New-look Toyota Auris

The new-look Toyota Auris adopts design cues from the latest generation Avensis and Verso, with a more prominent front grille and deeper bumper.

The range of petrol and diesel engines remain unchanged, comprising of a 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i petrol, a 1.6 Valvematic petrol and a fuel-efficient 1.4 D-4D diesel.

All engines benefit from Toyota Optimal Drive technologies with reduced weight, higher efficiency and improved emissions. For example, the D-4D engine promises economy of up to 60mpg, whilst the 1.33-litre petrol version is capable of 48.7mpg.

The new Auris is available in three trim levels. The entry-level T2 comes with 15-inch alloys, air conditioning, seven airbags, electric front windows, a USB port and MP3 connectivity.

TR trim adds front fog lights, rear electric windows and upgrades the alloy wheels to 16-inches.

The new addition to the trim range is the sportier SR, which is only available with the 1.6-litre petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission. For an additional £500 this adds five-spoke 17-inch alloys, rear privacy glass, sport seats and a roof spoiler with integrated stop lamp.

Toyota’s full hybrid Auris HSD – as seen at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show – will complete the new model line-up when it goes on sale in July.

Rhian Angharad Jones

Video: watch the Toyota Auris SR in action