THERE is stiff competition in the highly competitive hatchback class of motors and Toyota has given its Auris range a shot in the arm with a body style makeover, improved power units and additional safety equipment.

This third generation Auris is more pleasing to the eye. Its front and rear have been comprehensively redesigned to give the impression of a broader stance and lower centre of gravity.

At the front, a pair of chrome wings emerge from a new, more prominent Toyota emblem and LED daylight running lights give it a sharper look plus designers have given the UK-built Auris a new shark fin roof antenna and 16 and 17-inch alloy wheel designs have improved its overall image.

The Auris is pretty roomy inside with plenty of leg and headroom with a fair amount of load space in the boot.

Inside the roomy hatchback the dash has been uncluttered, with a seven-inch central touchscreen dominating (on all but the entry-level model). It includes satnav, radio, and internet connectivity.

There's also new air vents, door handles and gear lever surround plus new chrome features and improved seat upholstery giving the Auris a fresher more quality interior.

Now for what's under the bonnet.

The likes of Ford, SEAT and Hyundai have all recently upped the game in the hatchback sector and Toyota has had to catch up, especially in the engine department.

It is introducing a completely new, downsized four-cylinder, 1.2 turbocharged petrol engine to the Auris, and I think it's a cracking power plant.

Producing 114bhp, the new engine is claimed to return around 59mpg on a combined run and produces just 112g/km of CO2, putting it in a low tax bracket. Top speed is a claimed 124mph and the 0-62mph sprint time is 10.1sec.

On a mixed test drive I found the power from the newcomer more than adequate, and combined with a slick six-speed manual gearbox the driving experience was a pleasure.

Toyota has sharpened up the steering on the latest Auris and the improved its suspension with new dampers and it now handles pretty well with just a bit of body roll on sharp corners.

Sound insulation has also been upgraded on the Auris and I found very little road, wind or engine noise when driving on mixed road routes.

I also had a brief drive in the Auris with its new 1.6 turbo diesel, making its first appearance in the range.

It develops 110bhp and has performance figures of 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 121mph. Average fuel consumption is 67.3mpg and it produces 108 g/km of CO2.

Again I found this version quite a gutsy performer with excellent pulling power and a surprisingly quiet engine even when idling.

The Auris's fuel economy is impressive too. We averaged just over 50 to the gallon in the diesel and mid-40s in the new turbo.

The Auris is Europe's biggest selling hybrid and it is the choice of around 55 per cent of UK buyers of the Toyota hatchback.

Its appeal is obviously the low running cost and despite its higher price it continues to be the most popular choice.

However, after having driven the new 1.2 turbo petrol Auris I think it's more fun and would personally go for that.

There's new fewer than five equipment levels to choose from - Active, Icon, Design, Business Edition and Excel, but even the entry level Active model comes well equipped with safety features such as all-round airbags, ABS, stability control, hill start assist control, etc.

Other standard features include power steering and windows, adjustable steering wheel, radio/CD player, MP3 compatible, auxiliary socket and USB port, steering wheel audio controls and air conditioning.

Of course, moving up the grades increases the list of equipment available and there are several options, including a Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert and Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist.

So how much will a new Auris set you back? The range runs from £15,245 for the Active 1.33 Dual VVT-I 6MT and on up to £25,095 for the top range Excel Touring Sports 1.8 VVT-I Hybrid.

The improvements should help Toyota to keep up with the rest in the hatchback sector and the new Auris is well worth a look.