For decades,the default purchase for millions of people, it's now under siege from a whole new range of small cars from Europe and Korea.
Even Mercedes has entered the fray with its new A class hatchback, further crowding the market, so the Corolla has to be good.
Toyota can't afford to rest on its laurels and it hasn't.
The model on test here is the Levin ZR, selling for around 30K.
To my eye, a lot of cars in the segment are starting to look quite similar so they need to be special in other areas.
I like the sharp modern style of the Corolla,however its tail light design is very similar to Hyundai's i30, and I have on occasion,mistaken it for a Hyundai at a distance from the rear until close enough to read the badges.
On entering the cabin, the driver is greeted by a "Welcome" message in the central instrument binnacle, and on leaving, the same screen bids you goodbye with a cheery " See you."
A bit corny, but it seems to impart a subliminal bond between car and driver, for what it's worth.
Other manufacturers have similar greeting and departure messages .
Compared to the recently tested Ford Focus, with its myriad of dashboard buttons,the Corolla's dashboard seems very spartan.
Plain but functional would best describe it.
A single central touch screen carries the reversing camera, sat nav, bluetooth and sound system adjustments.
The heated front seats are comfortable, and manually adjust front to rear..
Contrasting stitching on them, and along the front edge of the soft touch dashboard, gives the Corolla an air of class.For the tall, head and legroom in the front is fine, but in the rear a low roofline encroaches on space.
A leather bound reach and rake adjustable steering wheel makes it easy to find a good driving position.
The ZR has a fixed, full length glass panoramic roof similar to one offered by Peugeot on its 308 and other models. However even on a mild, mid 20 degree day, it allowed the Corolla's interior to become quite hot. An electric roller blind alleviates that issue, but I find it frustrating to have a glass roof that doesn't open.
The ZR comes with an automatic high beam system which turns on the main beams when a sensor mounted near the rear view mirror detects a need for it.
The headlight spread and brilliance are excellent.
No one is likely to complain about the Corolla's performance.
The punchy 1.8 litre four, delivers very brisk acceleration considering its modest 103 kw and 173 nm of torque. During a week of urban driving the Corolla consumed an average of 9 litres per 100 kilometres.
The seven speed, CVT gearbox is a marvel of electronic wizardry.
Toyota has managed to cleverly make it feel almost like a regular autobox.
It's the best of its kind I have experienced.
Under full throttle, other CVTs slam to the redline on the tacho and wait for the car speed to catch up.
But this one, even under full power, rarely goes beyond 4 thousand rpm, (the redline is around six and a half) ...and it's relatively quiet and unfussed as it does it.There's a sport mode for more go, and steering column paddles if you want to row the gearbox yourself.
Seventh gear is only available at highway speeds.
Ride comfort is among the best in its class...absorbing most bumps with panache.
Through corners and with enthusiastic driving, the Corolla acquits itself well... stable, with just a hint of understeer.
At speed, the interior is commendably quiet.
Despite an enormous array of alternatives in the small car segment, the Corolla easily holds its own and will not disappoint potential buyers.
Peter Sellen
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