THERE is a lot to be said for the unassuming motor car.

It will not excite envy from the neighbours, the attention of the boys in blue or a sideways glance from the lads in hoodies but, make the right choice, and you'll be driving with a look of smug satisfaction on your face.

One to consider is Toyota's Corolla D-4D.

The Corolla has been the company's bestseller for many years and, like every car in the range, has a reputation for reliability, not something the motorist scoffs at on a cold winter morning or the salesmen scorn when the monthly figures come in.

But reliability comes at a price, in cash terms from £11,695 for the entry level T2 1.4 litre three-door. The cost for Toyota seems to be in its less than exciting image.

Although it has topped the charts since Noah searched for his jump leads after the waters subsided, there is little left of the original Corolla bar the name.

Over the years, Toyota has determinedly revamped and remodelled in a bid to keep the customer satisfied - 28 million of them since 1966.

This most recent incarnation, the ninth generation, was launched in 2002 and revised last summer with a makeover which saw such minor tweaks that only an anorak would spot them - new bonnet, grill, bumpers and lights for the Burnaston-built hatchback, with new front end and lights for the saloon and estate. Nothing to excite the senses, the smile or the wallet.

The new engines, however, are a different matter. Opt for the new 1.4 D-4D turbo diesel and you'll get reduced fuel bills, low CO2 emissions and an even smugger smile of satisfaction.

This tweaked 89bhp, 1.4 litre version of that currently in the Yaris, was added to the line-up last autumn and replaces the 89bhp 2.0 litre D-4D unit.

Linked to Toyota's very tidy five-speed manual, it makes for a thoroughly rewarding, composed drive, with plenty of feedback from the electric power steering, it tackles motorways and country roads with equal confidence.

If you are feeling your age or spend endless days behind the wheel, a clutchless, multi-mode manual transmission is available with the 1.4 D-4D only, offering both automatic and quick flick manual.

Maximum speed tops 112mph. Nought to 62mhp officially takes 13.3 seconds, which sounds more sluggish in words than it feels behind the wheel. The mpg is far more appealing, offering as it does an average of 57.6mpg.

If it's a wolf in sheep's clothing you fancy, give the high performance T Sport derivative a whirl - powered by the Celica's 189bhp 1.8 VVTL-i engine, it'll add a bit of G-Force to that smile.

Regardless of engine size, the Corolla cabin is light and spacious, with plenty of room for five, even in the three-door where rear access is made easy via the large doors and front seats which automatically slide forward as the backs are lowered.

The boot is a decent size and there are one or two storage spaces dotted about the cabin. The central CD holder is, unusually, accessible without being intrusive.

Standard spec includes airbags, air con, remote double locking, electric front windows and CD.

The new look and performance engines are part of Toyota's bid to attract the younger, more active motorist. Why it feels the need to target buyers with their own hips is not clear.

Toyota is one of the few manufacturers which can boast a loyal customer following. Just a few minutes behind the wheel of Corolla 4-D4 and it's easy to see why.

It's a well-built, quality product which flatters the driver and should induce the occasional smile, if only at the pumps.

Verdict: Understated style for the driver who prefers to go unnoticed.

BUMPER TO BUMPER

Engine: 1.4 D-4D 89bhp

Price: £12,695

Top speed: 112mph

Mpg: 13.3secs

CO2 emissions: 127g/km

Insurance: 5E

Body styles: three and five door hatchbacks, estate and saloon.

Grades: T2 T3 T Spirit T Sport.

Engines: three petrol, two diesel.

Dealer: York Toyota, Clifton Moorgate, York, YO30 4WR

Phone: 01904 693388

Updated: 09:39 Friday, January 14, 2005