Model tested: Toyota Corolla 1.4 D-4D T2
Price as tested: £13,195
Date tested: March 2009
Road tester: Richard Dredge

Overall rating: 66%
The Corolla has always had much to offer, but despite being one of the easiest cars to own, the Corolla is far from perfect; such unfailing reliability comes at a price.

1: Looks
This is a vehicle designed as an appliance rather than to excite the senses. Facelifted cars (post-June 2004) are a bit less bland and a bit more modern than earlier editions, but there isn't much in it.
5/10

2: Looks inside
The lack of design flair continues inside, with great expanses of black plastic which looks cheap and nasty. It's screwed together well, but there's little in the way of soft-touch synthetics.
3/10

3: Practicality
With a choice of three and five-door hatch, saloon and estate bodystyles plus the Verso MPV, varying degrees of practicality are on offer. Estates and saloons are rare but the hatch is practical enough for most people.
7/10

4:Ride and Handling
This final Corolla handles pretty well – not enough to worry a Focus, but OK nonetheless. Indeed, the ride/handling balance is pretty good but the steering doesn't have much precision or feel.
8/10

5: Performance
With 89bhp and 140lb ft of torque, you can make reasonable progress with the D-4D. The car's top speed is 112mph while its 0-60mph time is 13.3 seconds.
7/10

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6: Running costs
With service intervals of 10,000 miles, maintaining a Corolla shouldn't prove costly and you can expect up to 60mpg from the 1.4 D-4D.
8/10

7: Reliability
Corollas are generally reliable but check the electrics. Petrol engines use a lot of oil and if you're buying a Verso, check its luggage cover is intact, as it can get broken.
8/10

8: Safety
There's a four-star EuroNCAP score, while all cars get a driver and passenger airbag, plus side and curtain airbags. Everyone gets a three-point belt, the front seats have an anti-submarining design while anti-lock braking and electronic brake force distribution are standard.
8/10

9: Equipment
The body style dictates the standard equipment; only hatchbacks get the full complement of kit. All cars get power steering, electric windows for the front, air-con, remote central locking, electrically adjustable mirrors and a reasonable stereo with a CD and tuner.
7/10

10: X-Factor
The Corolla is a mixed bag of a car. Dull design and merely competent dynamics are mixed with practicality, reliability, economy and ease of ownership. With 30 million sold so far, you clearly don't need to create a car with flair for it to sell.
5/10