Toyota brings something fresh to the growing compact Crossover segment with its C-HR. Here, concept car looks are matched to proven mechanicals that include a hybrid powerplant. If you’re thinking of buying something Qashqai-sized in the family Crossover SUV class or one of the trendier compact models, then this fashionable contender could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Toyota’s first proper entrant in the Crossover segment should cause quite a stir, styled with a combination of a coupe-like upper body and the powerful underpinnings of an SUV. Coupe-like elements include disguised rear door handles, integrated into the rear pillars.

The C-HR is being offered with two familiar engines from Toyota’s Auris hatch. The most affordable variant gets a 114bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and is available with a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic - and front or all-wheel drive.

Alternatively, SUV buyers can choose a full hybrid powertrain with 120bhp, but that’s 2WD-only. For the C-HR, Toyota has made its hybrid system lighter and more efficient, and engineered it to give sharper performance.

As for handling, well this Toyota aims to set a fresh standard in the family Crossover SUV segment that’s not noted for sharply-responsive models. The engineers realised that the major issue with taller SUV Crossovers of this sort related to body roll and its detrimental effect on ride comfort.

Huge efforts have therefore gone into giving this model it a low centre of gravity. Steering feel has been emphasised too, something else that tends to be lacking on this class of car. As a result of all this effort, Chief Engineer Hiroyuki Koba is convinced that a C-HR handles up to a standard comparable with any conventional Focus-segment hatch.

At the rear the strongly tapered cabin features a top-hinged tailgate that gives access to load space big enough to carry luggage for five people, what you want in a family Crossover SUV. This styling contrasts with the pronounced flaring of the wheel arches which gives C-HR a wide and powerful stance.

Inside, layered architecture for the instrument panel aims to create a warm and welcoming feel and there’s an 8-inch ‘Toyota Touch 2’ multimedia system that’s angled slightly towards the driver. Because the touchscreen stands proud of the dashboard, rather than being enclosed by it, the upper section of the dash is considerably shallower in depth, helping secure good field of vision for the driver.

The two-tiered front seat design combines a slender, sporty upper section with a more strongly bolstered and supporting lower part. The difference between the two is emphasised by the use of different tones, textures and patterns in the upholstery. Overall, there’s a high-quality feel to the cabin and decorative parts around the dash are finished in high-quality piano black and satin silver trim.

We can see a ready market for the Toyota C-HR. Plenty of people attracted by a model like Nissan’s Juke in the family Crossover SUV class would rather like a contender that’ll be slightly bigger, more sophisticated and better-finished. This is that car.

We think the styling will attract many, but there are other product strong points too. Proven hybrid technology brings the potential for impressive efficiency and we rate the more conventional 1.2-litre petrol engine too. Plus, C-HR buyers will like the sharp handling and the strong standards of safety and media connectivity. Style and sense combined then? Quite a few buyers in the family Crossover SUV segment may well think that.