VOLKSWAGEN must take the credit for the apparent contradiction of the diesel-powered GT.
Until the arrival of the Golf in this guise a hot hatch was always petrol powered and a diesel was a slug by comparison.
Then came the 140mph Volkswagen Golf with a diesel engine so powerful that the company felt rightly justified in applying the GT moniker.
Now they're all at it and the modern diesel is invariably something of a flying machine, albeit an economical one.
Toyota joined the fray with its Auris T180, which was very fast, very economical but fairly expensive at £17,995.
Now the company has introduced the Auris SR180, which costs the same but will be perceived as the sort of sporting hot hatch for which punters are prepared to pay a premium.
The theory behind the introduction of the car is to create a model that delivers as much fun as a conventional petrol-powered sports compact but without the running costs - especially the high tax burden.
Power comes courtesy of the impressive 2.2-litre diesel engine, which generates 175bhp rather than the 180bhp implied by the name, to give a 0-60mph acceleration time of about eight seconds and a 130mph top speed.
It is, therefore, quicker rather than faster while retaining economy of about 45mpg and maintaining a CO2 figure of 164g/km which results in a company car tax liability of 22 per cent.
The suspension is modified slightly to make it feel more sporty and there are striking alloy wheels with fatter tyres and a discreet spoiler protruding from the top of the tailgate.
Inside the changes are too minimal to mention although the ride is flatter and there is increased road noise from the wider wheels.
Otherwise it is the T180 with SR badges. There is the same bridge-shaped console that raises the gear lever higher on the dashboard, closer to the driver and integrates the handbrake to create an open space below.
The Auris also uses Toyota's EasyFlat system with one-touch folding of the rear seats to create a flat-floored load area. The boot capacity is 354 litres and the ten storage areas around the cabin have a combined capacity of 32 litres.
The designers have eliminated the tunnel carrying the exhaust system, giving a flat rear floor and a more comfortable seating position for anyone in the middle.
As many as nine airbags are fitted, with a driver's knee airbag as standard, which is a first in the class. Active safety features on all versions include electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, with higher grade models equipped with vehicle stability control and traction control systems.
In terms of equipment there is metallic paint, cruise control, electric operation of the windows and sun roof, a CD sound system and various electronic stability aids.
Whilst the Auris SR180 is undeniably an extremely accomplished machine and highly desirable, so are plenty of others for similar money such as the Volkswagen Golf, Renault Megane 2.0 dCi 175, Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI vRS and Honda Civic.
It is a competitive market and I would be looking for a discount of at least £1,000 off the sticker price in today's crowded market place.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Auris SR180 3-door
Price: £17,995
Mechanical: 175bhp, 2.2-litre, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 130mph
0-62mph: 8.1 secs
Combined mpg: 45
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 164g/km
Warranty: 3 yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3 years paint, 12 years anti-rust