TOYOTA aims to mine a rich vein of custom with its latest model the Auris, a car that links naturally to the company's other popular models Yaris and Avensis and which has its roots in aurum, the Latin word for gold.
All the Japanese producer lacked in this range was a flagship performance version - until the arrival a few months ago of the SR 180.
This offering features the 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine that has already made its mark in the Avensis, Verso and RAV4 models and with its advanced four-way catalyst system is heralded as one of the cleanest oil-burners on the market.
It also has ceramic glow plugs, which can reach their ideal working temperature quicker than conventional metallic ones, giving quicker cold starts in low temperatures and reducing emissions after start-up.
Designed and developed for Europe, the Auris is available in three and five door models - the latter of which are built in the UK - and comes with a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines plus five trim grades.
All models are well kitted out with the emphasis on safety - it has been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating - ease of movement and relaxation, the likes of nine airbags, remote central locking, air-con, CD sound system, electric front windows and reclining rear seats coming as standard.
The tested SR 180 takes Auris to the heart of the warm if not hot hatch market with its strong acceleration, pleasing mid-range punch, ground-hugging sports suspension and Toyota Motorsport 17-inch alloys.
It also features dark-tinted rear privacy glass, rear spoiler and double stitching around the leather steering wheel while vehicle stability and traction control systems come as standard.
Conservatively designed with a short yet tall shape, the Auris looks smart on the inside and has a high-mounted rear bench with plenty of room for three across the back.
But the most interesting aspect of the Auris interior is its unique 'flying bridge' centre console, which allows the gearstick to be placed high and leaves the handbrake vertical rather than horizontal. Downside is that the arched cubby behind the gearlever isn't very accessible.
Overall though there's plenty of stowage, the likes of under-seat tray, second glovebox, pop-out cupholders, door bins and sunglasses holder providing 32 litres of space.
The SR 180 is clearly a smart, swift and agile car but lacks the full-on sporty appeal of some rivals while its suspension is tuned for comfort rather than handling - and at a princely £18,495 it may struggle for sales.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Auris SR180 2.2 D-4D 5dr
Price: £18,545
Mechanical: 177bhp, 2,231cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 8.1 secs
Combined mpg: 45.6
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 164g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust