The previous Auris was only offered in hatchback guise, despite estates taking one in four family car sales. This model aims to rectify that.

Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sports at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

The Toyota Auris Hybrid Touring Sports is a very welcome surprise here at the Paris Motor Show. The previous Auris was only offered in hatchback guise, despite estates taking one in four family car sales. This model aims to rectify that.

Paris Motor Show 2012 - LIVE COVERAGE

What is it?

It's not just a good-looking estate car. This is also a full hybrid model, using the new Auris' 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric-drive motor. We thus expect this to become the market's lowest-emitting family estate car by far when it goes on sale.

What's hot?

The previous Auris was a dull-looking thing: the new one is far more vibrant and this new estate car version is yet another step on. Toyota says it's going to be big inside too: it shares the same wheelbase as the standard car but is 285mm longer, all of which is used for load space.

What's not?

We don't know any specific details yet, so can't say exactly how voluminous it is. We also haven't driven the new Auris hatch, so are unsure as to whether its obvious good looks are carried through to on-road talent too.

How much and when?

We expect it to go on sale in 2013, for around £1,000 more than the standard five-door Auris. This potentially gives a starting price of around £15,500, but we'd expect Toyota to pitch this more upmarket, so may weigh in around £18,000.

Anything else I should know?

It won't only be a hybrid drivetrain that's offered. Toyota will also sell this with its petrol and diesel engines, making it the world's first estate car to offer the choice of three different powertrains in one model.

More from the 2012 Paris Motor Show

• Maserati GranCabrio MC at the 2012 Paris Motor Show
• McLaren P1 supercar at the 2012 Paris Motor Show
• Audi A3 Sportback at Paris 2012
• MINI John Cooper Works GP at the 2012 Paris Motor Show
• Lexus LS at Paris Motor Show 2012
• Abarth 595 Turismo at Paris 2012