New Auris joins a large product refresh for Toyota, largely aimed at boosting its emotional appeal. Models released this year have featured a new family “face” with an aggressive-looking lower grille mirroring the GT86 coupe, designed to give the brand an instantly recognisable identity.

Hybrid models, predicted to take up a third of European sales, have been revised in line with customer demands. The battery has been relocated under the rear seats, as in the Yaris Hybrid, to avoid the loss of boot space in the outgoing model. Toyota said it had also revised the hybrid powertrain to be more appealing to drive.

A focus on packaging has allowed a lower centre of gravity and the car’s roofline is 55mm lower than the model it replaces, as well as being more aerodynamic to improve fuel efficiency. New Auris is up to 40kg lighter than the old car, and offers a lower centre of gravity for improved stability and agility.

Pricing, specification and launch dates will be announced shortly.