2017 Toyota C-HR feature-rich compact crossover on sale from $26,990

The eagerly-awaited Toyota C-HR is now on sale in Australia, with the compact crossover slotting into the local Toyota range below the Toyota RAV4 and priced from $26,990 for the entry-level manual.

That starting price may seem steep, but Toyota has packed the C-HR with a huge array of standard equipment.

A turbocharged 1.2 litre engine is the mechanical centrepiece (and the sole powertrain offered in the range), but of greater interest to buyers will no doubt be the provision of satellite navigation, active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and 6.1-inch colour touchscreen infotainment display.

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All of that is standard across the two-model range along with a scrolling list of features on each and every Australian-delivered C-HR (see below).

Step up into the range-topping C-HR Koba for $33,290, and a CVT automatic transmission (a $2000 option in the base model) becomes standard along with keyless entry and ignition, LED headlamps, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a powered driver’s seat, an air-purifying climate control system, privacy glass, interior ambient lighting and the option of a two-tone colour scheme.

The base C-HR comes with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive as standard, with a rev-matching function for sportier (and smoother) driving. The differential is also pre-loaded to enhance traction when powering out of corners, and Toyota isn’t shy about billing its first compact SUV as being a driver’s car.

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A CVT automatic is also available, with seven pre-set ratios in its manual shift mode.

Those wanting the extra security of all-wheel drive can option it in either model grade for $2000, though it’s strictly a CVT-only affair.

Beneath the CH-R’s sharply-sculpted bodywork lies Toyota’s still-fresh TNGA platform. Modular and adaptable it will eventually underpin the bulk of Toyota’s passenger car offerings. The company says it delivers enhanced body rigidity for better safety and handling, as well as a more sophisticated suspension setup.

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Up front is a conventional MacPherson strut arrangement, but the rear suspension is a double-wishbone multilink – uncommon in the world of compact SUVs.

With Australian cars sourced from Japan, Toyota Australia has only managed to secure an initial allocation of 6000 cars for 2017.

With rising popularity of small SUVs like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3, demand for the Toyota C-HR could see customers having to take their spot in a queue before supply improves next year.

2017 Toyota C-HR pricing

• 2WD manual – $26,990
• 2WD CVT – $28,990
• AWD CVT – $30,990
• Koba 2WD CVT – $33,290
• Koba AWD CVT – $35,290

Toyota CH-R standard equipment list

• Pre-collision safety system
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Sway warning system
• Blind spot monitor
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera
• Seven airbags, including driver’s knee airbag
• Vehicle stability and traction control
• Trailer sway control
• Anti-skid brakes
• Hill-start assist control
• Brake assist
• Electronic brake-force distribution
• Brake hold
• Advanced pitching control
• Front (4) and rear (4) parking sensors
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Halogen projector-type headlamps
• LED daytime running lamps and fog lamps
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Roof-mounted spoiler
• Tailgate lip spoiler
• Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
• 6.1-inch multimedia display/audio with six speakers and voice control
• Toyota Link** connected mobility
• Satellite navigation
• 4.2-inch colour multi-information display (MID)
• Premium steering wheel with audio, phone, MID and driving switches
• Electronic park brake
• Shark-fin antenna
• Power folding heated exterior mirrors
• Auto-dimming interior mirror
• Sporty fabric front seats with six-way manual adjustment
• Engine immobiliser
• “C-HR” puddle lamp