s design and driving performance.

According to Toyota, Mr Koba travelled thousands of kilometres in development models, particularly on European roads, to bring to life his vision of driving precision and comfort.

The GA-C platform allows for a low centre of gravity and promises an engaging drive experience with superior handling and agility.

Powering the C-HR is a new 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 85kW and generates peak torque of 185Nm from just 1,500rpm all the way to 4,000rpm.

The powertrain is mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox with auto rev matching or a seven-stepped CVT, the latter is available with either front- or all-wheel drive.

All C-HR variants offer two drive modes, in addition to Normal, that vary throttle response, steering weight and CVT strategies – favouring fuel economy in Eco mode and driving performance in Sport mode.

Combined cycle fuel economy is rated at 6.3L/100km for the front-drive manual, 6.4L/100km for the CVT front-drive and 6.5L/100km for the CVT all-wheel drive.

Inside, local C-HRs features a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and new two-tiered front-seating design, while the decorative elements are finished in high-quality piano black and satin silver trim with clear blue illumination for the instruments and switches.

Toyota says the C-HR’s interior space is similar to that of the Corolla, comfortably accommodating four adults and offering 377 litres of luggage space along with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat.

Across the range, the C-HR gets a full suite of standard safety features including a pre-collision safety system, active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and reversing camera.

All variants are equipped with seven airbags, stability and traction control, auto high beam, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors and hill-start assist control.

Satellite navigation is paired with Toyota Link connected mobility and a six-speaker sound system while other C-HR features include dual-zone auto air conditioning, 4.2-inch multi-information display, electronic park brake and auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

All C-HR models for Australia are built in Japan.

2017 Toyota C-HR Australian pricing