TOYOTA'S stalwart Auris compact family hatchback has undergone a midlife makeover in an effort to stand out more in one of the motor industry's most crowded and competitive marketplaces.

A purposeful new look, interior enhancements, a couple of new engines and two new spec grades are all added to the mix in a range that has thus far been notable mainly for its popular hybrid offering.

Considerable thought has gone into the refreshed exterior styling, which is more extensive than that often seen in facelifted models.

At the front a minimal upper grille sweeps from the central badge up to headlamps which are much sleeker and contemporary, while a more prominent lower grille sits beneath the bumper and now spreads the full width of the car to incorporate fog lamps.

The rear end features a deeper, more muscular bumper and overall the changes give the impression of a broader, more planted car.

It's a look which may still prove a little too busy for those who prefer simple, clean lines but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and my wife was moved to comment on what a ‘sporty little number' the Auris looked.

Toyota, and the Auris in particular, have been the trailblazers for hybrid powertrains and the hybrid model currently accounts for more than 50 per cent of all sales in western Europe.

But while the impressive fuel economy and tax incentives of hybrids appeal strongly to fleet buyers, the Japanese car maker is far from ready to abandon more traditional engines.

A new 1.6-litre diesel is introduced with the new-look Auris while it is also the first Toyota in the UK to get the 1.2-litre turbo petrol power pack in my test car.

And this could well be the one to go for if you're not a hybrid fan and don't do the high mileage that would require an oil burner.

It offers the sort of sprightly performance that, without setting the pulse racing, certainly makes the Auris a more enjoyable drive than before. Acceleration isn't electric but progress is smooth and prompt once the turbo kicks in.

Light but accurate steering and the smooth action of the six speed manual transmission help to make this an easy car to drive, whether in town or on the open road, and improved refinement keeps outside noise down to a minimum.

Despite being set up primarily for comfort the Auris offers good body control, thanks to some tweaks to the suspension, and plenty of grip while also doing a good job of smoothing over all but the biggest potholes.

Inside the cabin Toyota has gone to great lengths to improve the perceived quality.

There are still some cheaper looking scratchy plastics if you look hard enough but the addition of more chrome-effect trim, glossy piano black detailing and new upholstery options do create a more upmarket feel.

The previous Auris' practical family space is retained, with comfortable room for five adults and plenty of cubbies to store personal items.

The boot, at 435 litres, is plenty big enough for a family hatchback, while the split rear seats fold flat for extra load-carrying versatility.

And the 12-volt charging point in the boot is just one of three, with others in the centre console and in the back, which should keep even the most power-hungry social networkers and mobile gamers going on longer hauls.

The mid-range Design model I drove sits just below the other new grade, Business Edition, and gets most of the kit you'll need including 17-inch alloys, seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system, digital radio, reversing camera and rear privacy glass, with seven airbags, cruise control, stability control and traction control helping take care of safety.