THE wraps have come off the new Toyota Auris which sports a new design and the option of a new 2.0-litre full hybrid powertrain.

To be built in Britain at Toyota's Burnaston factory at Derby and with engines produced at its Deeside plant in North Wales, the new Auris sees the Japanese car maker investing a further £240 million in its British operations.

The new Auris will offer just one conventional engine - a 1.2-litre turbo petrol unit - and a choice of 120bhp, 1.8-litre or 177bhp, 2.0-litre hybrid electric powertrains.

As well as having more power, the new 2.0-litre set up also features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a sporty driving style.

The new car sits on what Toyota calls its new global architecture platform and is longer and lower than the second generation Auris.

Overall length has increased by 40mm, all of which is contained within a longer wheelbase. The height has been reduced by 25mm, while the bonnet itself is significantly lower than in the current Auris.

The result is a sleeker shape with a lower bonnet which improves safety by giving the driver a clearer forward view.

The new Auris comes with full LED headlights while at the rear there's a sleeker look set off by a back spoiler while the car can be set off with two-tone paint jobs.

The new Auris made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and is due for release later in the year.