TOYOTA has launched two new grades for the Auris line-up this spring.

The SR follows the lead of the flagship SR180 to deliver sports styling and specification. The TR provides a combination of generous specification and safety.

Following the launch of the flagship Auris SR180, Toyota is introducing further sporting style to the range with new SR models powered by 1.6-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines.

Toyota says the SR grade moves the Auris right to the heart of the "mild sports" market, a fast-growing niche that already accounts for more than one third of UK new car sales in the C-segment.

The new versions have lowered sports suspension and ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, both from Toyota Motorsport. Other stand-out features provided as standard include a Toyota Motorsport rear spoiler and dark-tinted privacy glass - items shared with the SR180.

They also come equipped with nine airbags, climate control air conditioning, leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, front fog lamps, six-speaker sound system and body colour-matched door handles and mirrors. The SR is on sale now, in three and five-door body styles, priced from £14,495.

The coolest note struck this spring is the introduction of automatic dual zone air conditioning on the Auris TR. The touch-of-a-dial control of left and right-side cabin temperatures tops the bill in a series of new features for the TR grade. TR models cost £310 less than equivalent T3 models, which Toyota says gives customer value of more than £655.