The Toyota Auris is a decent, solid and practical car.

As a five-door family hatchback, it competes in a field that includes the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Pulsar and Skoda Octavia.

The Japanese firm’s offering is available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, with the petrol-electric hybrid version, tested here, being something of a rarity in this class.

The powertrain, which combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, offers very appealing average fuel economy of more than 75mpg.

The hybrid Auris is capable of operating as a pure electric vehicle in stop start traffic at speeds below 30mph, after which the petrol engine kicks in.

The thrifty driver who needs to conserve fuel can drive in eco mode for the majority of the time, while those hoping to get a move on can select power mode to extract reasonable performance from the car.

The hybrid option will be especially appealing to business users thanks to the low emissions keeping benefit-in-kind costs low.

While some vehicles in this class are cheaper and others more fun to drive, the Auris is a competitive all-round package, especially when you consider Toyota’s reliability record and the five-year warranty.

Behind the wheel, the Auris is a smooth accelerator, with the 1.8-litre engine feeling like a nicely-powered unit for the size and type of vehicle.

It means it is able to get up to speed quickly enough on the A-roads, while also cruising comfortably on the motorway.

However, if you’re too eager with the accelerator, the automatic box is inclined to send the revs sky high, accompanied by a fair amount of engine noise and vibration. That characteristic poses a question mark against the refinement of the automatic version of the car.

Generally, the Auris rides pretty well as it smoothes away most road imperfections, feeling composed at lower speeds.

That said, if you try to put the Auris through its paces on uneven surfaces - perhaps a country road with a pronounced camber - you find the body never fully settles down and you get a slight bouncing sensation from the rear end.

All in all, the handling is sensible and predictable with decent levels of grip, but it’s a car more suited to making steady and smooth progress rather than a more urgent driving style.

In terms of looks, the Auris is a distinctive car, largely due to its instantly-distinguishable sloping rear end.

Meanwhile, the front end design has been improved, with the nose featuring sharp-looking headlights either side of a small grille dominated by the Toyota badge.

It all makes for a car that’s angular and easy on the eye, although it should be noted that some of its competitors have a more dynamic appearance.

Inside, the Auris has a spacious interior that is both intuitive and well designed.

It might not be great to look at, but it’s very well equipped and designed, with all the main controls within easy reach. All versions come with Toyota’s Touch 2 seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system - a feature that undoubtedly gives the dashboard some hi-tech appeal.

Meanwhile, there’s no problem getting comfortable behind the wheel thanks to a steering wheel that adjusts for rake and reach and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

Visibility is good, meaning manoeuvres are easy, and parking is no problem thanks to parking assistance on top range models. All European Auris models are built exclusively in the UK, with buyers able to choose from hatchback and touring sports body styles.

In conclusion, the Auris perhaps lacks a bit of flair, but there’s no doubt that it’s a practical and reliable family car offering stress-free motoring for low running costs.

THE LOWDOWN

Toyota Auris Excel hybrid

PRICE: £24,910 on the road

ENGINE: 1.8-litre petrol, with electric motor

TRANSMISSION: CVT, driving front wheels

EMISSIONS: 92g/km

ECONOMY: 77.4mph combined

MAX SPEED: 112mph

ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds