From Toyota this week a most un-Toyota like vehicle – a cross-over compact SUV – a mix of a hatch, coupe and SUV – The Toyota CH-R, standing for compact High-Rider, is radical in design – refreshingly different – a real departure from Toyota’s conservative image. Toyota’s first compact SUV, the 1.2-litre turbo petrol starts at $26,990 for the six-speed manual front wheel drive, another $2,000 for CVT automatic while an auto all-wheel- drive adds another $2,000. Highly equipped Koba automatics add another $4,300. Toyota’s dilemma is that they can only get 6,000 CH-R’s in the first year and expect demand to quickly outpace supply. It’s a premium priced model, the segment best seller the 2.0-litre Mazda CX-3 starts lower at $19,990 and last year achieved over 18,000 sales. The Toyota CH-R will appeal to those looking for something different – its highly equipped with three drive modes but be quick if you want one this year – it will sell out early.

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