Toyota's latest version of its small, family runabout, the Corolla - currently the world's best-selling car with over 23m sold worldwide since 1966 - adopts a family look similar to that of the bigger Avensis.

Two new VVT-i engines, 1.4 and 1.6 litre, new dash and low running costs mark out the new Corolla which employs intelligent technologies to make it a better drive.

There are four trim specifications - S, GS, SR and GLS - and three bodystyles - three-door hatchback, five-door liftback and five-door estate.

The 1.6 WT-i three-door six-speed hatchback SR model has its own trim and specification, including six-speed manual transmission and sports-tuned suspension.

The SR sports variant has an attractive insurance rating predicted to be in group 9E.

The top-of-the-range GLS Corolla features power front and rear windows, velour trim, remote alarm and six-disc CD digital tuner stereo.

Corolla features a new multi-function display panel as standard and Toyota's highly-successful turn-by-turn satellite navigation system as an option.

The car features two new petrol engines - a 1.4 litre 16v and 1.6-litre 16v - which employ Toyota's VVT-i (variable valve timing-intelligent) system already seen on the award-winning Yaris supermini and Toyota Celica coupe.

Originally developed by Toyota for executive cars, it uses advanced computer control of engine valve timing to create constantly variable valve overlap.

The result is higher torque output across all engine speeds, better fuel consumption and lower harmful emissions.

Acceleration to 62mph (100km/h) takes 11.8 seconds.

Thanks to its superb torque characteristics and advanced VVT-i technology, fuel consumption is exceptional for an engine of this performance at 49.6 mpg on the extra-urban fuel cycle.

Maintenance costs are kept low as the advanced VVT-i engines in the new Corolla do not require a first 1,000-mile service and full services are only required every 20,000 miles or after two years.

The new 1.9 diesel engine requires an intermediate service at 6,000 miles and a major service at 12,000 miles.

Twin front airbags and five, three-point seatbelts (the front ones with pre-tensioners and electronic force limiters) are standard on all models.

Anti-lock brakes are standard fit to all but the S model to further improve safety