Toyota Auris: Hatch battle's on!

	Diesel lovers get a trio of options. The entry-level oil-burner will be a 1.4-litre delivering 89bhp, although buyers wanting more performance can plump for a 124bhp 2.0-litre D-4D unit

This official picture shows the sleek cabin of the Auris, which will replace the Corolla when it arrives in showrooms in three and five-door forms in February.

Set to make its world debut at Italy's Bologna Motor Show early next month, the newcomer boasts a smart, high-quality interior. Its tall, sweeping centre console has allowed the designers to mount the gearlever close to the steering wheel, and the raised position combines with a high waistline and stylish instrument dials to provide a sporty feel.

It's practical, too, and back seat passengers benefit from a completely flat floor to maximise space. Meanwhile, options such as dual-zone air-conditioning and a panoramic roof will feature on high-spec variants. The family model will be introduced with a selection of five powerplants. Petrol fans get the choice of a 96bhp 1.4-litre unit or an all-new 122bhp 1.6-litre VVT-i engine.

Diesel lovers get a trio of options. The entry-level oil-burner will be a 1.4-litre delivering 89bhp, although buyers wanting more performance can plump for a 124bhp 2.0-litre D-4D unit. The most powerful engine in the new range will be the 175bhp 2.2 D-4D which, as with the 2.0-litre version, is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Both the 1.6 petrol and the 1.4-litre diesel powerplants come with the option of a MultiMode transmission, incorpor­ating racy paddleshifters mounted on the steering wheel. Prices for the range are expected to start at around £12,000.