Toyota has confirmed it will be offering a petrol-electric hybrid version of the Auris from July which follows a range of upgrades to the car for 2010.
The Auris Hybrid will give Toyota an extra low emissions model in the range alongside the Prius, and another model that, under current rules, could be registered for a full discount on the London Congestion Charge.
It is expected to be less expensive to buy than the Prius, but will not have such low CO2 emissions - the Prius currently has CO2 emissions of 89g/km
But Toyota is introducing raft improvements to the Auris range before the introduction of the hybrid, including handling tweaks and a new SR equipment grade.
For 2010 the standard Auris line-up will be offered in T2, TR and SR specification and Toyota says it has used UK customer feedback to fine-tune the handling of the car to better suit European road conditions.
Changes have resulted in increased stability at higher speed and improved ride comfort, according to Toyota.
The SR specification is only available with the 1.6-litre petrol engine and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, and over the popular TR specification it adds 17-inch alloy wheels, rear roof spoiler and darkened headlamp glass and amber-lit dashboard instruments for a £500 premium.
The Auris has also had some cosmetic changes, with swept back headlamps and indicator repeater mounted in the door mirrors, while a new soft-touch material now covers the top of the instrument binnacle and glove compartment.