Our first impressions of the 2017 Toyota C-HR SUV

Better late than never, Toyota fully revealed its new small SUV to the world at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The 2017 Toyota C-HR will be on sale in Australia in the first quarter of 2017.

Read more: watch our 2017 Toyota C-HR review

Featuring arresting styling on a level never produced by Toyota before, the C-HR is a radically-styled entrant into the small SUV segment, and will lock horns with the segment kings Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V.

Huge LED headlights – with sequential indicators, a first for Toyota – dominate the design of the C-HR. Massive wheel-arches, a coupe-like profile, bold tailights and even rear door handles incorporated into the window line, the C-HR fits right at home in a segment where to be bland is not allowed.

Toyota Australia appears to be missing out on competing with the entry level $19,990 CX-3 Neo however, and is focusing on the higher end Maxx and sTouring models with the use of words like ‘premium’ in the press release. The car’s two Australian variants, Active and Koba – named after the car’s global chief engineer – are well-equipped with a 6.1 touch screen infotainment system, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam.

Spending more on the Koba model rewards you with larger 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, privacy glass and keyless entry and start. In terms of drivetrains, there are three worldwide options. A 2.0 litre petrol, a 1.8 litre Hybrid and a 1.2 litre turbo are the options and interestingly, Toyota Australia is only taking the turbo engine.

It produces 85kW of power and a strong 185Nm of torque, and can be matched with either a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic, both with front- or all-wheel drive.

The interior of the C-HR is almost as interesting as the exterior, with the touchscreen system dominating much of the central dash. A generally swoopy minimalist theme describes the interior, with a reasonably thin centre stack, lots of storage spots and even leather inserts on the dash shows that this is a Toyota that goes where no Toyota has gone before in terms of design.

Expect a variety of drivetrain choices – like the CX-3 – when the car arrives in Australia in the first quarter of 2017, and Chasing Cars will be at the launch of the C-HR to provide you with all the details as we get them.

Words by Jake Williams.