Geneva Motor Show: Toyota C-HR to challenge Mazda CX-3

Arriving fashionably late to the booming baby SUV party is the Toyota C-HR, the Japanese brand’s response to the all-conquering Mazda CX-3 and the Honda HR-V.

Looking surprisingly reminiscent of the striking concept cars on which the design is based, the production version shown at the Geneva Motor Show is sure to turn heads when it arrives Down Under in early 2017.

Toyota has developed a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the C-HR, the first in a new line of highly efficient, turbocharged, small capacity motors. The new 1.2 produces 85kW and 185Nm. Rumours suggest a 2.0-litre petrol engine may be added to the range.

Like the Mazda CX-3, front-wheel and all-wheel drive C-HR models will be offered with either a six-speed manual or CVT auto transmission. Standard features include a reversing camera and auto emergency braking.

Details on local spec and pricing will have to wait until closer to the Australian launch, but a starting price in the low $20k bracket would be an important thing for Toyota to achieve given the stiff competition in the segment.