The five-door crossover will enter a segment of the market where sales have grown threefold in the last five years, from 11 to 22 different models.

Combining a coupe-like upper body with the powerful underpinnings of an SUV, the production vehicle remains remarkably true to the concept car's exterior which was first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2014 and registered extremely well with target customers.

"Every market wants this car," said Steve Prangnell, Toyota New Zealand's General Manager of Sales.

"It looks dramatic being driven but is equally eye-catching when parked and its compact size makes it an inspired choice for urban lifestyle use."

The C-HR will arrive in a singular, highly specified form, available as 2WD or AWD. Powered by a four -cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the C-HR is responsive with peak  torque of 185Nm available from just 1,500rpm all the way to 4,000rpm.

Using the latest Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the C-HR not only benefits from a highly rigid chassis - delivering responsive handling, agility and stability - but the new platform also allows the engine to be placed low and angled slightly rearward, securing a low bonnet line as well as contributing to a low centre of gravity which helps minimise body roll and movement during cornering.

Expected to appeal to young professionals and those with an active lifestyle, the C-HR ticks the boxes of practicality, advanced cabin ambience and comprehensive safety equipment.

The C-HR adopts Toyota Safety Sense, a full suite of technology designed to assist the driver and occupants including; a pre-crash system with autonomous emergency braking, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beam and a reversing camera.

Full specification details and pricing will be announced at the time of launch.

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