• Front space is on a par with rivals
• Smaller boot for 2.0-litre engine
• Lacks nooks and crannies for loose items

There’s just enough space for four passengers in the Corolla, although a Skoda Octavia or even a Ford Focus is far more accommodating, as there isn’t a great deal of leg or headroom in the back of the Toyota.

There is a third seatbelt in the middle, but it’s best to think of it as for emergencies only, as it feels very squashed with three adults strapped in.

Boot space and storage

Opt for the 1.8-litre engine and boot capacity is quoted at 361 litres, which is average for the sector, but nothing more. The boot floor is low, but heavier, bulkier items will need to be lifted above a high sill.

The 2.0-litre suffers with a smaller 313-litre boot because the 12v battery that lives under the bonnet of the 1.8-litre car was rehomed to the luggage area. The 2.0-litre’s battery is physically larger, so it didn’t fit up front. We’d argue 313 litres isn’t really adequate for a family, with the raised boot floor limiting the number of suitcases it can carry, for example.

If you like the idea of the more powerful engine then perhaps consider the Corolla Touring Sports estate car version, which isn’t as badly impacted. The Corolla hatchback’s rear seat backs do split 60:40 and fold down to accommodate larger, bulkier items, however.

Extra storage around the interior isn’t particularly remarkable either. The door bins are merely okay, though a pair of cupholders on the centre console can accommodate 500ml-sized bottles. There’s a tray large enough for smartphones by the heated seat buttons and there’s a front centre armrest. The glovebox is wide and free from intrusion.

Is it easy to park?

Visibility is good up front, while the large door mirrors and light steering allow for easy parking manoeuvres. Rear visibility is slightly compromised by the small rear windows and thick pillars, but thankfully, a rear-view camera is standard across the range.

All models now come with front and rear parking sensors as standard (pre-facelift, the entry-level Icon grades did without these).

Safety

• Five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2019
• Plenty of electronic systems to keep you safe
• Seven airbags standard across the range

Toyota includes a generous pack of sensors, cameras and driver assistance features in every Corolla, bundled under the title Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). This has been upgraded for 2023-onwards facelift models to Toyota Safety Sense 3 (TSS3)

Every model has seven airbags, automatic LED headlights, Isofix attachments on the two outer rear seats, electronic stability control, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control as standard – some rivals charge extra for the latter, let alone the lane-departure warning and traffic sign recognition the Corolla also has.

TSS3 enhancements from 2023 onwards include:

• Acceleration Suppression – reacts to sudden acceleration at low speed that might be caused by the driver hitting the throttle pedal instead of the brake
• ‘Collision avoidance support’ when turning – which aims to stop you pulling out in front of someone
• Emergency Steering Assist – which helps you safely steer away from danger, and now reacts to oncoming vehicles
• Safe Exit System – warns you if you’re about to open the door into the path of a vehicle or cyclist approaching from the rear
• Rear Seat Reminder – reminds you not to forget the child you strapped into the rear seats

On top of all that, many of the existing systems are upgraded as well. This should be a pretty safe place to install your family.

Watch the Euro NCAP crash test video