Toyota's first foray into the booming small SUV scene in Australia will happen with its aptly-named C-HR (compact high rider). But at almost $7,000 more than some of the other offerings in the same marketplace, small SUV buyers will need to decide if the Toyota car is worth the extra money.
Mazda's CX-3, Ford's EcoSport and Suzuki's Vitara all have cut-price, entry-level versions which can be had for around the $20k mark, so Toyota's C-HR will need to prove it justifies the extra cost.
According to Toyota, the C-HR is a "disruptive" new model targeted at family buyers and young singles alike. However, its $26,990 plus on-road costs starting price puts it firmly in the same ballpark as the Nissan Qashqai, Jeep Renegade and Honda HR-V, as well as others.
For their money, buyers will get the front-wheel-drive, six-speed manual C-HR powered by a new turbocharged 1.2-litre engine, which produces 85kW and 185Nm. And it's this new engine which may lure buyers to part with their hard-earned cash.
That's because it allows the Toyota to go for longer between services – 12 months instead of six. Plus, regular maintenance is capped at $195 per service for the first five years of ownership.
For an extra $2,000, buyers can opt for an optional seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), while a mid-spec all-wheel drive will set them back $30,990 plus on-road costs (also paired with the CVT).
Confirming price and specification at the C-HR's national launch in Melbourne, Toyota Australia executive director Tony Cramb said the car would be offered in two grades: C-HR and C-HR Koba, the latter moniker being a tribute to the car's chief Japanese engineer, Hiroyuki Koba.
The flagship Koba model will be priced from $33,290 plus on-road costs in two-wheel drive and $35,290 plus on-road costs in all-wheel drive guise.
"The message behind this vehicle is to disrupt the segment, disrupt the market, disrupt at every turn but make sure we get things right," said Cramb.
The base C-HR sold in Australia will come with 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control and sports seats, as well as an array of other goodies, including a colour trip computer, a reversing camera, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers and a six-speaker stereo.