Toyota aims to bring 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 this 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. At the rear the strongly tapered cabin features a top-hinged tailgate that gives access to loadspace big enough to carry luggage for five people. 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.

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, 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. Detailed design changes to the 1.8-litre hybrid engine have resulted in 40% thermal efficiency - a world-beating level for a petrol unit. Other hybrid components have been made lighter and smaller, and have been repositioned for improved packaging.

We can see a ready market for this C-HR. Plenty of people attracted by a model like Nissan’s Juke in the Crossover 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 this segment may well think that.

CAR: Toyota C-HR
PRICES: £20,995-£27,995
INSURANCE GROUP: TBC
CO2 EMISSIONS: 86-144g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.2] 0-62mph 10.1s / Top Speed 124mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.8 Hybrid] 72.4mpg (combined)
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Vehicle Stability Control, ABS with EBA, twin front,side and curtain airbags, Hill-start Assist Control
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [Hybrid] Length/Width/Height mm 4360/1795/1565