TOYOTA has confirmed its C-HR compact SUV will go on sale in Australia by the end of February next year.

The C-HR (meaning Coupe High Rider) - positioned between Corolla hatch and RAV4 size-wise -  will be offered in two grades: C-HR and C-HR Koba, with impressive equipment lists.

With sights squarely on the similar-sized Nissan Qashqai which starts at $25,990 before on-roads, Toyota is aiming the C-HR at a more premium type of buyer, so we won't be seeing prices to match segment leading Mazda CX-3 with its $19,990 sticker price for its entry level Neo.

Toyota says it is still negotiating the final price for the C-HR in Australia, so we can only speculate until closer to February's launch. An entry level price around the $25k mark seems the best guess.

Australian C-HRs will use only a 85kW/185Nm 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine from launch, mated to a six-speed manual or CVT auto, and will be available in front- or all-wheel drive variants. A hybrid version is expected to be the volume seller in Europe, but there's no confirmation when or if Australia will receive this model at a later date.

With a strong emphasis on safety, advanced driver assist safety features will be standard on all Australian C-HRs, including a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering control, automatic high beam and a reversing camera.

The C-HR Koba version features heated seats, a smart entry and start system, privacy glass, leather-accented upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Look out for our full review of the C-HR in coming days.