The petrol units have decent power outputs which translate into respectable performance delivered smoothly and efficiently. Both the 1.3 and 1.6 need to be revved, but the 1.6 does hit 60 mph in around 9 seconds which is good. The six-speed 1.3 G6 is good fun, but the slow 2.0 litre diesel is noisy.

A big improvement over the Corollas that had gone before it, although still some way off the best in this class which includes the VW Golf (1992-1998) and Ford Focus. Nevertheless, it is quiet, smooth and sharper than before although the body rolls noticeably in corners, and the steering is not as responsive as it should be. At motorway speeds it is solid and secure.

Even the G6 is not sporty and can feel a bit twitchy when pushed hard; fluent gear-change. Ride is on the firm side.