Aussie-spec Toyota C-HR unveiled

Toyota has issued images and details for its C-HR, a small SUV due here within six months to compete with the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V.

The company stresses that the images show pre-production cars, but the rear doors are clearly visible, unlike the show car unveiled in Paris two years ago.

To be available in two levels of trim – Active and Koba (the latter for the car's lead engineer, Hiroyuki Koba) – the C-HR will be powered by a turbocharged engine driving through the front wheels alone, or via an all-wheel drive system. Toyota will offer local buyers a selection of eight colours for the C-HR when it arrives.

Safety features available with the C-HR will comprise autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering control, automatic high beam and a reversing camera. Comfort and convenience features fitted to the flagship Koba variant will include heated seats, keyless entry/start, privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Like Nissan's Juke – another competitor in the segment – the C-HR has driver-oriented controls for easy operation. Infotainment facilities will run through a 6.1-inch touch screen and the instruments (embracing a diamond-shape theme for the analogue needles) will feature blue illumination. Also diamond-shaped are the switches, door trim patterns and headlining motif. Piano gloss black and satin silver accents will be a highlight.

"C-HR is a car for people who want something special – those who desire the innovative dynamism and emotional appeal that a traditional SUV cannot offer," says Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing.

"C-HR advances the very definition of SUV by emphasising the 'S' that stands for 'sport' and 'style'," Cramb was quoted saying in a press release.

"It has four doors and a hatch, but it's not a hatchback; it's compact while having a large interior and room for five; it has a high driving position, yet it's not a boxy off-roader.

"Not only does the C-HR always look like it's on the move, the new platform and turbocharged petrol engine ensure it delivers an agile driving feel."

Pictures show Koba variant (exterior) and Active (dash).