A performance version of the new Toyota Auris could be added to the line-up if the standard range’s launch proves to be a success.

Toyota’s product planning chief, Karl Schlicht, said that a warmed-over Auris was “not a number one priority” but there was “room to experiment” with the car if Toyota’s European arm achieves steady and stable growth.

“The key thing for us is to run a good business first, and then start having fun later,” said Schlicht.

Toyota hopes the new Auris can boost its share of Europe’s C-segment from 4.5 per cent at present to 5.5 per cent. The addition of an estate to the range is seen as important to this and is tipped to take up to a quarter of all Auris sales.

Thanks to: Autocar