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Toyota wants a piece of the action and this time, it means business.
The Japanese firm has aspirations of becoming the world's best-selling car manufacturer, but to do this Europe will have a vital part to play if Toyota is to come close to giving General Motors a bloody nose.
Designed, developed and built in Europe, Toyota execs are confident the new car will net an extra 5000 annual UK sales, with a third of the total 27,000 going to business.
The name change is crucial to boosting sales according to one marketer, since the Auris will be "free from the stigma attached to the 30-year-old [Corolla] name".
On first acquaintance Toyota could be on to something. The Auris is far more capable than the Toyota hatch it supersedes.
On the road it is a sharper, more faithful driving companion, offering more traction and safe and secure handling, even in damp conditions. Better still, on Spanish roads the ride is cosseting and promises to be good when it makes it to these shores.
Our only criticisms concern the usual numb feeling that accompanies servo-assisted steering.
Inside, the Auris offers class-leading space thanks to lofty proportions, while the cabin is a blessed relief after the dullness of the previous car. Despite perceived interior quality not exactly being a knockout, you'll like the Mercedes E-class floating needles and trip computer, Volvo-style floating centre console, and the dash-mounted gearlever that falls straight to hand.
We tried the 130PS version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine. It's a vocal lump that goes some way to ruin exceptional refinement levels, but makes up with punchy performance and a flexible spread of power.
Sharing a common trait with other Toyota models, the Auris requires little effort to drive with a light clutch and an easy and precise gearchange.
It's well equipped, too, with nine airbags and aircon standard across the range.
It's predicted to be the king of residuals in diesel guise, offering a low cost per mile, class-best insurance ratings and, when spec-adjusted, close to class-best P11Ds.
There's just one thing missing. Well-built, capable and no doubt bullet-proof reliable it might be, we can't help thinking Toyota missed an opportunity to break free from the conservative styling of the past. But for most of its customers, it will hit the spot.
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