Toyota welcomes all-new model but expect some delays…

That’s the big message from Toyota Australia today as they launch the all-new Toyota C-HR.

Expected to be a popular offering in Australia, some supply issues out of Japan (due primarily to the model’s overseas popularity) are expected to force prospective owners to be patient, at least initially.

We are at the Australian launch and will be heading off on our first drive of the Toyota C-HR in around an hour, we will file a first drive review later this evening.

What we can tell you though is that the Toyota C-HR has been priced very competitively.

Kicking off from just $26,990, the new Toyota product sits between Corolla and RAV4 in size and Toyota expects buyers to primarily be younger people, families and those downsizing to a smaller car.

The base model offers a 2WD/six-speed manual set-up, from there you are looking at $2,000 to upgrade to a CVT auto.

And then there’s a $2,000 premium again for all-wheel drive.

The top-spec C-HR Koba is auto only and is priced from $33,290, again, add $2,000 for AWD.

Under the bonnet of all variants is an all-new Toyota engine – a 1.2 litre turbocharged unit that produces 85kW/185Nm and fuel economy is listed as being as low as 6.3L/100km.

The all-important standard features include:

• 17″ alloy wheels
• Reverse camera
• Sat-nav
• Electric park brake
• Safety system including rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitor

While the Toyota C-HR Koba adds:

• 18″ alloy wheels
• LED headlamps and tail lamps
• Heated seats
• Push-button ignition

With some funky new colours, including white roof/black roof and other personalisation options, and of course the distinctive styling, Toyota Australia describe the C-HR as being “a car that will be clearly noticed”.

We will bring you more details and that first drive review later this afternoon.