IT is said to be the world's favourite car. The Corolla was Toyota's first car designed for a world market and its success in that role has been phenomenal, with global sales of more than 28 million since the original saloon was unveiled back in 1966.

The ninth generation, launched in the UK in 2002, is now well established as one of Toyota's core European models, alongside Yaris and Avensis, contributing strongly to Toyota's sustained record-breaking market performance.

Last year, global sales of Corolla topped 1,165,000, while in Britain the Corolla achieved record annual sales of more than 26,400.

Today's latest UK-built Corolla hatchbacks, saloons and estates are on sale now, showing new design lines taking the eye from the bonnet down to the front bumper, new front and back lighting shapes, and new-look bumpers and radiator grille, altogether providing a sleeker appearance.

The new Corolla retains the grade structure of T2, T3, T Spirit and T Sport, but the range of colours has been extended with the addition of four metallic shades new to Corolla: silver steel, kielder green, ixion blue and Alsace granite (unique to T Sport).

On-the-road prices start at £11,695 for the 1.4-litre VVT-i T2 three-door hatchback model. Pricing works to a logical system: the move from three to five doors and three doors to saloon adds £500; five-door to estate adds a further £1,000. T2 to T3 grade adds £700 and T3 to T Spirit £1,000. Automatic transmission on 1.6-litre VVT-i costs £1,000 and the Multi-mode Manual Transmission is a £500 option on 1.4-litre D-4D models.

A new 1.4-litre D-4D diesel engine will be available from September. For the rest of 2004, Toyota expects to sell 12,500 new Corolla models (excluding the Verso).

All new Corolla models are protected by Toyota's three-year/60,000-mile warranty. They also benefit from Toyota's pan-European health and safety schedule with major maintenance services only every 20,000 miles. Health and safety checks, including an oil change, are required at 10,000-mile intervals or annually.

In addition to the exterior changes, the cabin looks have been improved by providing different upholstery fabrics to reflect the character of each grade. T Sport models can now be specified with optional leather and Alcantara suede-effect seats, while black leather is available as an option on T Spirit models. The new sporting character of the T3 grade is reflected in a new blue fleck upholstery, echoing the pattern and finish of the fabric used for the T Sport. Equipment levels have also been improved on all grades. All models now have a steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment and a new steering support bracket that provides a more rigid steering feel. Easy-to-read Optitron instrumentation and air conditioning are also now standard right across the range.

The secondary audio controls on T3 grade and higher have been relocated from the underside of the steering wheel to the front for greater ease of use.

T2 models gain colour-keyed side protection mouldings and a new wheelcap design for the 15-inch steel wheels.

In a move to attract younger drivers, the T3 grade hatchbacks have dedicated 15-inch alloy wheels, side and rear skirts and front fog lamps. Inside, the trim features special blue accents in a new fabric, exclusive to the grade. The interior also features carbon fibre-style inserts, like the T Sport. A leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob are standard, along with a four-speaker sound system with CD player.

The high level of comfort and convenience offered by T Spirit models now includes as standard an automatic dipping electrochromic rear view mirror and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

The flagship of the new range, the T Sport, has been completely reworked for even better driving dynamics and looks.

Exterior changes include the upper part of the front bumper and a larger Toyota insignia to express the stronger character. In addition, the upper and lower sections of the front grille have a honeycomb mesh.

The new front and rear spoilers and side skirts also promote the car's sporting nature and are not just for show: each element of the body kit plays its part in terms of improving roadholding. Aerodynamic performance is sharpened thanks to aerodynamic undercovers front and rear, which smooth out the airflow beneath the car to help with high speed handling and stability.

Updated: 09:16 Friday, July 02, 2004