COINCIDING with the turn of the 21st Century, competition in the small family-sized sector really started to heat up, as owners become a little more aware of fuel consumption and emission figures.

With prices starting from less than £9,000 and climbing to way around three times that figure depending on make, model and on-board specification, buyers never had so much choice.

While the big players like Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Ford had seen their Astra, Golf and Focus models evolve into the cracking machines they are today, there were other marques that sometimes threw in a real gem which didn't always get the credit it deserved.

One such car was the 2.2-litre diesel Toyota Auris SR180. Overall, the Auris range, which in 2008 started with the T2 1.4-litre petrol three-door at £12,305, was very well received, but the SR180 was to prove a real cracker.

Strikingly similar in performance to the two-litre diesel VW Golf GT, it was more competitively priced, coming in more than £1,000 cheaper than its German-built competitor.

But not only was the price to prove something of a winning formula, but the SR180 offered the same sort of reliability and residual values that we had come expect from a Toyota.

Accommodating the family proved no problem to the three and five-door Auris and with its flat floor those travelling in the back had it made, for not only was there bags of room all round for three adults, the rear seats could also recline to offer a relaxing potition for those in the back to chill out.

Cutting a dash on the open road, the Auris kept pace with the Golf and Focus, the recognised class leaders of the pack.

It could be argued that the Toyota was a little wishy-washy compared with the aforementioned duo, but in fairness, the ride was a little more softer, and therefore the over drive was not nearly so harsh.

And that made it much more livable with on a day-to-day basis with the UK's poor road conditions the name of the game.

When it came to design, it was hard to criticise the Auris, except for the unusual position of the handbrake which took a little getting used to.

The predominately black interior gave the machine a muted yet sporty look, which has certainly stood the test of time.

With its top five-star Euro Ncap rating, the Auris offered plenty protection for its occupants, with front, side and curtain airbags. There's even an airbag to protect the driver's knees. Stability control and central locking also came as standard.

As for the rest of the specification list, well it was pretty comprehensive with dual-zone climate control, electric windows and mirrors, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, and remote central locking

The SR180 also had lowered suspension and along with its sporty styling kit, rear spoiler and large alloy wheels, it not only looked the part but also acted the part with its top speed of 130mph and zero to 62mph dash time of 8.1 seconds.

Yet, even with this perky performance, fuel consumption was accredited at 54.3mpg on the combined cycle.

Expect to pay between £4,800 and £6,500 for a 2008, 08-plate three-door model, rising to between £6,700 and £8,695 for a similar model on a 2010, 10-plate.

For 2008 five-door models you'll have to pay an extra £300 to £400, while the premium on 2010 models will increase between £200 and £300.