Toyota reveals its new compact SUV's interior

Toyota has released the first interior images of its all-new compact SUV, the C-HR, revealing a driver-focussed cockpit-style dashboard reminiscent of the Prius.

Like the Prius, the CH-R will eventually become available with a 90kW 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, but from its Australian launch early next year will be offered only with a new 85kW/185Nm 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, matched to both six-speed manual and CVT auto and both front-drive and AWD transmissions.

Perhaps most interestingly, Toyota Australia has hinted the C-HR won't match the popular Mazda CX-3's sharp $19,990 starting price by saying it will be “positioned between the Corolla hatch [from $19,790] and RAV4 [from $27,990]”.

Also confirmed for Australia's C-HR – which measures 4350mm long, 1795mm wide, 1550mm high and has a 2640mm wheelbase – is a full safety suite comprising a pre-collision system with autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering control, automatic high beam and a reversing camera.

Other available features for Toyota's answer to the CX-3, Honda HR-V and Mitsubishi ASX will include heated seats, keyless entry and start, privacy glass, 18-inch alloy wheels and bi-tone metallic paint.

Based on Toyota's new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, the C-HR's body design remains true to the concepts that appeared in Paris in 2014 and Frankfurt in 2015 by featuring a diamond architectural theme with a coupe-like roofline atop prominent wheel-arches.

The compact five-door crossover wagon features extra ground clearance, disguised rear door handles integrated within the C-pillar, an aerodynamic skeletal-frame rear spoiler, prominent rear light clusters and a top-hinged tailgate.

As for its newly-revealed interior, Toyota says the C-HR will target "class-leading sensory quality" that delivers "a modern and sensual style that stands out in the Toyota range and sets a new direction for its segment".

"That newness comes from SUV robustness and strength. But we're not trying to make an SUV that's dynamic; rather, a dynamic vehicle with SUV-like properties," said chief designer Kazuhiko Isawa.

There's a layered instrument panel architecture that continues to the door trims and incorporates a piano black panel and asymmetrical centre console design, while Australian models will feature a 6.1-inch touch-screen that extends from the dash.

A unique new two-tiered front seat design is accompanied by switchgear, door trims and headlining that echo the exterior's diamond motif, which even seen on the driver's analogue instrument dials.

Completing the interior look are piano black and satin silver decorative elements, clear blue illumination for the instruments and switches and cool-grey dash and door trim highlights, which replace the prominent blue highlights of European models.